Jaishankar at Jeju Forum: Global fragmentation can promote democratisation and stronger India–South Korea ties

 

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has argued that global fragmentation should not be viewed solely as a threat, saying it can create opportunities for a more democratic and balanced international order. Speaking at the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity 2026 in South Korea, he outlined a roadmap for international cooperation that emphasises resilient supply chains, stronger partnerships, multilateral reforms, and greater representation for the Global South.

Fragmentation can create a more balanced global order

Addressing global geopolitical shifts, Jaishankar said fragmentation is becoming a defining feature of international relations and is likely to remain. Rather than resisting this reality, countries should adapt by creating more diversified and resilient global systems.

According to him, fragmentation can reduce the dominance of a handful of powers, allowing greater participation by emerging economies and making global governance more representative. He observed that globalisation and fragmentation have historically coexisted, but today's landscape is increasingly shaped by technological competition, economic security, artificial intelligence, and strategic rivalries.

Five priorities for international cooperation

Jaishankar proposed a five-point framework to help countries navigate an increasingly fragmented world.

He called for diversification of global supply chains to reduce excessive dependence on single sources and minimise economic vulnerabilities. He also stressed the need to build new strategic partnerships capable of responding to emerging geopolitical and technological challenges.

Protecting international law, particularly established maritime frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), was another key priority. He further advocated empowering the Global South with a stronger voice in international decision-making while accelerating reforms in multilateral institutions to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.

India and South Korea can deepen strategic partnership

Highlighting growing cooperation between India and South Korea, Jaishankar described the relationship as one built on complementary strengths, ranging "from ships to chips."

He identified sectors including shipbuilding, semiconductors, defence manufacturing, healthcare, infrastructure and advanced technologies as areas where both countries can expand collaboration. Strengthening partnerships in these sectors, he noted, would improve economic resilience, reinforce Indo-Pacific stability and contribute to sustainable regional growth.

What Jaishankar's remarks mean

Jaishankar's address reflects India's broader foreign policy approach of supporting a multipolar international system rather than one dominated by a few major powers. His remarks also underline India's ambition to play a larger leadership role among emerging economies while strengthening strategic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.

As geopolitical competition increasingly intersects with technology, trade and supply chains, India's emphasis on diversified partnerships, resilient economic networks and reformed global institutions signals its intent to shape the evolving international order rather than simply respond to it.