India’s focus has largely been on strengthening its ties in the east, particularly under the Act East policy. While the global attention often centers on the Middle East and Europe, India has quietly turned its focus to the Korean Peninsula, particularly North Korea. This effort has been marked by caution, with diplomatic relations being conducted discreetly and behind the scenes. In July 2021, India temporarily closed its embassy in Pyongyang due to COVID-19, and the entire staff was recalled to New Delhi. There was no official confirmation of the embassy’s closure, but it remained inactive for years without updates, until the sudden decision to resume operations earlier this month.
After a break of more than three years, India has now sent a diplomatic team to North Korea to restart operations at its embassy. The mission, which has been shut for a prolonged period, will require thorough checks and debugging of the building due to North Korea’s known intelligence activities. As the diplomatic staff works to make the embassy fully functional, the process may take several months due to North Korea's bureaucratic delays. This decision comes at a time when North Korea’s growing nuclear capabilities and strategic importance are reshaping diplomatic dynamics in Asia, making India’s presence in Pyongyang increasingly significant.
North Korea has become a more important player in Asia’s geopolitical landscape, not just for India but for the broader region. The country has expanded its nuclear and missile programs and strengthened ties with Russia, China, and Iran. These developments, combined with North Korea’s involvement in regional conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, have raised India’s concerns about the potential spread of dangerous technologies. India’s growing ties with Moscow and Tehran, along with its ongoing efforts to improve relations with China, position North Korea as the next key diplomatic focus. Resuming its embassy operations is seen as a strategic move to ensure India can maintain communication and manage this rising challenge effectively.