"Pearls Look Benign...": S Jaishankar On Chinese Activity In Indian Ocean Region
NDTV
The External Affairs Minister was asked about growing Chinese activity in the Indian Ocean region, described as the "string of pearls".
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said it is "very reasonable" for India to "actually prepare" for a far greater Chinese presence than seen before in the Indian Ocean, asserting that the concerns in the strategically important region will be better addressed if the Quad countries work together.
"Pearls look benign unless you ask the oysters. They may have a slightly different perspective," Mr Jaishankar said at the Council on Foreign Relations on Tuesday.
He was asked about growing Chinese activity in the Indian Ocean region, described as the "string of pearls", and what the Quad grouping of India, the US, Australia and Japan should do to ensure that the balance of power does not shift in a way that would be adverse to India or the US.