India’s Foreign Policy Faces a World of Situationships

Countries do not always agree about how governments should behave.

The article says countries are increasingly working together when it helps them, even if they do not share the same values.

It calls this approach “values-based realism.”

India has often used practical diplomacy with nearby governments it disagrees with.

The article points to India’s engagement with Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh as examples.

It says India wants to protect its security and influence without necessarily approving of those governments’ policies.

This approach can keep other countries from gaining influence when India steps away.

But it can also make it harder to demand accountability and can take a lot of diplomatic work.

The author argues that, in today’s divided world, staying engaged may be better for India than withdrawing.