Diplomatic ties should not remain imprisoned by the past. India's decision to upgrade its bilateral relationship with North Korea is thus a welcome step. The signs of a thaw have been evident for a while. The North Korean foreign minister had paid a visit to India in April. The Narendra Modi government returned the compliment by sending Kiren Rijiju, the minister of state for home affairs, to attend an event that commemorated North Korea's Independence Day in New Delhi. India had kept North Korea at arm's length on account of Pyongyang's enduring bond with China and its willingness to cooperate with Pakistan in the field of defence and nuclear technology. But the Beijing-Pyongyang nexus has come under strain ever since China decided to open its market to the world. North Korea's isolation from the international community proved to be a stumbling block on the path of China's economic growth. The growing coldness between China and North Korea has provided India with an opportunity to deepen its association with Pyongyang. The expansion of trade and commerce is the other imperative behind India's decision to bolster strategic ties. North Korea is one of the largest repositories of minerals and earth metals. These resources are of critical importance to Indian companies operating in such fields as information technology and electronics. India also lags behind China, which occupies pole position as far as trade and investment in North Korea is concerned. Stable political ties would lead to the burgeoning of trade between New Delhi and Pyongyang, thereby raising the possibility of India closing the gap with China. India should also explore the option of doling out humanitarian assistance to North Korea since international sanctions have depleted the latter's food stocks.

The prevailing political situation in North Korea would, however, pose a formidable challenge to the spirit of entrepreneurship between the two countries. The absence of a democratic set-up in North Korea would also concern India, which is a votary of the principles of freedom and equality. India's moves in North Korea will be closely watched by South Korea and the United States of America, two nations that have been repeatedly threatened by an aggressive Pyongyang. India's fledgling diplomatic engagement with North Korea is thus akin to a tricky balancing act.