In a notable diplomatic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose to skip the recent summit in Sharm El Sheikh hosted by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The summit, which aimed to address global economic challenges and foster international cooperation, saw the participation of several world leaders. However, India’s absence raised questions about the country’s diplomatic strategy.
Analysts suggest that PM Modi’s decision was influenced by several factors. Firstly, India’s foreign policy has traditionally emphasized non-alignment and strategic autonomy, preferring to engage in multilateral forums where it can assert its interests more effectively. Secondly, the timing of the summit coincided with domestic priorities, including ongoing economic reforms and regional security concerns.
Furthermore, the nature of the summit, focusing on economic issues, may not have aligned with India’s immediate strategic interests. Instead, India has been concentrating on strengthening ties within regional frameworks such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the BRICS nations, where it has more influence and relevance.
While some critics argue that India’s absence could be perceived as a diplomatic snub, others view it as a calculated move to maintain strategic independence and prioritize national interests. The decision underscores India’s evolving approach to global diplomacy, balancing engagement with selectiveness to safeguard its sovereignty and development goals.