5 December 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

1. The Modi – Jaishankar Doctrine 

(Source: Indian Express; Section: The Ideas Page; Page: 11)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Context

The article explores India’s shift from non-alignment to a proactive multi-alignment foreign policy under Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing its growing global stature and strategic adaptability.

A Decade of Modi’s Foreign Policy: Transforming India’s International Stature

• India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has undergone a noticeable transformation in its global posture and stature.
• Over the past decade, India has shifted from its historically cautious approach to one that is assertive and forward-looking, reflecting its growing capacities and ambitions.
• The international community has taken note of this change, with India transitioning from a passive observer of global events to an active participant shaping outcomes.
• This evolution is apparent in its foreign policy doctrine, which increasingly reflects the contours of a “Jaishankar-Modi Doctrine.”

From Non-Alignment to Multi-Alignment: A Paradigm Shift

• India’s foreign policy of non-alignment, conceptualized during the Nehruvian era, was shaped by post-Independence realities.
• As a newly sovereign nation with limited resources, India sought to insulate itself from Cold War rivalries, focusing instead on internal development.
• The strategy aimed to minimize adverse external influences rather than actively pursue specific global objectives.
• However, this approach has undergone a significant transformation under Modi’s leadership. Non-alignment has given way to “multi-alignment,” a doctrine that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar defines as a “multi-polar world requiring a multi-vector strategy.”
• Unlike the earlier stance of avoiding entanglements, India now seeks to actively engage with a diverse range of nations, balancing interests and values to achieve its geopolitical goals.
• This proactive approach signifies a departure from the passive stance of the past, showcasing India’s readiness to lead and shape the global narrative.

The Jaishankar-Modi Doctrine: Core Tenets and Strategic Flexibility

• The emerging doctrine under Modi emphasizes strategic flexibility and pragmatic engagement.
• India’s interactions with nations today reflect a nuanced understanding of the complex global landscape.
• For instance, India has managed to maintain robust ties with seemingly conflicting powers, such as the United States, Russia, and Iran. It has condemned war in principle without explicitly criticizing Russia over Ukraine, while simultaneously deepening defense and economic ties with the West.
• This balancing act reflects a carefully crafted strategy that prioritizes India’s national interests without compromising its values.
• A hallmark of this doctrine is its adaptability. By eschewing rigid alliances and focusing on issue-based partnerships, India positions itself as a credible player in a multi-polar world. Jaishankar’s assertion that India intends to “be ourselves to all people” underscores the importance of aligning interests with values, fostering trust and respect among diverse partners.

Challenges and Opportunities in a Complex Geopolitical Landscape

• India’s multi-alignment strategy, while innovative, is not without its challenges. The current global environment is marked by increasing tensions that could lead to a new form of bi-polarity or Cold War 2.0.
• In such a scenario, India’s reluctance to form explicit alliances may be tested. Balancing moral principles with strategic interests will be crucial in maintaining credibility and achieving long-term objectives.
• The doctrine’s success also hinges on India’s ability to leverage its growing capacities to shape outcomes that reflect its values.
• For example, its nuanced stance on issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Palestine crisis highlights the complexities of maintaining a balanced position.
• How India navigates these challenges will determine whether it can sustain its unique geopolitical positioning or be forced into a more polarized alignment.

Conclusion: A Doctrine for a Multi-Polar Future

• The Jaishankar-Modi Doctrine represents a bold and confident articulation of India’s foreign policy aspirations.
• It moves away from the defensive posture of non-alignment to an assertive, multi-alignment approach that seeks to maximize opportunities in a multi-polar world.
• However, its success depends on the assumption that multi-polarity will persist. Should global dynamics shift towards renewed polarization, India may face difficult choices, testing its ability to reconcile its values with its interests.
• In the meantime, India’s diplomatic agility and strategic foresight under this doctrine underscore its emergence as a key player on the world stage, signaling a readiness to engage with the complexities of global politics on its own terms.

Reason for shift towards multi-alignment:

Economic needs of the fast developing India had to be supported by opening of its economy and getting more foreign assistance. World that emerged post soviet era saw the rise of US as both an economic and strategic power. It was difficult to pursue India’s growth trajectory without engaging with US. Globalisation, growing interdependence, and the emergence of transnational challenges have pushed India to engage with multiple global partners. Emergence of economic powerhouse in form of China has also posed a new challenge in front of India.Indian foreign policy is evolving to encompass the growing needs of its national security and prosperity.

Practice Question: Discuss the evolution of India’s foreign policy from non-alignment to multi-alignment under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. How does this shift reflect India’s changing global aspirations and challenges in a multi-polar world? (250 words/15 m)