India's foreign policy has been in overdrive this week, orchestrating a series of high-profile events that demonstrate its growing influence and ambitions on the world stage.
From strengthening defense ties with the United States to elevating partnerships in Europe and Southeast Asia and even lending a helping hand amid turmoil in Ukraine, India has deftly navigated the complexities of international relations with a renewed sense of purpose.
Reach out to Ukraine
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's brief but significant visit to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict demonstrated India's nuanced approach to international relations. While India has maintained a neutral stance on the war and refused to condemn Russia's actions, the visit underscored India's commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine and exploring avenues for cooperation.
The signing of four agreements in the fields of agriculture, medicine, and culture conveyed a message of support and unity. It also highlights India's desire to maintain constructive relations with Ukraine despite the complex geopolitical situation.
The visit was a balancing act. India, with its longstanding ties to Russia and reliance on Russian weapons, cannot afford to alienate Moscow. At the same time, it recognizes the importance of upholding international law and supporting a rules-based order.
Modi's visit has injected a new perspective into the discussion surrounding the conflict in Ukraine. While he has no grand peace plan, his willingness to engage in “long and intense dialogue” with President Volodymyr Zelensky is an important gesture in itself. This demonstrates India's recognition of Ukraine's security concerns, which are often obscured in the broader global narrative. By actively listening to Ukraine's perspective and acknowledging its struggle for survival, Modi is showing that India is more than a passive observer in a conflict that is reshaping Europe's security architecture.
Moreover, the visit marks a subtle shift in India's foreign policy posture. India has been on the fringes of European conflicts for centuries, a result of its colonial past and Cold War dynamics. Modi's arrival in Kiev, at a time when the war in Ukraine has become a global geopolitical focus, signals India's determination to play a more active role in shaping the future of Europe and the international order. The move is in line with India's growing economic and strategic influence and its desire to play a leading role in global affairs.
Beyond the geopolitical implications, Modi's visit could also help revitalize bilateral ties with Ukraine. Although historical ties date back to Soviet times, the relationship has shrunk in the post-Soviet era. The two leaders' pledge to elevate their relationship to a “strategic partnership” marked a turning point. It marks a renewed focus on economic cooperation, defense relations and cultural exchanges, with the potential to unlock opportunities in areas ranging from infrastructure development to technology transfer.
The visit further strengthens India's commitment to support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also acknowledging the need for continued dialogue and diplomacy to end the conflict. In addition, it also marks India as an important dialogue partner for peace, and as the White House said, Modi's visit is “very helpful.”
Strengthening the India-US axis
The burgeoning partnership between India and the United States has taken another major step forward with the signing of two major defense agreements. A Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) is more than a bureaucratic agreement; it is a symbol of strategic trust. The agreement will streamline the process for both countries to obtain critical defense equipment from each other, ensuring a reliable supply chain even during unforeseen crises. Imagine a scenario where tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific and India needs to urgently resupply critical components for its defense systems – SOSA ensures a smooth and fast process, removing bureaucratic hurdles that may impede a quick response.
Supplementing SOSA is a Memorandum of Understanding on the designation of liaison officers. The agreement went beyond the usual pleasantries. Promote deeper military cooperation by integrating Indian officers into major U.S. commands, including Indo-Pacific Command and Special Operations Command. This not only facilitates seamless information sharing and coordination but also builds personal relationships and trust between the armed forces of the two countries.
The agreements build on the “major defense partner” status granted to India by the United States in 2016, in recognition of India's growing strategic importance. By promoting closer industry cooperation and operational coordination, these agreements lay the foundation for a stronger and integrated defense relationship, a significant development in a world of increasing geopolitical uncertainty.
india and malaysia
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's visit to India marks an important milestone in relations between the two countries. This not only elevates the partnership between the two parties to a “comprehensive strategic partnership”, but also injects new vitality into this relationship that has historical roots but is often dormant. The nine agreements signed in areas ranging from education to labor dispatch demonstrate a commitment to broad-based cooperation.
But perhaps the most notable outcome is the planned link between India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Malaysia's Paynet. Imagine a future where Indian tourists in Kuala Lumpur can seamlessly pay for street food using their UPI app and Malaysian students in Bangalore can easily transfer their school fees from their Paynet account. This measure not only simplifies cross-border payments, but also promotes financial inclusion and strengthens connections between people.
Beyond immediate economic benefits, the visit also underscores deeper strategic convergence. India and Malaysia are both staunch supporters of a multipolar world order and are concerned about China's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. By strengthening economic and security ties, they send a message that they are willing to work together to promote regional stability and prosperity.
poland and india
Prime Minister Modi's visit to Poland, the first by an Indian prime minister in nearly half a century, underscores the growing strategic importance of Central and Eastern Europe in India's foreign policy considerations. Elevating the relationship to a “strategic partnership” is more than just diplomatic jargon; it signals a shared vision of a multipolar world and a commitment to deepening cooperation on key issues.
Poland, strategically located on NATO's eastern flank and playing a key role in supporting Ukraine, provides India with a unique perspective on European security dynamics. For Poland, India represents an emerging economic power and a key player in the Indo-Pacific region, offering opportunities for trade, investment and technological cooperation.
The social security agreement signed during the visit is not just a bureaucratic procedure; it is about facilitating the movement of skilled workers and fostering connections between people. The agreement will create opportunities for Indian professionals in Poland’s growing technology industry and provide Poland with access to India’s vast talent pool.
Beyond these direct benefits, this strategic partnership also sends a strong message. In a world grappling with the war in Ukraine and rising tensions with China, India and Poland expressed willingness to work together to promote a rules-based international order and diversify strategic partnerships.
A sign of things to come?
India's diplomatic whirlwind this week offers a glimpse into the evolution of its foreign policy. The country is no longer content to be a passive observer on the world stage. It is actively shaping its destiny, forging new partnerships and safeguarding its interests with new confidence.
From the war-torn streets of Kiev to the bustling economic hubs of Southeast Asia, India is demonstrating a willingness to engage with a variety of players. It is balancing its traditional relationship with Russia and its evolving strategic partnership with the United States. It is reaching out to Europe, recognizing the importance of the continent in a multipolar world.
This week's diplomatic victory was not just an isolated incident. They are part of a broader trend, a deliberate shift in India's foreign policy posture. The country is embracing its role as a rising power and is willing to play a more active role in shaping the global order. In the coming years, India is likely to continue to expand its diplomatic footprint, forge new alliances and deepen existing ones.
The whole world is watching.
