Flexing bonds more than just muscles

The ultimatum by Maldivian president Mohamed Muizzu to India to withdraw its military personnel by March 15 ‘or else’ is an extreme rendition of multipolarity, a.k.a. ‘non-alignment’, in the 21st century. In the broader South Asian region (barring Pakistan, which has carved its partner’s name and path in stone), non-alignment 2.0 manifests as ‘competitive bargaining’, something that India is well adept in on the bigger global stage. Irrespective of how GoI deals with Male, India can do well to work on its Neighbourhood First policy.

Being in the middle is not easy. Unlike other global players, India does not have deep pockets to make the wheels of outreach move faster. Nor does it, thankfully, have a ‘neo-imperialist’ tag. A common colonial past binding the region, and a large PIO and expat population, give India a special currency. This bond, and India’s success as a vibrant democracy and growing economy that is seeking to overcome developmental challenges, should make it the natural choice as partner for the region’s smaller nations – not as a Big Brother but as an elder sibling that has taken a few knocks itself. GoI has taken this route. But it has been in fits and starts, and mostly when the prime minister has taken the lead.

India needs to determine its long-term foreign policy goals, and step up on its global responsibility as perhaps the only country that has much in common with both G7 and V20 (Vulnerable 20) countries. It must build bonds based on a common approach to tackling global challenges of the present and future. It is this working together in a real partnership that can ensure that India’s place in the region is strong and resilient. That it’s not a victim to the vagaries of power but a power that won’t be wished away.