India, July 17 -- Religion is often seen as complicating diplomacy, and the common tendency is to keep a secular country's foreign policy free from religious influence and avoid involving religious figures in diplomatic affairs. In most cases, that is indeed the wise approach. However, religion-even in secular countries such as ours-can often serve as a powerful tool to support and advance the country's diplomatic objectives. Just because religion and state are, and should be, kept separate, it does not mean the state cannot leverage religion or religious leaders to achieve diplomatic or foreign policy goals. The state must utilise all available resources, including religions and religious leaders, to effectively pursue its foreign policy...