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International
Former Singapore FM says India poses no threat to major powers, contrasts with China
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 08 Oct 2026, 04:36 AM
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Former Singapore foreign minister K. Shanmugam told The Economic Times that India is not a threat to major powers, drawing a clear distinction with China’s approach.
Former Singapore foreign minister K. Shanmugam commented that India’s foreign policy does not aim to challenge or threaten other major powers. He emphasized that India’s strategic posture is based on cooperation and respect for international norms, unlike what he described as a more assertive stance from China.
Shanmugam’s remarks were recorded in an interview with The Economic Times, where he highlighted the differences in how the two Asian giants engage with the global order. He noted that while China often seeks to expand its influence through coercive measures, India prefers diplomatic engagement and multilateralism.
The former minister’s observations come amid heightened scrutiny of China’s activities in the Indo‑Pacific region and ongoing debates in New Delhi about balancing economic ties with security concerns. No official response from the Indian government has been reported yet.
Shanmugam’s remarks were recorded in an interview with The Economic Times, where he highlighted the differences in how the two Asian giants engage with the global order. He noted that while China often seeks to expand its influence through coercive measures, India prefers diplomatic engagement and multilateralism.
The former minister’s observations come amid heightened scrutiny of China’s activities in the Indo‑Pacific region and ongoing debates in New Delhi about balancing economic ties with security concerns. No official response from the Indian government has been reported yet.