The participation of middle powers in platforms such as the G20, ASEAN, AUKUS dialogues, and regional security forums positions them as brokers between competing interests.
Even though a trade deal is supposed to be about economic benefits, it is not strictly an economic matter, especially in light of the emerging world order.
While the Narendra Modi government has attracted criticism for the way it is handling India-US relationship, it is now possible to discern the faint outlines of a new template for foreign and trade policy.
After exuberance, India must now not only take difficult and costly steps toward industrialisation, but also convert growth into geo-economic leverage and military modernisation.
Nick Jonas is not trying to modernise the mangalsutra, but his gesture shows that choices can be equal. If commitment must be flaunted, it need not be gendered.
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