Context & The Gist
The article discusses Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman, highlighting India’s strategic engagement with the Global South. This trip is significant as it reflects India’s ambition to lead within this bloc and forge stronger bilateral ties in an increasingly transactional world. The core argument is that India must actively promote its vision for a shared global order, balancing its relationships with various stakeholders, including those with conflicting interests, like Israel and Palestine, to maintain its credibility and influence.
Key Arguments & Nuances
- Strengthening Bilateral Ties: The visit focused on deepening economic and strategic partnerships with each country through agreements like the CEPA with Oman, cooperation on renewable energy with Jordan, and a strategic partnership with Ethiopia.
- Global South Leadership: All three nations are crucial development partners in their respective regions and represent the Global South, a constituency India seeks to lead.
- Navigating Geopolitical Tensions: India is attempting to navigate complex geopolitical issues, particularly the Israel-Palestine conflict, by reaffirming its support for a sovereign Palestinian state while maintaining ties with Israel.
- IMEC Concerns: The tensions in West Asia have jeopardized the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), with no mention of it in the joint statement with Jordan.
- Balancing Act: India is attempting to project a consistent stance on key issues, like the Palestinian cause, while simultaneously engaging with all relevant actors. The success of this approach hinges on conveying the same message to all parties involved.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance
- GS Paper II: International Relations – India’s foreign policy, relations with neighboring countries, and its role in multilateral forums.
- GS Paper II: Governance – India’s engagement with the Global South and its development cooperation initiatives.
- GS Paper III: Economy – Impact of trade agreements (like CEPA) on the Indian economy and India’s role in global economic corridors (IMEC).
Prelims Data Bank
- Global South: Refers to countries generally characterized by a history of colonial rule, lower income, and a lack of significant influence in global economic and political affairs.
- CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement): A type of free trade agreement that covers trade in goods, services, investment, and other areas of economic cooperation.
- BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – an association of emerging economies. Ethiopia is a new member.
- G20: A forum of twenty major economies, representing around 90% of global GDP. India hosted the G20 summit in 2023 and will chair BRICS in 2026.
- India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC): A proposed economic corridor connecting India to Europe via the Middle East, involving rail and sea routes.
Mains Critical Analysis
India’s diplomatic outreach, as highlighted in the article, presents both opportunities and challenges. Using a PESTLE framework:
- Political: India’s ability to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes and maintain a balanced approach towards conflicting interests is crucial. The success of this strategy depends on consistent messaging and strong diplomatic efforts.
- Economic: Strengthening economic ties with the Global South through agreements like CEPA can boost trade and investment, contributing to India’s economic growth. However, ensuring equitable trade practices and addressing trade imbalances is essential.
- Social: India’s support for the Palestinian cause resonates with many in the Global South, enhancing its soft power and influence.
- Technological: Collaboration on technology and knowledge exchange, as seen with Ethiopia, can foster innovation and development.
- Legal: The legal frameworks governing trade agreements and international cooperation need to be robust and transparent.
- Environmental: Cooperation on renewable energy and water management, as with Jordan, demonstrates India’s commitment to sustainable development.
A critical gap lies in the potential for India’s message to be diluted if it isn’t consistently conveyed to all stakeholders. Reassuring the Arab leadership while simultaneously engaging with Israel requires a delicate balancing act and clear communication of India’s principled stance.
The suspension of momentum on the IMEC project is a significant setback. The corridor’s viability is intrinsically linked to regional stability, and the current tensions pose a substantial risk. India needs to actively engage with all parties to revive the project and ensure its long-term success.
Value Addition
- Wagener Rules (1924): These rules, pertaining to the recognition of states, are relevant in the context of India’s engagement with Palestine and its pursuit of a two-state solution.
- Non-Aligned Movement (NAM): India’s historical association with NAM provides a framework for its engagement with the Global South and its advocacy for a more equitable global order.
- India’s Africa Strategy: India’s focus on capacity building, infrastructure development, and skill development in Africa aligns with the principles of South-South cooperation.
Context & Linkages
PM Modi’s visit: Delhi-Thimpu ties can combat the China chill
Date: November 13, 2025This article highlights India’s strategic partnerships in the region, particularly with Bhutan, to counter China’s growing influence. Similar to the current article’s focus on the Global South, this demonstrates India’s proactive approach to building alliances and strengthening its position in a multipolar world. Both articles emphasize the importance of bilateral ties and strategic cooperation in navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.
Read full analysis here!
FTAs for a start: On India and trade pacts
Date: December 13, 2025This article discusses India’s pursuit of free trade agreements (FTAs) and the challenges associated with them, including trade imbalances and non-tariff barriers. The CEPA with Oman, mentioned in the current article, falls under this broader context. Both articles underscore the importance of strategic trade partnerships for India’s economic growth and its role in the global economy.
Read full analysis here!
Missing ‘Ubuntu’: On the G-20 leaders’ summit in Johannesburg
Date: November 2025This article details India’s presidency of the G20 and its focus on addressing the concerns of the Global South. The current article builds on this theme by showcasing India’s continued engagement with the Global South through bilateral visits and partnerships. Both articles demonstrate India’s commitment to representing the interests of developing countries on the global stage.
Read full analysis here!
For India, the message of the US-China detente is clear
Date: November 1, 2025This article analyzes the evolving US-China relationship and its implications for India. The current article’s emphasis on navigating a multipolar world and balancing relationships with major powers is directly relevant to this context. Both articles highlight the need for India to strategically position itself in a changing global order.
Read full analysis here!
The Way Forward
- Consistent Messaging: Ensure a unified and consistent message regarding India’s foreign policy objectives, particularly on sensitive issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict, to all stakeholders.
- Revitalize IMEC: Actively engage with regional actors to address the security concerns and revive the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor project.
- Strengthen South-South Cooperation: Expand development partnerships with the Global South through initiatives focused on capacity building, technology transfer, and infrastructure development.
- Diversify Trade Partnerships: Continue pursuing FTAs with key economic partners to reduce dependence on any single market and promote balanced trade relations.
- Proactive Diplomacy: Maintain a proactive and nuanced diplomatic approach, engaging with all relevant actors to promote India’s interests and contribute to a more stable and equitable global order.