Multi-polar Singh

Even in the midst of the election campaign,Prime Minister Manmohan Singh kept an eye out for the rapidly changing equations among world powers in the wake of the economic crisis. A more influential China and the falling pre-eminence of the US means that India has to pay attention to its engagement with Russia. So it is no surprise that staying with tradition,while the poll campaign was on,the Prime Minister hosted a farewell dinner for Russian Ambassador Vyacheslav Trubnikov,just like he hosted one for outgoing American envoy David Mulford. Singhs first foreign visit in his second term is also slated for Moscow,to attend the BRIC Brazil,Russia,India and China Summit,which coincides with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation SCO meet. Meanwhile,PMO officials are also keen to organise an early visit to Saudi Arabia,which has been postponed at least twice for different reasons.