Jaishankar Warns of 'World of Chokepoints' in Global

External Affairs Minister S, Jaishankar stated. that nations are turning finance and resources into weapons to pressure global rivals. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi on October 14, 2026, he described the modern era as a "world of chokepoints".

Jaishankar spoke alongside Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, and former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The leaders gathered for a panel session titled "Is This the Middle Power Moment?"

noting that we tend to think of rare earths as an example. However, the fact is even finance is a choke point, Jaishankar said. during the.

The panel debated the changing international order. Jaishankar pushed back against labeling India as a middle power. He argued that the term is far too limiting for the country.

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Would India be a middle power? It’s not a comfortable description, Jaishankar said. He cited India's status as the most populous country with a GDP of about $4 trillion and major growth ahead.

Instead, he described such countries as "powers in the middle." He quoted the Prime Minister, calling them countries who have the power to empower. Jaishankar added that these states must define their own interests before striking deals with one another.

Anand emphasized the need for stronger international enforcement rules. She cited institutions like the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. Her remarks followed recent US sanctions directed at international court officials.

Jaishankar noted that the United States has altered how it engages globally. This shift forces every nation to recalculate its ties with Washington. The US recently passed the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, expanding sanctions on foreign trading partners.

On Russia, Jaishankar called India a "natural option" as Moscow pivots toward Asia amid bitter ties with Europe. He said eight decades of steady relations help balance regional dynamics.

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Regarding China, Jaishankar explained that border stability remains necessary for normal relations. He noted border areas have settled significantly since 2024. However, he warned that economic barriers remain unaddressed.

"So we do believe today that we’re not getting a level playing field in China in the manner in which we have given a level playing field to them," he said.