The occasion also coincides with the 25th anniversary of Indo-ASEAN relations as India looks forward to strengthen its relations with ASEAN member states. The biggest diplomatic challenge in 2018 for India would be to gain entry into the elite export control groups like Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and the Australia Group. Last time, China had stonewalled India’s entry into the 48-member NSG group by objecting to the fact that India is a non-signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Though India has always valued its long-time friendship with Russia, but in international relations as in life, actions speak louder than words. Lastly, 2018 would also be interesting in terms of India’s ‘neighbourhood policy’, especially its relations with Pakistan.

Source: dna January 07, 2018 02:04 UTC