Lines of Control, Circles of Consensus
In this edition of the Indian Radius, we look at India’s multilateral diplomacy post Operation Sindoor, the visit of Maldivan FM to India and EAM Jaishankar’s visit to Denmark and Germany.
No Time to Whisper
In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, in the aftermath of which a comprehensive diplomatic initiative involving seven all-party delegations was dispatched to over 30 countries. The objective was to present a united national front against terrorism.
These delegations had primarily three aims. Firstly, to convey India's zero-tolerance policy and its commitment to retaliate decisively against any acts of terror. Secondly, to present evidence international counterparts about Pakistan's purported support for terrorist activities. Finally, the objective was to seek global support, urging other nations to support India's position in international forums and to recognise the threats posed by cross-border terrorism.
The inclusion of members from various political parties showcased India's collective resolve, and direct interactions with foreign officials helped counter misinformation. India has previously sent all-party delegations abroad or within the country in response to major crises, but the scale, purpose, and coordination this time have been unlike any before. In parallel, Pakistan also sent its own delegations to world capitals.
Sending bipartisan or multiparty delegations abroad to project national unity or advance foreign policy objectives is a practice followed by several countries. For example, the U.S. regularly sends bipartisan Congressional delegations (CODELs) to represent its interests. A recent instance is a CODEL being sent to Ukraine to learn about the latest developments in the region.
Sceptics in India questioned the long-term value of involving non-executive MPs in security diplomacy as well as the rationale behind the selection of the countries. The foreign secretary confirmed that the destinations included all the current members of the UNSC along with five incoming members.
While many viewed it as heavily performative and not outcome-oriented, it is difficult to gauge the impact of this action. Its success will depend not just on immediate optics but on how host countries act in multilateral forums like FATF, UNGA, and others. Narrative control is an important aspect of any country’s national power, and effective international communication strategies are essential to manage global perceptions.
Across Berlin and Copenhagen
From May 19 to 24, 2025, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar embarked on a diplomatic mission to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany. This visit was India's first foreign engagement following the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor.
He met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen. Discussions centred on advancing the Green Strategic Partnership, with an emphasis on renewable energy, shipping and urban development. The potential for increased Danish investment in India's green transition was also highlighted.
During his visit to Germany, Dr. Jaishankar engaged with newly elected Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. They discussed strengthening the multifaceted India-Germany Strategic Partnership. This included expanding collaboration in defence, technology, and sustainable development. Germany also expressed hope for concluding the free trade agreement between the European Union and India by the end of the year.
A Warm Current
Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel visited India for the third time in five months. The election of President Mohamed Muizzu in late 2023, widely perceived as favoring closer ties with China, initially introduced a degree of diplomatic chill, with calls for Indian military personnel to withdraw and a pause in high-level exchanges. However, since last year, both nations have demonstrated a willingness to stabilise relations.
Dr. Khaleel led the Maldivian delegation at the second India-Maldives High-Level Core Group (HLCG) meeting. This forum was established to monitor the implementation of the Vision on Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, adopted during the President Muizzu's visit to India in October 2024. The discussions aimed to assess progress on infrastructure projects and the blue economy, and to identify areas for further collaboration.
Dr. Khaleel expressed gratitude for the timely emergency financial assistance extended by India, including the rollover of a $50 million Treasury Bill. He noted that this support had a positive impact on the everyday life of Maldivians, contributing to economic stability and development.
India and the Maldives are also currently in the process of establishing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This initiative is important against the backdrop of the Maldives' FTA with China, which was signed in 2017 and came into effect at the start of 2025. The island also signed a Preferential Trade Agreement with Turkey last year. India has expressed concerns that such agreements might impact the Maldives' fiscal stability, potentially leading to revenue losses.
Concurrently, the Maldives is also facing a foreign currency crisis and high public debt. An FTA with India could help the Maldives address these challenges by facilitating trade and potentially attracting more investment. The recent slew of visits offers a timely reassurance for India’s neighbourhood diplomacy. However, the durability of this rapprochement will depend on managing domestic political narratives in Malé and maintaining a low-friction, high-engagement approach from Delhi.
What We’re Reading and Listening to
[Podcast] In this episode of The Great Power Show, Manoj Kewalramani talks to Yanmei Xie, unpacking the dynamics of the US-China trade war & why manufacturing is back at the centre of global strategy
[Video] Listen to Anushka Saxena speak on the TNIE Global Express Show on ‘How do you solve a problem like Pakistan?’ and the China Angle
[Blog] Read the latest edition of Anticipating the Unintended, where Pranay Kothasthane suggests ideas on ‘What does it take to create a Team India?’ (in the game of public policy, of course)
Thank you for reading this edition of the Indian Radius.