CUTS Washington Monthly Brief
#18, September 2019
Sagacity of India’s Multipolar and Multilateral Outreach

"I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the culture of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any" - Mahatma Gandhi
 
As we celebrate Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary this year, it would be worthwhile to recall his above quote as the principal guideline for India’s foreign policy. This month witnessed the depth and sweep of India’s external relations. From constructive engagements with Russia, we moved to a smooth conduct of business with the U.S. towards the end. In the beginning, India made sharp strides in the Indo-Pacific region. Not only it encouraged Russia to play a greater role in the region but also provided policy and connectivity dimensions to that. Act Far East Policy and a maritime route between Chennai and Vladivostok are the cornerstone outcomes of India’s Free, Open and Inclusive Indo-Pacific doctrine, which will complement our Act East Policy.

On the other hand, the U.S. leg of the visit by the Prime Ministerial delegation, during the week of 22nd September, included multiple bilateral and multilateral discussions in and around the United National General Assembly. Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar met more than 60 heads of State and other dignitaries.

On the Indo-U.S. front, the HowdyModi event in Houston was a grand show of the influential Indian American communities who on 22 September gathered in large numbers to cheer the presence of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the U.S. President Donald Trump. In addition, the proposed Indian investment of US$2.5bn in Texas for the supply of Liquefied Natural Gas over four decades from U.S. to India will not only strengthen the bilateral trade and economic partnership, but also enhance India’s energy security. 

On the trade front, there was significant progress towards resolving bilateral trade concerns sooner than later. A balanced trade deal is on the anvil.

Furthermore, in his address to the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly that this year gathered to ‘’Galvanise multilateral efforts for poverty eradication, quality education, climate action and inclusion’’, Prime Minister Modi spoke of New India’s commitments and the underlying role of multilateralism in realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. For this, he urged all countries to work in peace and harmony, and avoid dissension. 
 
In essence, such a magnificent outreach over a month is reflective of India’s thrust on multi-polarity and multilateralism in driving its external relations. Such a policy path only serves to commemorate Gandhi’s 150th anniversary most befittingly.  Now, it remains vital for partner countries to aptly recognise the sagacity of India’s engagement with Russia, and for that matter, others elsewhere and in the Indo-Pacific region.
 
Pradeep S. Mehta
Editor

P. S. A recent OpEd by us explains how it provides a strategic opportunity for partner countries, primarily the U.S., to build on India’s multi-polar commitments in the Indo-Pacific region, and achieve peace and harmony globally.

 
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Potential of India-US trade to double in five years: Ambassador Shringla
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Howdy Modi and Indo-US Relations
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How India fares against other emerging markets
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Petronet signs MoU with US firm Tellurian
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EU, Japan sign agreement to bypass China's 'new Silk Road'
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India differs with US definition of Iran as PM Modi meets Hassan Rouhani
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Changing the status of Jammu and Kashmir will benefit all of India
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Cheating, Inc.: How Writing Papers for American College Students Has Become a Lucrative Profession Overseas
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No force can stop China's progress, says Xi in National Day speech
President Xi Jinping emphasized unity, development and strength as he addressed the world on the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China on Tuesday, saying: "There is no force that can shake the foundation of this great nation."

Potential for India’s USD 80 billion remittances economy
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