M.K. Narayanan. Source: Internet
The Hindu, on October 22, published an article titled "India's Struggle to Negotiate in a World Without Friends," pointing out that India's current diplomatic system is still deeply influenced by the traditional diplomacy of the mid-20th century, and it is difficult to adapt to today's rapidly evolving global landscape. If India does not adjust its foreign policy in time, it may face serious consequences. The author of this article, M.K. Narayanan, is a former Indian National Security Advisor and former Governor of West Bengal.
Since Trump returned to the White House, India has repeatedly faced setbacks in multilateral and multiparty cooperation arenas, often playing the role of an "outsider" in major international issues or regional events. The "trust deficit" in India's diplomacy is constantly expanding, which contrasts sharply with its fifth-largest economy in the world. For example, in the case of the Gaza peace agreement, countries such as the United States, Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar led the initiative, while India was excluded. In high-level celebrations of peace, India only sent representatives at the lowest level, highlighting its "marginalization" in Middle East affairs. Similarly, in the "Z-generation revolution" in Nepal, India showed little presence and did not take active actions, displaying a passive attitude towards regional situations and insufficient control over the region.
The current regional situation is significantly unfavorable for India, as external forces are weakening its dominance over neighboring regions. For instance, Turkey supports Pakistan in the India-Pakistan conflict, plays an active role in the Gaza peace agreement, and Saudi Arabia signed a "Joint Strategic Defense Agreement" with Pakistan. Although the recent Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict has partially eased India's security pressure, it would be shortsighted for India to be complacent due to the attacks by the Taliban on Pakistan. Under the leadership of Pakistani military leader Asim Munir, the security threat from Pakistan to India will continue to rise. India should strive to create a favorable regional security environment and regard war as a "last resort."
Additionally, regarding relations with China, although there have been some recent advances in bilateral relations, this is more about bridging differences rather than being comparable to the Sino-Indian relations after Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's visit to China in 1988. For example, although there is a growing tendency in India to downplay the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, border issues still exist, and there is a lack of "openness" in diplomatic and military interactions. At the same time, China is gradually increasing its influence in the region east of India through enterprises, educational institutions, research centers, and the internet, building a new order led by China in East Asia and Southeast Asia. Since India has always struggled to understand China's foreign strategy, it must be more cautious in dealing with it.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7565183399720174123/
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