In a subtle response to Maldives President Mohamad Muizzu’s recent remarks, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed concerns about the country being perceived as a “bully” in the region. During a book promotion event for ‘Why Bharat Matters,’ Jaishankar emphasized Bharat’s proactive role in extending substantial aid to neighboring countries during times of crisis.
Muizzu had indirectly referenced Bharat in January, asserting that no nation had the right to “bully” the Maldives, even considering its smaller size. In the backdrop of a diplomatic tussle between the two nations, Jaishankar’s comments sought to shed light on Bharat’s actions as a responsible neighbor.
“The big change today in this part of the world is what has happened between Bharat and its neighbors. When you say Bharat is perceived as a big bully, you know, big bullies don’t provide $4.5 billion when the neighbors are in trouble. Big bullies don’t supply vaccines to other countries when Covid-19 is on or make exceptions to their own rules to respond to food demands or fuel demands or fertilizer demands because some war in some other part of the world has complicated their lives,” Jaishankar stated during the event on Saturday.
The External Affairs Minister’s remarks aimed to highlight Bharat’s substantial financial aid and assistance in times of need, countering any negative perceptions of bullying. The diplomatic dynamics between Bharat and its neighbors, especially in the Indian Ocean region, remain a crucial aspect of the region’s geopolitical landscape.
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