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A more complex phase in the long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan has begun. Modi must retain strong control over the inevitable escalation that will unfold and sustain relentless pressure on Rawalpindi’s political vulnerabilities.
India can’t compel Pakistan to join the project of South Asian integration. Instead, New Delhi must devote itself to bilateral, sub-regional, and trans-regional cooperation with its neighbors.
As Russia conducts its first ever military exercise with the Pakistan Army this week, Delhi has to reckon with the prospect that Russia might not necessarily remain India’s “best friend forever.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s seeks to break out of the many presumed constraints on India’s Pakistan policy by taking more risks than his predecessors.
It was never possible to harmonize the interests of so many different countries in the Non-Aligned Movement. But, the summits allow countries to bring their particular national issues to the fore.
Afghanistan’s geopolitical situation means it must either normalize relations Pakistan or partner with India to balance it. After having attempted the former, Afghanistan is pursuing the latter.
There is a nice fit between a growing Asia’s demand for economic and military balance in the region and Modi’s Act East policy.
Delhi must try and build a stable balance of the power system in the region. That would demand greater military engagement with all the major powers, and not “military neutrality” between them.
The relationship between India and Egypt has declined over the years. But, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi should rebuild the friendship between Nehru and Nasser.
The partnership between India and the United States has advanced significantly during the Obama administration. Now, Modi and Obama should push agreements forward before the next U.S. administration starts.