Regarding India's wider foreign policy, the writer pointed out the BJP's manifesto which mentions the formation of a web of allies through multilateral diplomacy to “further Bharat's best national interests”.
“It implies that Bharat could steer away from a Western tilt. This is of concern for the West. China stood by Modi when he was an international outcast and these relations will get a boost when Modi visits China, the elder brother in Eastern culture. The Indian foreign office has made no bones about it.”
The writer is also of the opinion that Russian President Vladimir Putin will be a key ally of Modi.
It cited an article published in the Global Times of China May 5, which stated: “The West is afraid that a strongman like Russian President Vladimir Putin will make India really strong and build the country into a challenger to the West economically and politically. The US is particularly upset with the enhanced strategic cooperation among China, Russia and India.”
Stating that it was not surprising that Modi invited all leaders of the SAARC countries “as a hegemon”, the article said that “Pakistan obliged and paid the cost of not reading the script”.
“To convert these challenges into opportunities is a question successive governments in Pakistan have to address,” it concluded.
