Too important to choose sides

The recent American warning regarding Iranian oil shipments has brought this question into sharper focus. At one level, the issue concerns sanctions, maritime security and regional instability. At another, it highlights a larger debate about the future direction of Indian foreign policy. As rivalry among major powers intensifies, pressure on countries to align themselves more clearly with one side or another is likely to grow. For India, the challenge is especially significant because its interests are no longer confined to a single region or relationship. The urgency of this debate is evident in the human cost of geopolitical instability. Three…