Why did Jaishankar call China a ‘double puzzle’? Explained the whole matter by giving examples

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said that the era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over, and he also stressed that no country in the world is free from challenges with its neighbors due to the nature of proximity, which brings both opportunities and complexities. Speaking at the launch of Ambassador Rajiv Sikri’s book Strategic Conundrums Reshaping India’s Foreign Policy, Jaishankar said that ending the special status from Jammu and Kashmir was the final decision. The minister said that actions have consequences and as far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, I think (Article) 370 is over. So the issue today is what kind of relationship we can consider with Pakistan. He said that what I want to say is that we are not passive, and whether events take a positive or negative direction, we will respond in any way. On relations with Bangladesh which saw a student-led uprising and the subsequent ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Jaishankar acknowledged the strategic importance of the country. In the case of China, India faces a dual conundrum as it is both a neighbour and a major power. Therefore, the challenges with China fit into this dual definition, he said. Jaishankar also discussed the complexities of relations with Myanmar, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and pointed out that though these relationships have seen ups and downs, they are important for regional stability and cooperation.