The recent remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum in Davos have sparked significant discussions about the state of the so-called rules-based international order. Carney pointedly criticized the great powers, particularly the United States, for what he termed the ‘weaponization of interdependence’—a tactic that has been leveraged to pressure smaller nations and undermine their sovereignty. In his speech, he described the conflict stemming from the Israeli-American operation that led to the death of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as emblematic of the breakdown of this order.
Carney expressed regret over the situation, stating that while he supports the actions against Iran, it simultaneously highlights the failures inherent in the current international framework. He called upon middle powers like India to step forward and contribute to the establishment of a new, more equitable rules-based international order. However, just weeks after this appeal, his support for military actions seemed at odds with the very principles he advocated for.
For India, the question remains: how should it navigate its foreign policy amidst this evolving landscape? Historically, India has positioned itself as a proponent of a rules-based international order, albeit inconsistently. The nation has refrained from openly condemning the assassination of Khamenei; however, it did send its Foreign Secretary to express condolences. This action raises pertinent questions about India’s stance and its commitment to the principles it claims to uphold.
India’s diplomatic balancing act is not without challenges. On one hand, it has aligned itself with the United States in supporting a rules-based international system; on the other, it must also consider its relations with Iran and other regional players. The killing of a high-profile figure like Khamenei could potentially deal a severe blow to international norms, prompting India to reassess its strategies. Will New Delhi continue to support a framework that seems increasingly fragile in light of recent events?
As the dynamics of global power shift, India’s role as a middle power becomes increasingly significant. The nation must navigate these turbulent waters carefully, weighing its long-standing principles against the complex realities of modern geopolitics. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether India can effectively contribute to a reimagined international order or if it will find itself caught in the crossfire of competing interests.
