Modi’s rise: the far flank implications

The accession to power of Narendra Modi represents a big change of political direction in India, from a left-centre to a right-centre orientation. The outcome of the recent elections will also change India’s strategic outreach and strengthen its internal functioning. Its economy and military power will be bolstered. India’s more realistic approach will be accepted by countries that are often called India’s strategic far flank, such as Australia and New Zealand, which want India to be pro-active in its diplomatic initiatives. These include free trade agreements — though India’s conduct of further nuclear tests will no doubt bring complications in the various bilateral relationships.