Denmark’s PM gave a tour of her residence to PM Modi and accompanied him to the Indian Diaspora event. The visit of PM Narendra Modi to Denmark puts the spotlight back on the Nordic countries, which are often ranked as the happiest countries topping the Human Development Indices (HDI). Nordic countries include Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway and Iceland. In the recent happiness race, Finland stood at the top for the fifth year in a row, closely followed by Denmark. This makes it interesting to know as to what pedestals them as the happiest countries globally and in what way both sides (India & Nordic) can expand their collaboration and mutually benefit from that.

PM Modi in his departure statement ahead of this Europe visit had said, “Nordic countries are important partners for India in sustainability, renewable energy, digitisation and innovation. The visit will help in expanding our multifaceted cooperation with the Nordic region.” The first India-Nordic Summit had taken place in 2018, which provided a perfect platform to come together and realise the full potential of the partnership. Now, the second India-Nordic Summit with Prime Ministers of Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway acquires greater importance, where India discusses a whole host of cooperation. The agenda of the summit includes subjects like post-pandemic economic recovery, climate change, sustainability, digitization, technology, renewable energy, global security scenario and India-Nordic cooperation in the Arctic region.

In the broader picture, mutual economic interests have been the primary driver of the relations between India and Nordic countries where both have put ‘ease of doing business’ at the core of developmental strategy. In fact, in the last few years India has opened up more ground for investment within the nation and abroad. Of the five Nordic countries, four are among the top 20 trading partners of India in Europe – Sweden at 9th, Finland 10th, Denmark 12th and Norway at 14th rank.

Many of the Nordic companies have invested in India in various sectors. Sweden & Finland have invested substantially in India. Similarly, 200 Danish companies and around 100 Norwegian companies are engaged in India either through joint ventures or through wholly owned subsidiaries. Over the last few decades, Indian investment in Nordic countries has also increased with over 70 big Indian companies having their presence in Nordic region. However, there is still tremendous scope for expanding economic ties. Both sides also share democratic values and support for the multilateral rules-based world order. India presents an ideal opportunity for these countries because of its large market and the fastest growing economy.

From political and economic tensions in Sri Lanka to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the world’s political landscape seems grim and rickety right now. As PM Narendra Modi begins his three-day visit to Europe with a spirit high on multilateralism, renewed relations with the European Continent may allow India to explore plurilateral arrangements to generate more global opportunities and solutions in trade, connectivity and new technologies.

The visit of PM Modi to Europe also could not have been timed better from the view point of the old economies of Europe; and India, an emerging power in a multipolar world, spearheading global development. The EU has been able to stabilise and integrate Europe to a good extent. The continent, a group of old economies with same socioeconomic fabric, however has a large part of population that suffers with depressive disorders with higher prevalences in women, the middle-aged, less privileged groups, and those experiencing social adversity. Prevalence rates are much higher in more economically developed nations as there’s nothing much to build and innovate. India which has become severely vocal to promote Yoga, Ayurveda, and Spiritualism as key to rejuvenation of body and mind, promises unprecedented change to the world. With powerful initiatives like Make In India, endorsement of Indian Tourism and exploration of niche tourism, introduction of PLI scheme in various sectors, endorsement of UPI in foreign countries, efforts to increase FDI, new FTA & Trade strategies, etc. India has been trying to convey to the world its readiness for cultural exchange, better economic partnership, and its newfound openness to engage with communities across the globe for mutual development. As diversities change rapidly across the world, a new perspective is needed to manage religious and cultural differences with innovation and soft power diplomacy.

Similarly, India also seems to have realised that a traditional approach to Europe is not appropriate amid the changing World order. Approaching the European continent through its relations with individual countries instead of EU may not strengthen the relations as desired. India has recognised that it the European collective which is its largest trade, key technological and investment partner and can be increasingly important ally to count upon in times of crisis related to Indian Ocean and the wider Middle East. Hence, an FTA with EU, with aggressive efforts being put from both sides to reach to an agreement, would result in super strengthened ties.

Acknowledging and taking on to the needs of changing paradigm, both Europe and India have been engaging in rolling out new initiatives and holding discussions around subjects of economic & technological relevance. The EU is on the front foot in designing global rules in field like protection of personal data; setting up human-centric standards for the use of AI, actively acting on its take on taxation in a digital world. EU has given its nod to new standards on industrial subsidies, largely seeking a renewal within WTO and pinning China. Majority of the above mentioned factors naturally fall in line with the vision of New India, with security of high waters, protection of Indo-Pacific region, diplomatic support at International Forums and greater trade and defence engagement being areas of utmost priority and potentials.

Today, India is the third largest economy by purchasing power parity (PPP) and is fast racing to become the third ranked economy by nominal GDP also. The reformist measures being adopted by the government, are sure to transform its economy further in the years to come. Moreover, with its fastest growing GDP among larger economies, around 40 crore middle class and around 140 crore population, India in any case becomes a darling for the global investors with top economic powers wanting to fortify economic ties.

While India’s soft power helped the country in its approach to leave its imprint in the world engagement, its hard power approach laid the ground for the country to serve its national security interests and objectives. Despite the geo-political challenges, India has been displaying its hard power on the strength of its economy and military. From fighting challenges of terrorism, expansionism to working on lifting country’s economic resources, India has been quick in enhancing its vibrant hard power inheritance.

India’s tangible culture nurtured over the years has captivated the world like anything. Be it growing international fan-base for the Indian Cinemas or the famous Indian delicacy ‘Samosas’ hitting the kitchen of the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, or the quick adaption of the Indian “Namaste” by the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, India has been successful in using its soft power asset in its engagement with the world. Similarly, the establishment of luxury Taj Hotel properties in Boston, San Francisco and London further adds to this side of the country. Monuments like Taj Mahal and others attract people in millions from world over. India has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than majority of the countries. Further, in the times of global crisis like coronavirus pandemic, India stood up on its ideals- “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, and extended its unwavering commitment for the inclusion, plurality of all in the form of “Vaccine Diplomacy”.

Hard power is when the country uses the military and economic means as an influence on the behaviour or interests of other political bodies. It is a form of political power which is often so aggressive that is it uses coercion. Whereas Soft power is the ability to attract and co-opt, instead of coercing, shaping the preferences of others through appeal and attraction.

On India’s emergence as ‘hard power’, the Union I&B Minister Anurag Thakur shared a story from the past as he spoke at the Raisina Dialogue-2022. He recalled a newspaper once referring India as ‘a country of snake charmers and beggars’. ‘But within three years after India conducted nuclear test under PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, things changed considerably and world started looking at us in a different way’. “To exist and stay relevant, a nation needs to have Hard Power. But to maintain friendly relationship and to exist beyond boundaries, a nation needs soft power as well, as it touches hearts.. a relationship between Hard power and soft power could be like two batsman at crease with one complimenting other in running,” the MIB Minister added.

Asking some of the basic questions is fundamental to human existence. Being fully aware of what kind of world we live in and using this knowledge to explore alternative possibilities for how the future may unfold, are key to ensuring both short term as well as long term security and prosperity. One major world region, least explored and yet most promising now, is the Antarctic region with the South Pole, which is being rightly explored by India through its scientific expeditions there. On the other side of the globe, India is also keeping up with the Arctic affairs, an equally important region but much more politically alight.

India very recently unveiled its Arctic policy, a 27-page document, that aims to deepen its partnership with the resource-rich Arctic region. The development marks the peak of India’s polar prowess. Yet, India’s every move regarding the Arctic must be well thought out as the policy has been released at a time when seven of the eight permanent members of the Arctic Council, namely the USA, Canada, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Sweden and Denmark, have already boycotted any future talks with Russia (the 8th member) over the Ukraine crisis. However, this may be taken up as an opportunity by India to do what it is good at – Balancing, via “pursuing cooperation and partnership”, as rightly prescribed in its policy as one of the objectives.

The significant expertise in this area that India has been able to acquire due to its association with the Antarctic Treaty System, may come in handy now, which can empower it to play a constructive role in securing a stable Arctic. This also requires advocating for causes, which are more synergetic in nature like sustainable resource development and collaboration with regard to technology, funding, capacity-building, studies and R&D, etc.

India’s interests in the Arctic region are scientific, environmental, commercial as well as strategic. It is believed that the entire region, which is super-rich in natural resources, will become ice-free by the year 2050 and India is one among the many countries to have realised the meaning of this. A recent study based on NASA and ESA satellite data showed that the Arctic ice thinned approx. 1.5 metres between 2018-2021. This revelation itself points towards potential commercial ventures like tapping the oil & gas reserves, metals and minerals in the region, resource-tapping through better studies and exploration, working on possibilities to open Northern Sea Route as a new trade route, etc.

The entire region is vulnerable to unprecedented climatic changes which can be caused by loss of sea ice, ice caps and warming of the ocean and atmosphere. Through its Arctic programme India is working to increase its knowledge findings about the region through research and experimentation, thus making itself future-ready to be in a position to play a greater role when the right time comes and increasing the possibilities of acquiring larger stakes and better status.

Arctic research and R&D finding can also India’s scientific community to study melting rates of the third pole i.e the Himalayan glaciers, which are endowed with the largest freshwater reserves in the world outside the geographic poles. Indian researchers are even monitoring Arctic glaciers for their mass balance, in order to draw comparisons and understand glacial behaviour in the Himalayan region. This makes the Arctic research crucial to India, which has begun to experience hints of global warming, disturbed climatic changes, uneven rainfall pattern, temperature differences, etc.

Political opposition in India is likely to eat their words ‘Need to stand up, not stand aside’, which they had used to slam the government, not long ago, for abstaining from UNSC vote on Russia-Ukraine.

Australia has backed India’s stand on the Ukraine-Russia conflict saying, “The Quad member countries have accepted India’s position on the Russian attack on Ukraine and that no country would be unhappy as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been using his contacts to call for an end to the conflict.” Such an understanding was shown despite Australia’s own strong disquiet on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Parallely, Pakistan’s PM Imran Khan offered rare praise for India’s foreign policy, that too in a public rally. He said that, “Main aaj Hindustan ko daad deta hun (I praise our neighbouring country Hindustan) as they always had independent foreign policy. Today, India is in their (America) alliance and they are part of QUAD… They are importing oil from Russia despite sanctions because their policy is for the betterment of people”.

India’s abstention to vote on the global crisis is like recalling from the past when it raised eyebrows across the globe with its endorsement of the non-alignment move, which meant non-participation in the military affairs of a bipolar world and optimum involvement towards peace and security through multi-polar participation.

The foundation of such an elevated stature lies in the numerous efforts India has put over the last 6-7 years to change both its outlook and conduct on International level. Some of the steps include giving due importance to potential regions through change in International policies like shifting from ‘Look East’ to ‘Act East’ policy, fresh stand on signing of FTAs with various countries, formation of global initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), rolling out of excellent measures leading to exponential growth of exports, FDI’s etc like the PLI scheme, Ease of Doing Business, relaxation of complex trade, licensing and business norms and laws, voicing India’s concerns and stand on all global platforms and forums regarding environment protection, world peace and security, economic growth and development, importance of rapid technological advancement, and numerous other subjects of growth, democratic evaluation and futuristic readiness.

Unlike the past, India’s foreign policy stances and tendencies are now much more mature, precise and prudent, standing tall on the foundations of genuine concerns and greater intents to sought peace and stability. India’s intents are being considered honest globally on such a scale that even its tough choices are receiving respect from all quarters.

‘Operation Ganga’ is like the ‘Devi Shakti’ of ‘Vande Bharat’ acting as ‘Samudra Setu’ for ‘Raahat’ and ‘Maitri’.

About 16,000-strong Indian diaspora, mostly students, were left stranded in the war-torn Ukraine, when New Delhi launched yet another evacuation programme named ‘Operation Ganga’ to bring them home safely. As a result of the collective efforts, over 21,000 nationals have reportedly moved out of Ukraine and some sixteen and a half tons of material has been sent as relief. The Government also sent Union Ministers to the concerned countries as ‘India’s special envoys’ to assist the students with the evacuation process.

The extent to which India goes in order to evacuate people from foreign territories during deteriorating times and calamities is now being recognised globally too. Nepal Government reportedly reached out to the Government of India for the evacuation of its stranded nationals, to which the Indian government has responded positively. “We stand ready to help those from our neighbours and developing countries who are also stranded in Ukraine and may seek assistance. We also support all UN humanitarian efforts,” Indian envoy to UN TS Tirumurti had said earlier on February 28th at the UNSC meeting.

India had extended its help to the neighbouring state last year during the Afghanistan crisis, by facilitating the evacuation of Nepali nationals from the country. This promptness and sense of responsibility was reflected amid COVID crisis too, as India evacuated nationals of the Maldives, Nepal, and Bangladesh from China. All these instances are not accidental, but reflections of a country whose first instinct is based on its popular belief of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.

India carried out the evacuations from Afghanistan in 2021 under its rescue mission programme operation ‘Devi Shakti’, which translates as ‘Power of the Goddess’. Reportedly, around 800 nationals belonging to both India and other countries were evacuated under the operation. Earlier, On 7th May 2020, Indian government had launched ‘Operation Vande Bharat’ to bring back Indians stranded in different countries in a Covid-19 pandemic-hit world. This operation saw over 2.17 lakh flights that brought back over 1.83 crore passengers to the country by October 2021. Government of India launched yet another operation i.e. Op. Samudra Setu, An extension of Vande Bharat mission, this was a naval operation that brought back over 3,000 stranded Indian citizen to their homeland during the pandemic. INS Jalashwa, Airavat, Shardul and Magar (Landing Ship Tanks) participated in this operation which lasted more than 55 days and involved traversing more than 23,000 km by sea. Back in 2015, India had also launched ‘Operation Raahat’, under which India had evacuated nearly 5,600 people from Yemen. Operation Maitri was launched in the same year as a joint relief and rescue operation by the Indian government and the Indian Armed Forces in the aftermath of the Nepal earthquake. This joint Army-Air Force operation brought over 5,000 Indians back from Nepal by Air Force and civilian planes. The Indian army had also successfully evacuated 170 foreign nationals from the US, the UK, Russia and Germany.

As world order continues to get deeper into complex situations from pandemic to outright nuclear threats, India is ready to lead at world-stage with its ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam to take care of its own and humanity as whole.

“India is deeply disturbed by the recent turn of developments in Ukraine. We urge that all efforts are made for the immediate cessation of violence and hostilities. No solution can ever be arrived at the cost of human lives,” said India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti on behalf of India, which abstained from voting on a UNSC resolution that condemned Russia’s “aggression” against Ukraine and demanded the withdrawal of Russian forces from the neighbouring country. By abstaining, India has chosen to keep its window open to reach out to concerned sides in an effort to find the middle ground with an aim to foster back dialogue and diplomacy.

There are times when even history fails to provide any account or instances that one could refer to in order to shepherd a way out of a crisis. While the recent launch of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia is not unfamiliar to history, it has certainly increased the criticality quotient for India, as it handles its UNSC Presidency with utmost ministration, and at the same time pulls out all the stops to evacuate Indians back to its soil.

The military attacks on Ukraine has reshuffled an already intricate world order, leaving India to walk on a tightrope of protecting its diplomatic ties with the NATO states as well as with CSTO and Russia. As both of these alliances enjoy the veto votes in UNSC, It would make it rather difficult for India, which has been seeking a permanent membership at the high table, to chair a council that has already begun to split into factions.

The US too has to settle on a decision. Either it could allow Ukraine to be steamrolled and Moscow to get all power-backed. Or it could decide to intervene indirectly and levy sanctions that do not hurt Russia directly. Or it could also intervene directly and maybe even launch a nuclear war that would devastate the world and all the people living in it.

As for the imposition of financial sanctions on Russia, the possibilities of such counterattacks are never hard to guess. Perhaps, this is why it looks like Washington is taking the second option of levying enormous sanctions on the Kremlin that would hurt some but not all of its sectors. In such a case, the world could contemplate the following choices : i) Focus on saving more and more Ukrainian lives, ii) Focus on preventing anymore destruction in Ukraine, iii) Focus on how to halt Russia’s massive offensive into Ukrainian territory, iv) Rebuild Ukraine after the war.

However, the above mentioned choices seem far from getting picked currently, which could result in a more deteriorating aftermath and might leave Russia’s next targets, the Stans, vulnerable. Peace should try to be restored by India and others, or else the world might end up giving birth to another humanitarian crisis. India has prioritized citizens first, of the world and of its own. Ensuring this is also in tandem with action points identified by NATO leaders, as they called on Russia to stop the “senseless war” & immediately cease its assault by withdrawing all its forces from Ukraine, and turn back to the path of dialogue.

Time and again, India has shown the world how swiftly it could react on matters pertaining to the security and safety of Indians across the globe. From Operation Sankat Mochan (evacuation of 46 Indian nurses from ISIS) to recently concluded Operation Devi Shakti (evacuation of Indians and Afghans from Afghanistan) the world has witnessed India’s unrelenting grit in face of crises. Amidst the spiraling tensions between Russia and Ukraine, India is once again up to pick the challenge of bringing back thousands of their nationals stuck in the foreign land to their home country.

“I underline once again that more than 20,000 Indian nationals including students are located in different parts of Ukraine including in its border area. We are facilitating the return of all Indian nationals including students as may be required,” India’s Permanent Representative to UN, Ambassador T S Tirumurti said today. India is ready to reach out and take care of every citizen, no matter what the crisis is. The present Russia-Ukraine crisis has spiralled into dangerous territory however.

He further said that, “The Security Council has met two days ago and discussed the situation. We had called for urgent de-escalation of tensions and emphasised on sustained and focus diplomacy to address all issues concerning the situation. However, we note with a regret that the calls of the international community that give time to the recent initiative undertaken by parties to defuse tensions were not heeded to. The situation is dangerous spiralling into a major crisis. We express our deep concern over the developments which if not handled carefully may will undermine the peace and security of region. We call for immediate de-escalation and for refraining from any further action that could contribute to worsening of situation. We call on all party to exert greater effort to bridge divergent interest. I would like to underline that the legitimate security interest of all the parties should be fully taken into account. India has consistently advocated at the United Nations the need for peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with International law and with agreements entered into by parties concerned.”

Amidst weeks of diplomatic efforts to broker a peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced ‘a special military operations’ in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region. Following Moscow’s act, the West has rallied in their support for Ukraine. Condemning Russia’s attack as ‘unprovoked and unjustified’, US President Joe Biden said, “Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable.”

India has put its stand in very clear words that, “We believe that the solution lies in the sustained diplomatic dialogue between the concerned parties. In the mean time we strongly emphasize the vital need for all sides to maintain international peace and security by exercising the utmost restrain.”