For many, August is a sleepy stretch of tranquility and ease, where work wanes and the days melt away. But this summer, top diplomats and leaders the world over have instead ramped up their work, travelling and meeting with allies and competitors alike.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi — secure, momentarily, following the passing of his coalition’s first budget — is the latest figure to hit the diplomatic circuit.
On Saturday, Modi addressed the Voice of Global South Summit, stating that the virtual forum gives a voice to “the needs and aspirations of those who have been unheard till now.” New Delhi has hosted all three Voice of Global South Summits, which convene roughly 100 ‘Global South’ nations and give India an opportunity to cast itself as a leader of the disparate group.
Modi hosted Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim from Monday to Wednesday, part of a broader strategy by India to engage Southeast Asia. Anwar’s inaugural trip to India saw the two sides conduct sweeping conversations on ASEAN, BRICS (with Malaysia seeking India’s support to join the bloc), trade, and more.
India’s external affairs ministry had high hopes for the meetings, announcing that Anwar’s visit would “chart a multi-sectoral co-operation agenda for the future.” Indian President Droupadi Murmu, meanwhile, acknowledged that Malaysia, as next year’s ASEAN chair, is a “key partner” for India.
Modi is also set to visit Kyiv tomorrow, following meetings in Warsaw with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Modi’s Ukraine visit comes just six weeks after his trip to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Japanese defence, foreign ministers head to India
Japan’s foreign and defence ministers also travelled to India this week for the countries’ third ‘2+2’ meeting. New Delhi said the talks will “review bilateral co-operation and explore new initiatives” between the two ‘Quad’ members.
On Sunday, Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko penned an op-ed in The Indian Express, pledging to increase co-operation with India on defence and security, boost investment and people-to-people ties, and expand Women, Peace and Security initiatives.
Hasina stays put in India
India’s political neighbourhood remains tense following the ousting of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh’s former leader, pushed out by student protests and replaced by economist Muhammad Yunus, fled to neighbouring India on a military helicopter on August 5.
Earlier this month, Modi called on Bangladesh’s interim government to protect the country’s Hindu minority. Yunus told Modi last week that attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh were “exaggerated,” but that he was committed to “ensuring human rights for every citizen of the country.”
