Prime Minister Narendra Modi is focused on external relations. In pursuance of his well-defined objectives, he is on a European odyssey visiting Germany, Spain, Russia and France. He is going at an opportune moment as US President Donald Trump has moved out of Europe causing hard feelings in NATO countries. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has rued the fact that Europe could no longer depend on others which is a reference to the US and the UK. The political panorama in Europe has changed following Brexit and Trump saying that EU member nations should shoulder greater responsibilities for their defence, especially against an expansionist Russia. It will be presumptuous to say that the situation is to India’s advantage, that Delhi should move in as Washington moves out. But India should make the most of the opportunities that the change in Europe presents.
Brexit opens up the possibility of a mutually beneficial India- UK free trade bill. Brexit also puts pressure on EU to finalise its trade agreement with India. An understanding between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will be India’s interest and Modi will do well to prompt them to bring it about. Another major item on the agenda should be Climate Change. The Paris agreement was a landmark event. The US should provide leadership in this crucial area. It is unfortunate that President Trump has refused to commit to the 2015 Paris Accord at the recent G7 Summit and may take the US out of the pact. That may be a disaster as it will cause China to run the show. Modi’s visit to Europe should also reduce tension over West Asia, following the reformist victory in Iran.
