IGNOUMATIC

India’s foreign policy is shaped by a variety of theoretical approaches, two of the most prominent being Realism and Interdependence. Both approaches offer different perspectives on how India navigates its relations with other countries, balancing national interests, security, and economic growth in a globalized world.

Realist Approach:

Realism in international relations emphasizes the centrality of power and the pursuit of national interest, primarily security, in a world where states act as rational actors seeking to maximize their power and security. In the context of India’s foreign policy, the Realist approach can be seen in the country’s emphasis on maintaining sovereignty, securing its territorial integrity, and ensuring its strategic autonomy in an increasingly multipolar world.

The Realist perspective suggests that India’s foreign policy is shaped by its need to secure its national interest in a world that is often seen as anarchic and competitive. In this view, India must maintain a robust military capacity to deter external threats, particularly from neighboring countries like Pakistan and China. The India-China border dispute, the nuclear deterrence strategy with Pakistan, and the focus on strengthening defense alliances (such as with the United States, Russia, and other regional powers) can all be explained by a Realist understanding of India’s need to maintain a balance of power in the region.

Realism also manifests in India’s stance on non-alignment during the Cold War, which was based on the idea of preserving autonomy in decision-making, free from the influence of superpower blocs. Realists argue that India’s pursuit of strategic partnerships, such as its ties with the United States post-Cold War and its longstanding military relationship with Russia, stems from the need to secure its position in a turbulent global order.

Interdependence Approach:

While Realism focuses on power and security, the Interdependence approach, popularized by scholars like Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye, emphasizes the growing interconnectedness of states in the globalized world. Interdependence theory suggests that states increasingly rely on each other for economic prosperity, environmental protection, technology transfer, and addressing global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and pandemics. This approach advocates for cooperation, diplomacy, and multilateralism as the key tools for fostering peace and stability.

For India, the Interdependence approach is evident in its focus on economic diplomacy, trade partnerships, and participation in international organizations. India’s foreign policy reflects a growing recognition that global cooperation is essential for achieving long-term economic and social goals. India’s increasing involvement in international trade agreements, such as those under the World Trade Organization (WTO), its participation in forums like BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), and its engagement in multilateral institutions like the United Nations (UN), illustrate its commitment to interdependence.

India’s “Act East” policy, aimed at enhancing ties with Southeast Asia and East Asia, is another example of how India is embracing interdependence. This policy focuses on economic integration, regional security cooperation, and cultural exchanges, all of which align with the idea that states benefit from mutual cooperation in a globalized economy.

The increasing importance of environmental sustainability, such as India’s engagement in the Paris Climate Agreement, also aligns with interdependence. India’s foreign policy has progressively integrated climate change, technology sharing, and energy cooperation as crucial components of international relations, as these issues transcend national borders and require collective action.

Comparative Analysis:

While Realism and Interdependence represent different perspectives, India’s foreign policy integrates elements of both. The Realist approach remains important in terms of security concerns and the strategic autonomy India seeks in its international relations. However, the country’s economic interests and participation in global governance mechanisms reflect the increasing importance of interdependence in shaping its policies.

India’s foreign policy today is not merely a balance between power politics and cooperative diplomacy but an intricate blend of both. The strategic autonomy that India seeks, alongside its active participation in international trade, climate negotiations, and regional multilateralism, demonstrates that India’s foreign policy is driven by the dual imperatives of securing its national interests and adapting to the globalized environment. In conclusion, the Realist approach underscores the importance of security and sovereignty, which will always remain central to India’s foreign policy, while the Interdependence approach highlights the growing importance of cooperation, trade, and global governance. As India continues to emerge as a global power, it will likely continue to adopt a hybrid approach, combining elements of both theories to navigate the complexities of contemporary international relations.