Archive · 6 Oct 2026
George Yeo Says India Is Not Threatening Major Powers
George Yeo, a former foreign minister of Singapore, spoke about India’s place in the world.
He said India is not seen as a threat by major powers in the way China is.
He said many countries and regions want India to succeed.
These include Southeast Asia, Japan, Europe and the United States.
Yeo said India’s many cultures and long history of contact with other places help visitors feel comfortable there.
He also said India has built relationships with different major powers.
Its growing economy is another reason for its strong position.
These were Yeo’s views at a meeting in New Delhi.
Former Singapore foreign minister George Yeo said India is not seen as threatening to major powers in the way China is.
Speaking with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the Kautilya Economic Conclave in New Delhi, Yeo said several regions and countries want India to succeed.
He named Southeast Asia, Japan, Europe and the United States as wanting India to do well.
Yeo said India’s diversity, geography and history of cultural exchange help make it feel familiar and welcoming to foreigners.
He added that India’s relationships with major powers and its expanding economic footprint have strengthened its position in the global order.
- Who
- George Yeo, speaking alongside India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
- What
- Yeo said India’s diversity, international relationships and economic growth support its global position, and that major powers do not see it as threatening in the way they see China.
- When
- Monday, at the 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave; no calendar date is specified.
- Where
- New Delhi, India.
- Why
- Yeo said India’s diversity and history of cultural exchange, its relationships with major powers and its large domestic market help explain why other countries want it to succeed.
- Speaker
- George Yeo, former foreign minister of Singapore
- Event
- 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave
- Location
- New Delhi
- Other speaker
- India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar
- Countries and regions cited
- Southeast Asia, Japan, Europe and the United States
- Yeo's comparison
- He said India is not threatening major powers in the way China is.