In the contemporary global landscape, tangible outcomes are now shifting from large, unwieldy bodies like the UN and G20 to smaller, agile, and issue-focused coalitions - the "small tables" that yield "big dividends.”
Shifting Diplomatic Landscape of 2026
- Demanding Bilateral relations: Bilateral diplomacy, particularly with major powers, is expected to remain "demanding," with ties to both Washington and Beijing continuing to generate friction from trade disputes and strategic competition.
- Strain on Large Multilateral Forums: Large, established forums like UN and G20 are proving to be increasingly ineffective for concrete action due to geopolitical rivalries and the intrusion of domestic politics.
- e.g., US boycott of the Johannesburg G-20 summit in 2025.
Engaging "Diplomatic White Spaces": Key Arenas for “Small Table” Diplomacy
Diplomatic Whitespaces are defined as "gaps in global leadership" where pressing problems require coordination, but no major power can serve as a credible convenor.
- European Union (Technocratic Test): Presence of the EU's institutional leadership as chief guests at the January 26, 2026 signals intent to advance long-pending India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
- Proposed India-EU FTA encompasses market access rules, data standards, and sustainability requirements, engaging the EU's collective policy bodies.
- BRICS (Political Test): As chair and host of BRICS in 2026 India can undertake practical measures like enhancing the use of New Development Bank guarantees to steer BRICS toward tangible "delivery."
- It can also play a balancing act to navigate competing pressures by championing the cause of Global South, avoiding alienation by preventing the group from drifting into "anti-West rhetoric or a de-dollarisation crusade."
- The QUAD (Public Good Test): By hosting a Quad leaders' summit in 2026, India can focus on practical cooperation in areas like maritime domain awareness and resilient ports, which are highly relevant to Indian Ocean littoral states that seek enhanced capacity "without being drawn into great power rivalries."
