There seems to be a terrible misunderstanding about diplomacy. Many people believe diplomacy means compromise. They imagine two leaders entering a room with strong opinions and walking out with weaker ones, each holding half of what they originally believed.
That is not diplomacy. That is simply splitting the chocolate bar and hoping nobody notices that you have given the other fellow the bigger piece.
Which is exactly what we are doing with China and even Iran.
A good diplomat does not abandon principles like luggage at an airport carousel. A good diplomat holds firmly to what he believes, but explains it so clearly and politely that the other person begins to see the logic behind it.
Diplomacy is persuasion without shouting.
If shouting solved international disputes, Indian housing society meetings would have ended every war on earth by now. One raised voice from the third row and global peace would immediately follow.
But diplomacy works differently.
It is the art of saying, “I understand your concern,” without immediately adding, “but you are completely wrong and should apologise to civilisation.”
It is the ability to listen without grinding your teeth and then calmly explain your position in a way that even your opponent respects.
Which is exactly what we need in times of war.
Diplomacy during war is not standing between two sides like a confused referee saying, “You are both correct and you are both incorrect and we would like to remain friends with everyone while deciding absolutely nothing.”
That is not diplomacy. That is a man sitting on a fence so long that the fence begins to think he belongs there.
True diplomacy is far more honest.
It is telling one side, “We may not agree with your policies, but we would still like to remain friends, even as we tell you that you could be wrong.” It is saying this clearly and respectfully without pretending that both sides are equally right just to keep everyone happy.
Do we have the courage to do that? Because only then will we grow in the yes of the world.
Because the world respects clarity far more than clever hugs or strategic silence.
Sitting on the fence and inventing beautiful sounding phrases like “strategic neutrality” or “non aligned wisdom” may make speeches sound impressive, but the rest of the world is quietly wondering whether we are diplomats or acrobats performing balancing acts.
Real diplomacy wins respect because it is based on honesty and courage.
It does not insult one friend in order to flatter another. It simply speaks truth in a voice calm enough that even disagreement does not become hostility.
And when diplomacy is done well, something remarkable happens.
Even the person who disagrees with you walks away respecting you.
Which is far better than having the entire world laugh at you as you wobble uncertainly on the fence while you insist you are merely “carefully balanced.”..!