Geopolitical and geo-economic reasons account for the Central Asian nations, barring Tajikistan, following a multi-vector approach towards the Afghan Taliban regime.
While President Muizzu’s policy towards India is short-sighted and lacks sophistication, India should continue with its measured response given the geo-strategic importance of Maldives.
With the last surviving arms control treaty, the 2010 New START, under suspension with no sign of a successor treaty, the post-Cold War nuclear order is under stress.
Jaishankar’s visit is a timely reminder that India’s partnership stands on its own, and Indian interests demand more rather than less engagement with Tehran.
The Indian Navy can be expected to continue to use its significant deterrent and punitive capabilities to protect the sea lanes of communications in the Western Indian Ocean.
