C Raja Mohan writes: In a shifting world order, five principles should guide India's diplomacy |
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s brief stop in the United Arab Emirates en route to Europe this week comes amid growing uncertainty over the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran and the danger of an intensifying regional war. Modi’s presence in Abu Dhabi underlines an enduring principle of sound diplomacy: Stand by your partners when they need you.
Cynics will argue that no relationship is permanent. But when two countries are bound by deep economic interests, share stakes in regional stability, and support each other’s core interests, there is no room for Indian hesitation in demonstrating solidarity. The UAE has emerged as one of India’s most important partners. It is a major supplier of energy, a growing source of investment, and home to millions of Indians whose contributions bind the two countries in ways that go far beyond formal agreements. Over the last decade, the relationship has expanded from trade and remittances to encompass security cooperation, logistics, food security, new technologies, and coordination on regional issues.
The lesson is straightforward. In foreign policy, there is no substitute for nurturing trusted partnerships even while seeking new opportunities. Modi’s Gulf visit will be followed by a tour of Europe, including the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy, as well as a Nordic summit in Oslo.
Meanwhile, the world’s attention will be riveted this week on the encounter between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing — the US president’s first trip to China in nine years. India will also host meetings of the BRICS and Quad foreign ministers in New Delhi and........