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The recent interview of India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar showcased his trademark wit in the face of a challenging question. When asked who he would prefer to have dinner with—North Korean leader Kim Jong Un or Hungarian-American billionaire George Soros—Jaishankar responded with humor, stating that he was fasting during Navratri, effectively sidestepping the politically charged inquiry. This witty remark, which elicited laughter from both the interviewer and the audience, quickly went viral on social media.
The question itself carried significant weight due to the controversial figures involved. George Soros, a prominent critic of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been accused by the BJP of funding anti-India activities and attempting to influence regime changes in favor of Western interests. Kim Jong Un, on the other hand, presents a unique set of diplomatic challenges for India, with North Korea's nuclear program posing a regional and global security concern.
Jaishankar has been vocal in his criticism of Soros in the past. Earlier this year, he strongly rebuked the billionaire after Soros commented on the Adani-Hindenburg controversy, suggesting that Prime Minister Modi would face scrutiny from foreign investors and Parliament. Jaishankar described Soros as 'old, rich, dangerous, and opinionated,' accusing him of trying to influence global narratives for his own purposes.
At the 2023 Munich Security Conference, Soros predicted that the business troubles facing Indian tycoon Gautam Adani would weaken Modi's position, potentially leading to a 'democratic revival' in India. These comments stemmed from a report by US-based short-seller Hindenburg, which accused Adani's companies of stock manipulation and accounting fraud, causing a significant decline in the conglomerate's stock value.
Jaishankar responded by lambasting Soros for his statements, asserting that people like Soros view elections as legitimate only when their preferred outcome prevails. He dismissed Soros's claims as serving self-interested narratives under the guise of supporting an open society. This exchange highlights the complex relationship between India and prominent Western figures like Soros, who often find themselves at odds with the Indian government's policies and actions.
Source: Dinner with George Soros or Kim Jong Un? EAM Jaishankar's witty reply