Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy is known for keeping a close watch on global events, understanding the moves of other nations, and adjusting India’s strategy accordingly. This approach has often been seen in India’s actions, especially in the context of North Korea. While much of the global focus has been on conflicts in the Middle East, Western Asia, and Europe, India has quietly been looking eastward, implementing its “Act East” policy.
In addition to strengthening ties with Southeast Asian countries, India has been discreetly working on its policy in the Korean Peninsula. North Korea, operating with considerable secrecy, has forced India to maintain diplomatic relations with Pyongyang out of the public eye, avoiding international scrutiny. In July 2021, India took the decision to shut its embassy in Pyongyang quietly. Ambassador Atul Malhari Gottsurve and the entire diplomatic staff were recalled via Moscow and returned to New Delhi. While the Ministry of External Affairs did not officially announce the closure, it later cited COVID-19 as the reason when asked by journalists.
For several years, there was no significant update on India’s diplomatic mission in Pyongyang, and about fourteen months ago, Gottsurve was appointed as India’s Ambassador to Mongolia. However, in an unexpected turn, earlier this month, India decided to resume normal operations at its embassy in Pyongyang. A team of technical and diplomatic staff was promptly dispatched to North Korea, and according to reports from The Tribune, the team has already arrived in Pyongyang and is in the process of fully reactivating the mission.
The strategic importance of North Korea for India has grown significantly over the last few years, not just for India and Asia, but also for the Western world. Militarily, North Korea has been steadily advancing its nuclear weapons program and rapidly developing technologies related to hypersonic missiles, strategic weapons, and short, medium, and long-range missiles. For India, maintaining a presence in Pyongyang and fostering ties with North Korea is vital, particularly to prevent such technologies from reaching Pakistan or other hostile entities.
In recent years, North Korea has deepened its relations with Russia, China, and Iran, forming an increasingly influential coalition in Asia, often seen as a counterbalance to the Quad (a security and trade group involving the US, Japan, India, and Australia). India already shares strong ties with Russia and Iran, and it is working towards addressing differences with neighboring China, the two most populous nations in the world. Therefore, India has approached its relationship with Pyongyang with caution, recognizing the need to handle it strategically while navigating a complex regional landscape.
