By Muhammad Kamal 

India has been embroiled in international issues that have called into question its diplomatic position and intelligence activities. The upcoming execution of eight former Indian naval officers on espionage charges by a court in Qatar, combined with allegations of India's participation in the murder of a Canadian national, has focused attention on the country's international ties. These instances serve as a sharp reminder of India's declining strategic importance, calling into question its diplomatic and intelligence skills.

Recent international developments involving India have emphasized the country's diminishing strategic significance. The fact that a court in Qatar, a Middle Eastern country, has condemned eight former Indian naval officers to death in an espionage case shows that India's clout in the region has dwindled. Also, alarming is the fact that these officers were caught working for Israel, highlighting the troubling nexus that India and Israel have which has wreaked havoc in the Middle East. Similarly, the deterioration of relations between Canada and India as a result of India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) alleged participation in the assassination of a Canadian national has generated concerns about India's standing in the Western bloc.

Qatar's and Canada's actions show that these decisions were reached after deliberate geopolitical assessments. It represents a global agreement that India is no longer a middleweight player on the international scene, but rather a country that must answer for its actions. The concept of self-entitlement, which is commonly connected with certain ideologies in India, has not stood up to scrutiny in the actual world.

The issue has generated major concerns about India's position and interests in the Middle East, where it has close connections with a number of nations, including Israel, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. India has been accused of carrying out clandestine operations in the area, employing intelligence services and private contractors to gather intelligence and influence events.

The instances involving India's intelligence and diplomacy provide a tough reality check for the concept of "Shining India” stance. The self-proclaimed strategic worth of India on the international stage is being exposed as empty, and recent events run counter to the image India has projected. The world is clearly seeing the malpractices that Indian intelligence agencies may be participating in, which is undermining India's credibility and diplomatic ties. The ramifications of these recent episodes go beyond bilateral relations. Qatar’s case not only jeopardizes bilateral relations but also calls into question India's diplomatic stature in the Middle East and the international community.

India appears to be encouraged by its expanding global prominence, especially with the help of powerful nations such as the United States and Israel. However, its recent attempts to meddle in the affairs of other countries have prompted worries and questions about the boundaries of such action. If carried out, the Qatari court's decision will serve as a deterrent to future Indian missteps and may signal to other governments that they will not tolerate involvement in their domestic affairs.

Given these recent developments, India confronts tremendous problems in preserving diplomatic relations and mending its worldwide image. The country's reputation has been harmed by the acts of its intelligence agencies and the questionable conduct of certain sections within its diplomatic corps. Not too long ago, a shocking story hit the world as a serving officer of the Indian Army, Kulbushan Yadav, was caught red handed by Pakistan and still to this day is with the Pakistani authorities. India’s spy network is a well knitted mechanism that works in sync with the extremist values of Indian PM Modi. Under Modi’s regime, India has caught nothing but flake for being too close to its deep-rooted extremism and putting at stake its international position.

To comprehend the significance of these recent events, one must first understand the historical context of India's foreign policy. In foreign politics, India has long been proud of its non-interference and non-alignment values. Recent events, however, indicate a divergence from these values, prompting India's involvement in conflicts and strained relations with other nations.

In recent years, the role of Indian intelligence services, particularly RAW, has come under widespread scrutiny. While intelligence services play an important role in protecting a country's interests, there are rising worries that India’s intelligence agencies may have overstepped their bounds.

Diplomacy is an important tool in a country's foreign policy armoury. Nations create relationships, resolve conflicts, and promote their interests on the global stage through diplomacy. However, India's recent diplomatic efforts and alleged involvement in foreign situations have aroused concerns about the country's diplomatic efficacy and ethics.

Diplomatic blunders and incidents where India is at the centre of international controversies, have highlighted it's diminished strategic importance. The international community is watching, and India's future in global diplomacy is dependent on its ability to address these concerns quickly and effectively.

Repeated violations of international laws and customs are a testament to Nadendra Modi’s flawed foreign policy orientation. They have also highlighted India's fragility and isolation in the face of a shifting global order. This also calls into question, if, India is failing to protect its strategic interests and to exploit its economic and cultural clout in the region. However, instead of much needed strategic reorientation, it has alienated friends and allies while inciting opponents and competitors.

*Opinions expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of The South Asia Times