New Delhi, July 1 -- Para-diplomacy, the participation of states/provinces and other NCG's (non-central governments) in foreign policy to promote their economic, cultural, or political interests, has emerged as a significant trend in India following the economic liberalization of 1991. This policy shift was initiated during the PV Narasimha Rao government with then Finance Minister Manmohan Singh (and later PM from 2004-2014) playing a pivotal role.

The economic reforms of 1991 opened India's economy to global markets, reduced trade barriers, and encouraged foreign direct investment (FDI). Among Indian states, the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh -- in 2014 AP was bifurcated into Telangana and the current AP -- and Karnataka stood out as pioneer...