Delhi’s compass

India’s thrust to reorient its foreign policy seems to have one constant of gravitating against China. This is why it is seen arm-twisting regional dynamics and at the same time playing to the gallery when it comes to appeasing the Western powers, including the US. French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit on the eve of India’s Republic Day (January 26) is meant to not only showcase the might of world’s largest democracy and fifth economic power, but also to sail irrationally in upping its defence arsenal by signing new deals with Paris. It is very likely that after the Rafale jets and Scorpene-class submarine deals, Paris will be able to sell off a couple of EPR nuclear reactors, and at the same time push on with lucrative economic incentives.

The flip side as far as the region is concerned is one of an uncongenial attitude. Delhi wants to stay put in the Maldives, despite a call from Male to send back Indian naval personnel stationed on the island-nation state. This digging of heels too is one meant to browbeat Beijing, as Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu desires to put an end to ‘India First’ policy and inch closer towards China. Though New Delhi has a symbolic presence of around 80 Indian soldiers stationed on the archipelago to provide support for military equipment, pulling out would mean a strategic retreat. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have already called quits with India, and have shunted out its military gear, whereas Nepal in the last many years had lessened its dependence on Delhi. Having territorial disputes with Pakistan and China, India has a serious problem in crafting a way ahead.

It is ironic that India is not too conscious of the ethics of diplomacy while pursuing its foreign policy. The extra-territorial execution of its dissidents, as is the case with Sikh separatists in Canada and the US, are cases in point. Likewise, the major powers, despite realising India’s tilt towards Russia and ignoring its silence over the Ukraine crisis, leave no stone unturned in being at the beck and call of Delhi. It is hypocritical, to say the least.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 26^th, 2024.

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