Unit-4 Challenges of India’s Foreign Policy in the Global Domain | India’s Foreign Policy DSC-18 SEM 6 | BA Hons Political Science
- Krati Sahu
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Negotiating Styles and Strategies: Trade, Security, and Climate Change
India's Foreign Policy: Negotiating Trade Agreements
India's foreign policy uses smart diplomatic strategies to balance national interests and global responsibilities.
India negotiates carefully to protect domestic industries and secure global market access.
India balances being a major global player with protecting its home industries.
1. Negotiating Trade Agreements
India actively participates in the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) discussions.
India advocates for fair and equitable trade rules, especially for developing nations.
India leads coalitions like G-33 and G-20 at the WTO to amplify the Global South's voice.
India opposes trade rules that favor developed nations and demands protection for agriculture and food security programs.
India signs FTAs with Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN to expand trade and investment.
India balances tariff concessions demanded by partners against protecting small-scale industries and farmers.
India withdrew from RCEP in 2019 due to concerns about domestic industries being harmed, particularly by Chinese imports.
India demanded strong safeguards like strict rules of origin and better treatment for service sectors.
2. Security Negotiations
India’s global security negotiations aim to protect national interests and promote global peace and stability.
Initially championed nuclear disarmament through global platforms like the United Nations.
Shifted from pure idealism to a blend of idealism and pragmatism in security issues due to changing regional and global security challenges.
India supports global disarmament but criticizes the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as unfair; has not signed it to maintain strategic autonomy.
India is supportive of the goals of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) but has not signed due to concerns over discrimination and lack of commitment by nuclear powers.
India’s accession to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2016 was a major success, allowing better access to missile and space technology.
Membership in the Wassenaar Arrangement and Australia Group shows India's intent to conform to international norms while protecting sovereignty.
India actively raises concerns about cross-border terrorism, especially regarding Pakistan, at global forums like the United Nations.
Pushed for a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) but faces challenges due to global political differences.
India is actively involved in cybersecurity negotiations at the UNGGE and OEWG, stressing equitable access to cyber technologies for developing countries.
Strategic defense partnerships developed with countries like the USA, Russia, France, and Israel, focusing on co-development and co-production under the "Make in India" initiative.
3. Climate Change Diplomacy
Climate change diplomacy has become a key part of India’s foreign policy, balancing development with environmental responsibility.
As a developing country with growing energy needs, India plays an important role in global climate negotiations.
India participates actively in global forums like the Group of 77 (G77) and BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India, China).
India's UNFCCC and Paris Agreement Commitments
India submitted its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement in 2015.
Key NDC Targets:
Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 33–35% from 2005 levels by 2030.
Achieve 40% of electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
Create an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO₂ through afforestation.
Launched initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) with France to promote renewable energy globally.
Negotiation Tactics: Development Needs and Climate Responsibilities
India balances between development needs (poverty eradication, energy security) and global climate obligations.
Strongly advocates for Equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) in climate agreements.
Promotes the idea of Climate Justice, highlighting the unfair impact of climate change on developing countries.
Demands Technology Transfer and Financial Support from developed nations to help meet climate goals.
Uses success in renewable energy development (e.g., National Solar Mission) as a strength in negotiations.
Role in Global Climate Forums: G77 and BASIC
G77 Leadership: India leads efforts within G77 to ensure developed nations take more responsibility and support the Global South.
BASIC Coalition: India, along with Brazil, South Africa, and China, argues for fairness, equity, and financial support from richer nations.
Global Advocacy: India showcases leadership through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and active participation in COP meetings.
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges for India
Resistance from developed countries on demands for equity and financial support.
Domestic hurdles such as:
Heavy dependence on coal.
Slow progress in afforestation efforts.
Opportunities for India
Strong proactive stance in clean energy (like solar and renewable energy).
Technological advancements helping India transition to a greener economy.
Global advocacy leadership through forums like G77, BASIC, and initiatives like International Solar Alliance (ISA).
Overall Approach
India maintains a pragmatic and balanced climate diplomacy strategy — development needs are aligned with environmental responsibilities.
Unlike some countries where climate diplomacy dominates foreign policy, India keeps a clear distinction while advancing both economic and environmental goals.
India’s climate diplomacy focuses on:
Commitment to UNFCCC and Paris Agreement.
Negotiation based on equity and climate justice.
Strong participation in global forums (G77, BASIC).
Advocacy for sustainable and inclusive global progress.
India’s Engagements in Multilateral Forums: BRICS
India’s Role in BRICS
BRICS: A political and economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It was initially formed in 2006 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC), and South Africa joined in 2010.
Purpose of BRICS:
Foster cooperation among emerging economies in global governance.
Reform existing international institutions like the United Nations and World Bank, which are seen as biased toward Western powers.
Strengthen political coordination among the five countries on critical issues like security, development, and trade.
Promote South-South cooperation (collaboration between developing countries) to counterbalance traditional North-South disparities.
India’s Role:
India actively participates in economic and political discussions, advocating for policies that represent emerging economies on the global stage.
It has a strategic interest in using BRICS as a platform for pushing for a multipolar world order, where no single country (like the U.S.) dominates international politics.
Key Focus Areas for India
Economic Development: By engaging in BRICS, India supports economic growth and stability through intra-BRICS trade and investment, working to reduce barriers and facilitate more robust economic interdependence.
Climate Change: India consistently integrates climate action into BRICS discussions, pushing for global climate finance and technology transfer to developing nations.
Counter-Terrorism: As a country deeply affected by terrorism, India advocates for more international cooperation in combating terrorism, particularly by sharing intelligence and establishing legal frameworks to prevent the financing of terrorism.
Leadership Initiatives in Key Areas: Technology, Economy, and Development
Economic Cooperation:
India has been a strong advocate for reducing trade barriers and promoting increased investment within BRICS countries. This includes fostering stronger trade relations and building an interdependent economy to reduce reliance on traditional Western financial systems.
The BRICS Trade and Investment Cooperation Framework is a significant initiative pushed by India to enhance intra-BRICS trade, facilitate investment flows, and address economic disparities within member states.
Technological Innovation:
India promotes the use of digital technology in the developmental agenda, focusing on bridging the digital divide between developed and developing nations.
India has pushed for the creation of a BRICS Innovation Network, which would support collaborative research and development. This aims to harness emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, and cybersecurity to address challenges such as climate change, health, and infrastructure.
India has also proposed increasing cooperation in areas like smart cities, digital connectivity, and cybersecurity.
Sustainable Development:
India has worked to align BRICS' efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This has led to BRICS’ commitment to tackling global development challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change.
India’s International Solar Alliance (ISA) initiative has been a focal point for promoting renewable energy in BRICS discussions, encouraging member countries to prioritize sustainable energy sources and reduce carbon emissions.
Participation in the BRICS Bank (New Development Bank - NDB)
The New Development Bank (NDB):
Established by BRICS countries in 2014 to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects in developing countries. The aim was to provide an alternative to Western-dominated financial institutions like the World Bank and IMF.
The NDB focuses on funding large-scale infrastructure projects in BRICS nations and other developing countries, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
India’s Contributions:
India is a founding member and has made significant contributions to the bank’s capital base, actively shaping the direction of the NDB’s operations.
India has pushed for green financing practices within the NDB, emphasizing that projects funded should be environmentally sustainable and aligned with global climate goals.
NDB funding has directly supported renewable energy initiatives in India, as well as smart city development and transportation infrastructure.
India's Advocacy:
India has advocated for inclusive governance in the NDB, ensuring that decision-making processes are transparent and that all developing countries have a voice.
India has pushed for innovative financing solutions to ensure that the NDB can effectively address the growing needs of developing countries for infrastructure and sustainable development funding.
India’s Contribution to BRICS Agendas on Global Governance
Global Governance Reforms:
India has been at the forefront of advocating for reforms in global institutions like the United Nations, particularly the Security Council. India has long been campaigning for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council to reflect current geopolitical realities.
India has also pushed for greater representation in global governance, seeking reforms that reflect the rise of emerging economies and the shifting balance of power in global politics.
Trade and Economic Reforms:
India promotes a rules-based multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization (WTO), advocating for greater transparency and fairness in global trade negotiations. India has used BRICS to voice the concerns of developing nations about global trade imbalances and protectionism by major economies.
Climate Change:
India has been vocal in pushing BRICS to support global climate action in line with the Paris Agreement. India advocates for greater climate finance, calling on developed countries to fulfill their financial commitments to support developing countries in mitigating climate change.
India has emphasized technology transfer as a key component for developing countries to access clean energy and sustainable technologies. This includes urging financial support for renewable energy development in BRICS countries.
Counter-Terrorism:
India has used the BRICS platform to emphasize the need for international cooperation in combating terrorism, advocating for stronger legal frameworks to prevent terrorism financing.
India has also proposed increased intelligence-sharing mechanisms and joint efforts to tackle the root causes of terrorism within the BRICS framework.
India’s Strategic Vision through BRICS
Multipolar World Order
India actively promotes the idea of a multipolar world order, where no single power dominates global governance. Through BRICS, India advocates for a world where emerging economies have a stronger voice and a more significant role in shaping global decisions.
Sustainable Development
India has used BRICS as a platform to push for sustainable development initiatives that promote inclusive growth, especially in developing countries. Through its leadership in renewable energy and technology, India positions itself as a proponent of a future that balances economic growth with environmental responsibility.
Future Role of BRICS
India’s vision for BRICS is to strengthen the bloc as a united voice in global governance, supporting the development aspirations of emerging economies and addressing global challenges in a fair and equitable manner.
Key Challenges in India’s Participation in BRICS
India’s participation in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it allows India to assert itself as a leading voice in global governance and collaborate with other emerging economies to push for reforms in international institutions and sustainable development. However, there are several internal and external challenges that India faces, which can affect its effectiveness within BRICS.
1. Internal Dynamics: Diverging Interests Among BRICS Members
Diverging National Interests: BRICS is a coalition of emerging economies, but the countries involved have different geopolitical interests, economic priorities, and governance models. This can lead to challenges in aligning on key issues, making it difficult for India to effectively push its agenda.
India-China Rivalry:
The India-China rivalry is one of the most significant internal challenges within BRICS.
Historical tensions: India and China have longstanding border disputes (e.g., the Doklam standoff in 2017 and the Galwan Valley clash in 2020).
Economic competition: Both countries are emerging powers with competing interests, especially in terms of trade and regional influence.
Geopolitical competition: India and China have differing visions for regional and global order, which affects their cooperation in BRICS.
Impact on BRICS: Despite being partners in BRICS, the bilateral tensions between India and China overshadow BRICS dialogues, making it challenging for India to advocate for its national security concerns while maintaining cooperation with China within the grouping.
Economic Disparities:
Economic imbalances between BRICS nations add complexity to India’s participation in the group. For example:
China’s dominance: China’s economy is far larger than any other BRICS member, which often skews the group's economic agenda.
Brazil and South Africa’s instability: These countries have faced political instability and economic downturns, which hampers their ability to contribute effectively to BRICS’ goals.
Russia's challenges: Russia's economy is heavily dependent on energy exports and has been impacted by international sanctions, which limits its economic influence in the bloc.
Divergence in Political Systems and Governance Models:
BRICS members have diverse political systems and governance models, which creates tensions in policy discussions:
India follows a democratic system, while China and Russia operate under authoritarian regimes.
Brazil and South Africa have hybrid governance models that differ from India’s.
These political differences affect consensus-building on global issues such as human rights, trade policies, and multilateral cooperation.
2. External Skepticism about BRICS' Relevance
Despite BRICS’ potential, there is growing skepticism about its effectiveness in reshaping global governance and addressing global challenges.
Perception of Ineffectiveness:
Critics argue that BRICS has failed to transform from a conceptual framework into a cohesive, influential coalition. While the goals of the grouping (e.g., reforming international institutions, addressing global economic imbalances) are ambitious, the group has struggled to achieve significant results.
Limited impact: Initiatives such as the New Development Bank and Contingent Reserve Arrangement have not lived up to their promises, weakening BRICS' ability to influence global decision-making.
Global Geopolitical Shifts:
The changing geopolitical landscape also poses a challenge for BRICS’ relevance:
Rise of other multilateral platforms: Other global forums like the G20, the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), and various regional groupings now overlap with BRICS’ agenda, which dilutes its uniqueness.
Polarization in global politics: Growing competition between the U.S. and China, and increasing tensions among major powers, has made it difficult for BRICS to present a united front.
India’s challenge: India needs to balance its role within BRICS while also participating in other multilateral platforms to safeguard its interests.
Western Criticism:
Western countries have often viewed BRICS as a challenge to the existing Western-dominated global order, particularly the United States and its allies.
This perception of BRICS as a threat has made it harder for India to leverage the forum to promote reforms in institutions like the United Nations and World Bank.
India faces the challenge of managing its relationship with BRICS without damaging its strategic ties with Western countries.
3. Managing Bilateral and Multilateral Priorities
India faces the delicate task of balancing its bilateral relationships with each BRICS member while also working within the multilateral framework of BRICS.
India-Russia Relations:
India has long maintained a strong strategic partnership with Russia, rooted in defense cooperation, trade, and diplomacy. However, Russia’s closer alignment with China in BRICS and other platforms (such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization) complicates India’s position.
Sanctions on Russia: Western sanctions on Russia have impacted India’s trade and defense ties with Russia, creating further tensions within BRICS.
India-Brazil and India-South Africa Relations:
India shares common democratic values with Brazil and South Africa, but political instability and economic challenges in both countries have hindered the depth of their bilateral cooperation.
India must navigate its relationship with Brazil and South Africa while ensuring that the grouping can work together on critical issues such as climate change, trade reforms, and sustainable development.
Bilateral vs. Multilateral: India's Engagement in BRICS and Other Platforms
India’s engagement with BRICS often overlaps with its participation in various other multilateral platforms, such as the G20, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue). These overlapping engagements create a complex balancing act for India. The challenge lies in maintaining consistency and coherence with its broader foreign policy objectives while managing the unique dynamics within each platform.
India’s growing alignment with the Quad—a group of four countries (India, the U.S., Japan, and Australia) aimed at countering China's rise—could introduce tensions in BRICS, where China plays a dominant role. India’s growing ties with Western nations through various forums must also be carefully balanced against its responsibilities in BRICS, which seeks to advance a multipolar world order.
Key Approaches for India to Strengthen BRICS Engagement
Strengthening Internal Cohesion in BRICS:
India should focus on bringing greater cohesion within BRICS by finding common ground on areas such as sustainable development, climate action, and counter-terrorism.
These areas are less prone to the political frictions between member states, providing a platform for collaboration that can reduce the impact of differences on issues like trade and diplomacy.
Strengthening these areas would not only enhance BRICS' effectiveness but also help in solidifying the group's role as an important voice in global governance.
Promoting Economic Initiatives within BRICS:
India can contribute significantly to revitalizing BRICS' economic agenda by supporting initiatives that address the developmental needs of all member states.
India can work towards strengthening initiatives like the New Development Bank (NDB), which is focused on infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies, and intra-BRICS trade and investment.
India can also play a role in reducing BRICS members’ dependence on traditional Western financial systems, like the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), which provides assistance to members facing balance-of-payments problems.
Engaging with External Partners:
India must engage with external stakeholders to enhance the perception of BRICS as a constructive and inclusive platform for global dialogue.
India can achieve a balance between its commitments to BRICS and its engagement with other countries and multilateral forums, particularly the West.
This includes working within the G20 and other global platforms to advance common goals while maintaining India’s central role in BRICS.
Leveraging Multilateral Diplomacy:
India’s diplomatic skills can help bridge the differences between BRICS members, enabling the group to present a unified front on key global issues.
India can leverage its leadership in other forums (like the G20) to supplement and strengthen its position in BRICS, ensuring that both platforms complement each other in advancing global goals.
Successes and Impacts of India’s Engagement in BRICS
India’s deep engagement in BRICS has had a profound impact across several domains. BRICS, as a platform of emerging economies, has provided opportunities for member nations to work together on economic, political, and developmental issues. India’s contributions to and benefits from BRICS can be categorized into three primary areas:
Economic Cooperation and Trade Facilitation:
New Development Bank (NDB): One of the most significant economic successes of BRICS is the creation of the New Development Bank (NDB), established in 2014, with its headquarters in Shanghai. The NDB aims to provide funding for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in member countries and other emerging economies.
India’s role: India has both contributed to and benefited from the bank, using its financial resources to implement critical infrastructure projects.
Reducing Dependence on Western Financial Systems: BRICS countries have worked together to minimize reliance on traditional Western financial systems. Initiatives like the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) have allowed members to address balance-of-payments issues without relying on institutions like the IMF.
Trade Facilitation: BRICS has made significant strides in facilitating trade among its members, aiming to harmonize trade policies and remove barriers to intra-BRICS trade.
India’s exports to BRICS countries have risen significantly, including goods such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, and IT services.
India has also benefited from raw material and machinery imports from other BRICS nations, contributing to the growth of its manufacturing and industrial sectors.
Strengthening South-South Cooperation:
Championing the Global South: India’s participation in BRICS has helped reinforce the concept of South-South Cooperation—an approach for cooperation among developing countries to address shared challenges and capitalize on mutual strengths.
Knowledge sharing: BRICS has enabled member countries to share knowledge and best practices in agriculture, public health, and education.
Health Security: India has been a key player in the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Centre, a collaborative effort to tackle health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. India has contributed to strengthening health security in BRICS nations by sharing its expertise in pharmaceutical production and public health strategies.
Agriculture and Food Security: India has promoted research and policy dialogues through initiatives like the BRICS Agricultural Research Platform, which facilitates collaboration on improving agricultural productivity, implementing sustainable practices, and addressing food security challenges.
Contributing to Alternative Global Governance Frameworks:
India’s engagement in BRICS has strengthened its role in shaping alternative global governance frameworks that are more inclusive, representative, and reflective of the interests of emerging economies.
By promoting a multipolar world order, India is helping to create a more equitable global system, balancing the influence of established powers like the U.S. and China.
India’s Contribution to Alternative Global Governance Frameworks
Challenging Traditional Global Governance:
India uses BRICS to push back against Western-dominated global institutions.
Advocates for reforms in institutions like the UNSC, WTO, and IMF.
UNSC Reforms:
India pushes for a permanent seat in the UNSC.
Calls for inclusion of developing nations in global decision-making.
New Development Bank (NDB):
The NDB, shaped by India, provides alternative financing to emerging economies.
Focuses on infrastructure and sustainable development projects.
WTO Reforms:
Advocates for fairer trade practices.
Focuses on agriculture subsidies, intellectual property, and market access for developing nations.
Global Peace and Security:
India contributes to counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and non-proliferation efforts.
Active in shaping the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy (2020).
BRICS Engagement and Broader Impacts for India
Bilateral Solidarity:
Strengthens partnerships with Brazil and South Africa via IBSA Dialogue Forum.
Provides a platform for dialogue with China and Russia despite differences.
Global Influence:
BRICS enhances India’s global stature.
India links domestic priorities with global development agendas.
Tangible Benefits for India:
Economic cooperation (e.g., New Development Bank).
South-South solidarity (e.g., BRICS Vaccine R&D Centre).
Global governance reforms (e.g., UNSC, WTO, IMF).
Future Prospects for India in BRICS
Enhancing Leadership:
Champion institutional reforms at global bodies (e.g., UN, IMF, World Bank).
Lead on sustainability through renewable energy and climate change mitigation (e.g., International Solar Alliance).
Expand digital infrastructure and cybersecurity through the Digital India program.
Addressing Geopolitical and Economic Challenges:
Navigate geopolitical complexities within BRICS, especially with China and Russia.
Overcome economic disparities within BRICS nations.
Strengthening Partnerships:
Solidify strategic partnerships with BRICS countries.
Focus on security, trade, and development cooperation.
Geopolitical and Economic Challenges
Managing India-China Relations:
Geopolitical tensions due to territorial disputes and strategic differences.
India’s approach should focus on pragmatic cooperation in areas like trade, climate change, and counter-terrorism.
India must safeguard its national interests while maintaining BRICS unity.
Economic Disparities:
BRICS nations have vastly different economic profiles, with China being the largest economy.
India can bridge this gap by fostering economic cooperation that benefits all members.
Initiatives like trade facilitation, infrastructure investment, and local currency trade can promote a more balanced economy.
Geopolitical Shifts:
New alliances and shifting global powers create challenges to BRICS unity.
India must balance its national interests with BRICS’s goals and broader multilateral frameworks (e.g., SCO).
Global Economic Instability:
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains and economies.
India can lead BRICS in efforts to build resilient supply chains, facilitate economic recovery, and prepare for future crises.
Building Relationships with BRICS to Further Global Reach
Expanding People-to-People Ties:
India can foster cultural, academic, and technological exchanges with BRICS countries to build stronger mutual understanding.
Collaboration on Global Issues:
Climate change, public health, and food security are key areas for India’s collaboration with BRICS, enhancing the group’s global leadership.
Enhancing BRICS Institutions:
India should advocate for BRICS institutions like the New Development Bank (NDB) and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) to expand their financial integration and focus on the needs of the Global South.
Engaging with Regional and Global Partners:
India can help extend BRICS’ influence by engaging with other organizations like the African Union, ASEAN, and Latin American groups.
India’s Prospects within BRICS
Leadership within BRICS:
India can play a leading role in championing institutional reforms, sustainable development, and economic cooperation.
Addressing Geopolitical and Economic Challenges:
India must balance geopolitical tensions, economic disparities, and its global partnerships to maintain BRICS' relevance.
Strengthening Partnerships for Global Influence:
India can use BRICS to further its global influence by engaging in strategic initiatives and promoting a multipolar world.
Active Participation in BRICS:
By leading reforms and addressing global challenges, India can shape a more equitable, multipolar world order through BRICS.
Conclusion
India’s foreign policy operates in a dynamic global context, requiring effective negotiation strategies and meaningful engagement with multilateral forums to address various challenges.
India uses a pragmatic and flexible negotiating style, balancing developmental needs with global expectations. This involves protecting local industries and promoting economic progress.
Focuses on sovereignty protection and addressing emerging threats, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Advocates for equitable solutions based on common but differentiated responsibilities, emphasizing sustainable development.
India shapes the BRICS agenda, focusing on economic cooperation, development financing, and global governance reforms.
Despite geopolitical tensions, divergent national priorities, and skepticism about BRICS' effectiveness, India has used the forum to strengthen its global standing, promote South-South cooperation, and advocate for reform in international institutions.
India’s foreign policy is driven by adaptive strategies and multilateral diplomacy in an ever-evolving global landscape.
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