In search of a ‘grand strategy’ for India’s foreign policy in the 21st century
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 11)
| Topic: GS2 – International Relations |
| Context |
| ● This article in The Hindu discusses three books by Sreeram Chaulia, T.V. Paul, and Dhruva Jaishankar – exploring India’s grand strategy, foreign policy evolution, and its pursuit of global power in the 21st century. |
India’s Core Strategic Partnerships
- India’s most significant strategic relationships include Japan, Australia, the U.S., Russia, France, Israel, and the UAE.
- These partnerships, though not formal alliances, are essential for advancing India’s ambition to become a leading global power.
- These nations support India’s strategic autonomy and share common interests in countering China’s growing regional and global influence.
| Key Pillars of India’s Grand Strategy |
| ● Bilateral Over Multilateral Approaches: India is advised to focus on strengthening bilateral relationships, as multilateral frameworks may not be sufficient to achieve its long-term strategic goals.
● Strategic Autonomy: One of the core aspects of India’s foreign policy is maintaining its strategic autonomy. India’s friends value this autonomy, as it enables India to act as a counterbalance to Chinese dominance in the region. ● Deterrence Against Chinese Hegemony: India’s strategic partners view the country’s autonomy as a critical tool in preventing Chinese hegemony, especially in the Indo-Pacific region where China’s influence is expanding. |
Challenges in India’s Strategic Landscape
- S. Approach: The U.S. sometimes poses challenges to India’s autonomy, urging partners to take sides in conflicts, which complicates India’s independent stance in global issues.
- Russia’s Role: Russia’s push for closer ties between India and China poses a challenge to India’s desire to maintain independent and balanced relations with both nations.
- Neighbourhood Dynamics: India’s relationships with its neighbouring countries, particularly in South Asia, remain complex and are not seen as key to its global rise, sparking debate on the regional approach.
India’s Global Power Ambitions
- India’s rise as a global power is underpinned by its growing economic and military strength.
- However, achieving this status may not necessarily require dominance in South Asia.
- India’s cultural, religious, and diplomatic attributes contribute significantly to its soft power, reinforcing its position as a peaceable and liberal global player.
The Influence of China
- China’s rise is a central element in shaping India’s foreign policy, with its growing influence in Asia and the Indo-Pacific presenting both a challenge and a driver for India’s strategic direction.
- To counter China’s dominance, India is focusing on strengthening its partnerships, particularly with the Quad and other regional allies.
Distinguishing Between Grand Strategy and Tactics
- A key insight in India’s foreign policy is the distinction between grand strategy and tactics.
- While symbolic gestures like diaspora engagement and personalized diplomacy have a place, they are not substitutes for long-term strategic objectives.
- India’s evolving foreign policy reflects a more thoughtful and deliberate approach to securing its place as a leading global power.
Conclusion
- India’s foreign policy and global ambitions are shaped by its strategic relationships, its quest for autonomy, and the need to manage China’s rise.
- These elements are balanced with India’s soft power and its evolving role in global geopolitics.
| Practice Question: India’s foreign policy is increasingly shaped by strategic partnerships rather than multilateral frameworks. Discuss the significance of India’s strategic autonomy in its relationships with key global partners and its role in countering China’s rise. (250 Words /15 marks) |
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