New Delhi’s approach to the escalating tensions in West Asia has drawn praise from Vikram Sood, former chief of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). Speaking on Friday, Sood commended the government’s prudent and even-handed policy amid the region’s volatile conflicts.
In an exclusive conversation, Sood emphasized that resolutions to such disputes must come from the involved regional players themselves. ‘External powers should refrain from unnecessary meddling in local affairs,’ he stated firmly. ‘India is navigating this wisely. We can’t solve West Asia’s problems; that’s for the people of the region to handle. Blind interventions serve no purpose.’
Shifting focus to intelligence strategies, Sood stressed the need for long-term vision in an era dominated by rapidly evolving technologies. ‘Intelligence strategies demand depth, not superficial analysis,’ he noted. ‘Our agencies must remain relevant two decades from now, constantly adapting to stay effective. Governments need to strategize integration of AI and related tech.’
Sood highlighted shifting global power dynamics, warning of potential challenges for India. A dominant superpower’s waning influence could breed international instability, he observed, while relations with China remain strained.
Praising the Raisina Dialogue as one of India’s premier geopolitical forums, Sood called it a vital platform for forward-looking discussions. ‘It’s among the best dialogues in the country, covering broad scopes on critical future-oriented issues. I’m glad it’s gaining the attention it deserves.’
As West Asia’s crisis unfolds, Sood’s insights underscore India’s commitment to strategic restraint and foresight in foreign policy.