Naim (2009) criticises the world's obsession with multilateralism as he argues that though the need for multilateral collaboration has increased, they have failed in that they missed the deadlines, did not achieve the intended objectives and did not honour the financial commitments. Consequently, countries look towards minilateral institutions, that work with few countries, having shared concerns and mutual interests towards a specific range of issues in the scope of their specialisation in a comparative informal manner, in comparison to bureaucratic, highly formal and consensus and majoritarian decision-making based approach of multilateral institutions. It not only comprises of state as an actor, but it is a multi-stakeholder forum specialising in their respective area, to facilitate inter-governmental and intra-governmental cooperation, hence they tend to be more flexible, adopting innovative approaches to diplomacy to tackle novel issues.
On 06 September 2021, while delivering the "JG Crawford Oration-2021" organised by the Australian National University, Dr S Jaishankar, Minister for External Affairs, Government of India, stated quite unequivocally, "The days of unilateralism are over, bilateralism has its own limits and as the COVID reminded us, multilateralism is simply not working well enough... the resistance to reforming international organizations compel us to look for more practical and immediate solutions"[1], hinting towards the prospects of minilateralism. As Indo Pacific region evolves as the hotbed for geostrategic competition, the Indian diplomacy is manoeuvring minilaterals to navigate the issue-based partnership to tackle the rising contestation in the region, some of which are discussed below.
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THE WOLF ECONOMY AWAKENS
Mongolia's Fight for Democracy, and a Green and Digital Future
DESTINATION Kenya
Background - My interest in visiting Kenya began on December 3, 2016, when the Kenya Tourism Board organized the Magical Kenya Open Golf Tournament in Delhi. The event, by invitation only, attracted many notable figures from Delhi NCR, and I was fortunate to be one of the winners. Along with a beautiful trophy, the prize included a trip to Kenya to play three rounds of golf in Nairobi and visit the renowned wildlife sanctuaries of Kenya.
THE POLITICAL LESSONS FROM THE MAHABHARATA
The word 'politics' always inflicts a sense of excitement as well as resentment amongst the public at large. Often people irrespective of gender or age are found commenting upon the dynamics of politics and the way it has taken shape over the years.
UNIVERSAL HEALTH INSURANCE: TRANSFORMING TANZANIA'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Tanzania, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, is now setting a new precedent in the healthcare sector.
INDIA'S ELECTRIC REVOLUTION: LEADING THE GLOBAL THREE-WHEELER MARKET
Globally, long-term EV growth is expected to lower battery prices and advance next-generation battery technology, enhancing the economic viability of electric vehicles. According to a BNEF report, the three-wheeled vehicle segment is on track to reach net zero emissions by mid-century, with India's growth positioning it as a global leader.
INDIA'S STRATEGY TO SCALE UP GREEN HYDROGEN PRODUCTION
India's first multi-purpose green hydrogen pilot project at 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS) in Himachal's Jhakri was inaugurated on April 24 this year.
"Vietnam-India comprehensive strategic partnership has made progress"
In an interview with Diplomatist Magazine, Mr. Le Quang Bien, Consul General of Vietnam in Mumbai, provides perspectives on the burgeoning Vietnam-India relationship, particularly focussing on trade, investment, tourism, and renewable energy sectors. With Vietnam's emergence as a pivotal manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia and India's robust technological prowess, he highlights the promising avenues for collaboration in manufacturing, technology, and agriculture. Mr. Bien also sheds light on Vietnam's rich cultural and natural attractions, emphasising the Consulate General's efforts to promote tourism and culinary exchange in Mumbai.
THE EVOLUTION OF MINILATERALS: CATALYSTS FOR STRATEGIC COOPERATION IN THE INDO-PACIFIC
The current set of multilaterals, collectively or individually are facing a challenge in achieving four objectives of the largest multilateral institutions, the United Nations viz, \"maintaining international peace and security, protecting human rights, delivering humanitarian aid and support sustainable development\", owing to rising great power competition, unbridled competition among regional powers and unprecedented challenges in the Global North and the Global South.
NAVIGATING THE CROSSROADS: VISION FOR EUROPE'S FUTURE
\"Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity.\" Jean Monnet - The Father of the European Union.
ECONOMIC REFORMS AND GROWTH PROSPECTS: INDIA'S AGENDA FOR THE GLOBAL ECONOMY
India's economy is of global importance with a large young population and an open and democratic political system. It is already the third-largest economy and contributor to global economic growth, yet there is considerable untapped potential.
