The world's powerful countries are stuck in the Middle East, while India has taken a big step regarding its Act East policy.

At a time when the world's attention is focused on the Middle East and Europe, India is busy giving ground to its Act East Policy. India is advancing its relations with South-East Asia and the Korean Peninsula.

In a significant move, New Delhi has resumed normal operations at its embassy in Pyongyang after nearly 3.5 years. Given the opaque attitude of the Kim Jong government, India has always adopted a cautious and prudent approach to relations with North Korea.

India closed the embassy in 2021

In July 2021, the Indian government closed its embassy in North Korea citing the corona epidemic as the reason. Although the Ministry of External Affairs never officially announced the closure of the embassy, ​​the entire embassy staff, including Ambassador Atul Malhari Gotsurve, was called to Delhi via Moscow. Since then, the Indian mission in North Korea remained inactive, after which Atul Gotsurve was made the ambassador to Mongolia in 2022.

This month, India decided to re-establish its diplomatic presence in North Korea. A team comprising technical staff and some diplomatic staff has already been sent to Pyongyang, reports The Tribune. The team's first task is to conduct a thorough inspection and debugging of the embassy premises, a precautionary measure due to North Korea's secretive nature.

The completion of North Korea's bureaucratic process means that it may take a few months for the new ambassador to be appointed and additional staff to join the team.

The growing strategic importance of North Korea

In the last few years, the strategic importance of North Korea has been increasing. Militarily, Pyongyang has increased its nuclear capability, apart from this it has also gained an edge in hypersonic missile technology, tactical weapons, and the range of missile systems. By maintaining its presence in North Korea, India can ensure that such technology does not reach Pakistan or any enemy country.

India is maintaining a balance with Asian powers.

North Korea has strengthened its ties with Russia and China, this is an emerging Asian alliance that many see as an answer to the Quad. The Quad includes the US, Japan, and Australia along with India. Despite many disputes, India and China are engaged in efforts to end mutual tensions and maintain peace in Asia. Apart from this, India has deep ties with Russia, while it has functional relations with Tehran, so joining North Korea is a diplomatic move.