World wants T20 style, geopolitics plays Tests: EAM

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized that diplomacy and geopolitics cannot always be judged by quick outcomes, comparing such complexities to a cricket game. Speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, Jaishankar explained that governments and media often seek immediate answers, but intricate political situations can unfold over extended periods.

He acknowledged that while diplomacy might need to provide short-term developments to satisfy press demands, the reality of international relations often involves longer, more uncertain processes. Jaishankar noted that diplomatic outcomes are not easily defined by headline news or decisive victories but are instead sustained investments in relationships, requiring steadfastness through periods of difficulty.

He highlighted the ongoing war in Ukraine as an example of a crisis that defied expectations of a swift resolution, drawing parallels to a cricket match that has exceeded its anticipated duration. The minister also compared the extended situation in the Gulf to a cricket series that has surpassed the expected timeframe, underscoring that modern information environments often lead people to expect rapid answers, which may not be applicable to the complex nature of international issues.