Will 2026 be year of hard decisions for MEA?

Whispers predict a “year of hard decisions” for MEA, moving from reactive to proactive diplomacy post-2025 shocks (e.g., LAC tensions, Ukraine fallout). Cadre stagnation may prompt mid-year IFS promotions (e.g., 124 IAS/IPS/IFS promotions in Rajasthan on Jan 1). Trends: Embassy focus on AI/cyber envoys; potential new special reps for Arctic/Global South