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By:

Akhilesh Sinha

25 June 2025 at 2:53:54 pm

India's multi-align diplomacy triumphs

New Delhi: West Asia has transformed into a battlefield rained by fireballs. Seas or land, everywhere echoes the roar of cataclysmic explosions, flickering flames, and swirling smoke clouds. et amid such adversity, Indian ships boldly waving the Tricolour navigate the strait undeterred, entering the Arabian Sea. More remarkably, Iran has sealed its airspace to global flights but opened it for the safe evacuation of Indians.   This scene evokes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's memorable 2014...

India's multi-align diplomacy triumphs

New Delhi: West Asia has transformed into a battlefield rained by fireballs. Seas or land, everywhere echoes the roar of cataclysmic explosions, flickering flames, and swirling smoke clouds. et amid such adversity, Indian ships boldly waving the Tricolour navigate the strait undeterred, entering the Arabian Sea. More remarkably, Iran has sealed its airspace to global flights but opened it for the safe evacuation of Indians.   This scene evokes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's memorable 2014 interview. He stated that "there was a time when we counted waves from the shore; now the time has come to take the helm and plunge into the ocean ourselves."   In a world racing toward conflict, Modi has proven India's foreign policy ranks among the world's finest. Guided by 'Nation First' and prioritising Indian safety and interests, it steadfastly embodies  'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' , the world as one family.   Policy Shines Modi's foreign policy shines with such clarity and patience that even as war flames engulf West Asian nations, Indians studying and working there return home safe. In just 13 days, nearly 100,000 were evacuated from Gulf war zones, mostly by air, some via Armenia by road. PM Modi talked with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian to secure Iran's airspace for the safe evacuation of Indians, a privilege denied to any other nation. Additionally, clearance was granted for Indian ships carrying crude oil and LPG to pass safely through the Hormuz Strait. No other country's vessels are navigating these waters, except for those of Iran's ally, China. The same strategy worked in the Ukraine-Russia war: talks with both presidents ensured safe corridors, repatriating over 23,000 students and businessmen. Iran, Israel, or America, all know India deems terrorism or war unjustifiable at any cost. PM Modi amplified anti-terror campaigns from UN to global platforms, earning open support from many nations.   Global Powerhouse Bolstered by robust foreign policy and economic foresight, India emerges as a global powerhouse, undeterred by tariff hurdles. Modi's adept diplomacy yields notable successes. Contrast this with Nehru's era: wedded to Non-Aligned Movement, he watched NAM member China seize vast Ladakh territory in war. Today, Modi's government signals clearly, India honors friends, spares no foes. Abandoning non-alignment, it embraces multi-alignment: respecting sovereignties while prioritizing human welfare and progress. The world shifts from unipolar or bipolar to multipolar dynamics.   Modi's policy hallmark is that India seal defense deals like the S-400 and others with Russia yet sustains US friendship. America bestows Legion of Merit; Russia, its highest civilian honor, Order of St. Andrew the Apostle. India nurtures ties with Israel, Palestine, Iran via bilateral talks. Saudi Arabia stands shoulder-to-shoulder across fronts; UAE trade exceeds $80 billion. UN's top environment award, UNEP Champions of the Earth, graces India, unlike past when foreign nations campaigned against us on ecological pretexts.   This policy's triumph roots in economic empowerment. India now ranks the world's fourth-largest economy, poised for third in 1-2 years. The 2000s dubbed it 'fragile'; then-PM economist Dr. Manmohan Singh led. Yet  'Modinomics'  prevailed. As COVID crippled supply chains, recession loomed, inflation soared and growth plunged in developed countries,  Modinomics  made India the 'bright star.' Inflation stayed controlled, growth above 6.2 per cent. IMF Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas praised it, advising the world to learn from India.

‘Ajit dada was to lead unified NCP from Feb 12’

Mumbai: Just as the dust seemed to be settling on the failed attempts to merge the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a fresh controversy has erupted, reigniting the political drama. In a startling revelation, NCP (SP) State President Shashikant Shinde has claimed that a secret deal had already been finalized to hand over the entire command of a unified party to the late Ajit Pawar—an announcement that was reportedly scheduled for February 12.


Shinde’s comments have added a sensational twist to the post-tragedy narrative, painting the late Deputy Chief Minister not as a rebel, but as a leader who was on the verge of a "homecoming" before tragedy struck.


In commemorative editorial of a party magazine, Shashikant Shinde sought to rewrite the history of the split that fractured the Pawar family. He alleged that Ajit Pawar’s exit from the original NCP was never voluntary but was forced by threats and conspiracies orchestrated by "invisible powers"—a veiled reference to the BJP’s central leadership.


Shinde further claimed that discussions for a merger were in advanced stages. In fact, a final decision had been reached in the presence of Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar and other senior leaders. It was agreed that once the factions merged, the entire command of the unified NCP would be handed over to Ajit Pawar. The formal announcement was to be made on February 12.


Shinde’s narrative attempts to position the NCP (SP) as the true custodian of Ajit Pawar’s legacy, suggesting that the late leader was ready to return to his uncle’s fold to lead the party into the future, had fate not intervened.


Tatkare’s Rebuttal

The claims were swiftly dismissed by the rival camp. NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) State President Sunil Tatkare rubbished Shinde’s version of events, categorizing them as emotional manipulation devoid of facts.


"There is no point in discussing imaginary scenarios," Tatkare said. "We are a part of the Mahayuti government, and our path was chosen by Ajit Dada himself."

However, Tatkare stopped short of a complete shut-door policy, adding a caveat that keeps the political grapevine buzzing. "If they are so serious about a merger, let them stop making statements to the media. The issue of merger can be discussed only if a proposal comes in writing from those advocating it," he asserted.

Political analysts view Shashikant Shinde’s "February 12" claim as a strategic move by the Sharad Pawar faction to absolve Ajit Pawar by blaming "invisible powers" for the split. In doing so, they are trying to reclaim Ajit Pawar’s image from the BJP-aligned faction. Also, by suggesting that Ajit Pawar was ready to leave the NDA and return to Sharad Pawar, they aim to sow confusion among the MLAs currently supporting Sunetra Pawar.

As the "merger" moves from backroom talks to public spats, the war of words proves that while the possibility of unity may be bleak, the battle for the NCP’s soul is far from over.

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