Unit-2 India and the Changing Global Power Equations | India’s Foreign Policy DSC-18 SEM 6 | BA Hons Political Science

Domestic & International :India’s Foreign Policy Dimension

Overview

India’s foreign policy is a strategic framework that guides how the country interacts with other nations. It has evolved significantly since independence in 1947, reflecting India’s:

• Changing national interests

• Shifting global dynamics

• Socio-economic priorities

As a post-colonial state, India aimed to assert its sovereignty and develop its economy while navigating Cold War politics and later, the challenges of globalization and multipolarity.

Key Objectives

• Safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity

• Promoting economic growth and modernization

• Maintaining strategic autonomy

• Contributing to regional and global peace

• Upholding democratic values and cultural heritage

Domestic Dimensions of India’s Foreign Policy

India’s internal realities—historical, political, economic, and institutional—strongly shape how it interacts with the world.

1. Historical and Cultural Legacy

• India's civilizational ethos promotes:

  • Non-violence (Ahimsa), tolerance, co-existence

  • Inspired by Gandhian principles, Buddhism, Jainism, Vedantic traditions

• Colonial past shaped foreign policy with a strong focus on:

  • Anti-imperialism

  • Sovereignty

  • Non-interference in internal affairs of other states

• Non-Alignment Movement (NAM): India's flagship policy in early years to avoid taking sides in Cold War blocs.

• Soft Power Tools

  • Indian cinema, yoga, spiritual tourism, cultural exchanges

  • Recognized globally through events like International Yoga Day

2. Economic Priorities and Development Goals

• Post-Independence:

  • Focus on self-reliance and planned economy (Nehruvian model)

  • Limited foreign engagements, preference for internal development

• Post-1991 Reforms:

  • Economic liberalization shifted focus to economic diplomacy

  • Need for foreign investment, technology transfer, trade relations

• Engagement with:

  • Energy-rich regions (Middle East, Central Asia, Africa)

  • Major economies: USA, Japan, EU

• Participation in economic groupings:

  • BRICS, G20, BIMSTEC, ASEAN, WTO

• Example: India-Japan collaboration on bullet train and infrastructure

3. Domestic Political Stability and Consensus

• India’s democracy influences its global image:

  • Respect for rule of law, pluralism, democratic values

• Stable governments help pursue consistent foreign policy.

• Internal security issues (e.g., terrorism in J&K, Northeast insurgency) impact relations with:

  • Pakistan, China, Bangladesh

• Public opinion and media also shape policy:

  • Example: Post-Galwan clash with China, public and political pressure led to economic disengagement.

4. Institutional Framework

• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): Main body for foreign policy execution.

• Parliamentary Oversight:

  • The Standing Committee on External Affairs discusses and scrutinizes foreign relations.

• Civil Society and Think Tanks:

  • Institutions like ORF, IDSA, RIS provide research, policy insights

• Indian Diaspora:

  • Plays a significant role in strengthening relations with countries like USA, Canada, UK, Gulf nations

  • Example: US-India relations strengthened by over 4 million Indian-Americans

International Dimensions of India’s Foreign Policy

India’s external engagement is shaped by its global ambitions, security needs, and geopolitical location.

1. Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity

• Top priority since independence.

• Key disputes:

  • Kashmir issue with Pakistan

  • Border tensions with China (e.g., 1962 war, 2020 Galwan clashes)

• Strategies:

  • Military modernization: Rafale jets, Agni missiles, defense reforms

  • Diplomatic negotiations: Talks with China, engagements at UN

  • Use of platforms like UN, ICJ to push back against international pressure on internal issues.

2. Defence and Security Strategy

• India's location makes it vulnerable to security threats.

• Major concerns:

  • Cross-border terrorism (e.g., 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Pulwama attack)

  • China’s expansionism

• Actions:

  • Participation in counter-terrorism forums: FATF, UNCTC

  • Strengthening border forces and defense deals (e.g., Indo-US Logistics Exchange Agreement)

  • Nuclear Policy: Credible Minimum Deterrence, No First Use

  • Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement (2008): Legitimized India’s nuclear status without NPT

3. Globalization and Economic Diplomacy

• In a globalized world, foreign policy supports economic interests.

• Tools used:

  • FTAs, CEPA with countries like UAE, Australia

  • Look East / Act East Policy: Boost trade with Southeast Asia

• Regional focus:

  • Indian Ocean Region: SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)

  • Africa: India-Africa Forum Summit

• Trade-focused diplomacy with countries like:

  • USA, EU, ASEAN nations

4. Multilateralism and Global Governance

• Strong supporter of rules-based international order.

• Contributions:

  • UN peacekeeping missions (largest troop contributor historically)

  • Leadership in climate talks, disaster aid, pandemic response

• Goals:

  • Reforming global institutions (UNSC permanent seat)

  • Fairer systems for trade, climate, technology

• Membership in:

  • G20, WTO, IBSA, QUAD

5. Leadership in the Global South

• India sees itself as a voice for developing nations.

• Initiatives:

  • International Solar Alliance (ISA): Co-founded with France

  • South-South Cooperation: Support for Africa, Latin America

  • Campaigns for equitable trade, debt relief, climate justice

• Shared identity with other post-colonial nations strengthens India's diplomatic base.

From Non-Alignment to Strategic Engagement

• Non-Alignment Era (1947–1990s)

  • Policy of not joining any Cold War bloc

  • Founder of NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) with Yugoslavia, Egypt, Indonesia

  • Aimed to preserve strategic autonomy and focus on internal development

Shift Post-1991

• Global changes (USSR collapse, globalization) pushed India to

  • Build strategic partnerships

  • Open economy to global trade

  • Engage multilaterally and regionally

Current Approach: Strategic Engagement

• Active partnerships with US, Japan, EU, Russia

• Participation in QUAD, BRICS, G20, SCO

• Act East Policy, Neighborhood First Policy, Indo-Pacific Vision

• Balancing ties with rival powers (e.g., USA and Russia, Israel and Palestine, Iran and Gulf)

From Non-Alignment to Strategic Engagements in a Multipolar World

The Journey of Indian Foreign Policy

• Since gaining independence in 1947, India’s foreign policy has gone through several changes.

• Initially shaped by colonial experience, Cold War tensions, and a desire for sovereignty.

• India’s approach has evolved from non-alignment to strategic partnerships to active multilateralism in a multipolar world.

• Yet, one constant remains: India’s emphasis on strategic autonomy and independent decision-making.

Non-Alignment Policy: The Foundation

What is Non-Alignment?

• A policy where India chose not to align with any major power bloc (USA or USSR) during the Cold War.

• It was a way for newly independent nations to maintain independence and avoid becoming pawns in the rivalry between superpowers.

Key Architect

• Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, believed in peace, diplomacy, and cooperation.

• His vision was to keep India free from external domination after years of colonial rule.

   

Historical Milestones

• Bandung Conference (1955) in Indonesia: Promoted Afro-Asian unity, peaceful coexistence.

• NAM formation (1961) in Belgrade with leaders from Yugoslavia (Tito), Egypt (Nasser), Ghana (Nkrumah), Indonesia (Sukarno), and India (Nehru).

Core Principles of NAM

1. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity\

2. Non-interference in internal affairs

3. Peaceful conflict resolution

4. Support for decolonization

5. Opposition to military alliances

6. Promotion of global cooperation

Achievements and Limitations of Non-Alignment

Achievements

• Helped maintain India’s sovereignty during Cold War pressure.

• Allowed India to play a leadership role among developing countries.

• Promoted nuclear disarmament and peaceful coexistence.

• Supported anti-colonial movements in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

• Led to the formation of groups like the Group of 77 (G-77) to reduce North-South economic gaps.

Limitations

• Inconsistency among NAM members — many tilted towards one bloc secretly.

• Lack of unity due to diverse economic and political interests.

• As the Cold War ended, NAM began to lose relevance.

• Critics said it was vague and passive, not suited for a globalized world.

• Many members were still economically dependent on superpowers.

Transition to Strategic Engagements (Post-Cold War Era)

Global Context

• The Cold War ends (1991), the Soviet Union collapses.

• World shifts from bipolar to multipolar structure.

• Rise of new powers like China, India, Brazil.

• Importance of economic diplomacy, trade, and global connectivity grows.

Domestic Drivers of Change

Economic liberalization in 1991 

• India opened its economy to global markets.

• Need for FDI, technology, and trade pushed India to build closer ties with major powers.

Strategic Concerns

• Security threats from Pakistan (cross-border terrorism).

• Kargil War (1999) – exposed defence vulnerabilities.

• China’s rise in Asia and border tensions.

• Need for modern defence systems and strategic partners.

Shift in Approach:

• From non-alignment to multi-alignment – engaging with all without becoming dependent.

• Continued focus on strategic autonomy, but now through pragmatic and diversified diplomacy.

India’s Major Strategic Partnerships

India–US Relations

• Cold War era: distant and mistrustful due to India's non-aligned stand.

• Post-1990s: Shift towards comprehensive strategic partnership.

• Key milestones:

  • Indo–US Civil Nuclear Deal (2008) – major breakthrough.

  • LEMOA (2016) – logistics exchange for defence cooperation.

  • Collaboration in defence, technology, education, counter-terrorism, space.

  • Common Indo-Pacific goals, including QUAD cooperation.

India–Russia Relations

• Historical partners since the Cold War.

• Strong ties in:

  • Defence procurement (e.g. S-400 missiles)

  • Energy, nuclear, and space cooperation

• Despite Russia’s growing China ties, India maintains trust and historical bonds.

Look East to Act East Policy

• Started in the 1990s, upgraded under PM Modi as Act East Policy.

• Strengthens relations with ASEAN, Japan, South Korea, etc.

• Major initiatives:

  • India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway

  • Maritime cooperation with ASEAN

  • Bilateral security ties with Japan and Australia

Neighborhood First Policy

• Focus on South Asian neighbors: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives.

• Uses platforms like SAARC and BIMSTEC.

• Aims for regional stability, but challenges remain (e.g. tensions with Pakistan and China).

India in Global Governance and Multilateralism

BRICS:

• Group of 5 emerging economies.

• India’s role:

  • Promotes South-South cooperation.

  • Key initiatives: New Development Bank (NDB), Contingent Reserve Arrangement.

  • Raises voice for reform in global financial systems.

  • Despite tensions with China, India remains an active member.

QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue):

• India, USA, Japan, Australia.

• Focus on:

  • Free and open Indo-Pacific

  • Maritime security

  • Technology sharing

  • Vaccine diplomacy, disaster relief

• Counterbalance to China’s assertive actions in the region.

G20:

• India uses G20 to represent developing countries.

• Promotes:

  • Inclusive growth

  • Climate action

  • Digital transformation

• India’s G20 Presidency in 2023:

  • Theme: One Earth, One Family, One Future.

  • Focused on climate change, healthcare, and global economic recovery.

United Nations (UN) Reforms:

• India demands a permanent seat in the UN Security Council (UNSC).

• Reasons:

  • One of the largest democracies

  • Major contributor to UN peacekeeping

  • Fast-growing economy and population

• Supports reform of outdated global institutions to reflect current realities.

India’s Role in Addressing Global Challenges

Climate Change:

• Active in global agreements like the Paris Agreement.

• Launched the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

• Promotes clean energy, sustainability, and climate finance for developing countries.

Terrorism:

• India advocates for a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN.

• Brings attention to cross-border terrorism from its own experiences.

Sustainable Development:

• Strong supporter of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Emphasizes:

  • Technology transfer

  • Equitable financial flows

  • Capacity-building for Global South