India’s worldview has undergone a significant transformation over the past few decades, shaped by its historical experience, geopolitical realities, and economic imperatives. India’s foreign policy is influenced by its diverse cultural heritage, the desire for regional stability, and its aspirations to play a more prominent role in global governance. The key elements of India’s worldview can be understood through its emphasis on sovereignty, non-interference, multilateralism, and its commitment to achieving strategic autonomy.
Historical Context:
India’s foreign policy, particularly during the early years of independence under Jawaharlal Nehru, was driven by a commitment to non-alignment and peace. Non-alignment was not merely a diplomatic stance but a reflection of India’s determination to avoid entanglement in the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. India sought to remain independent in its foreign policy decisions, promoting a world order based on the principles of justice, equality, and respect for sovereignty.
Strategic Autonomy:
In the post-Cold War era, India’s focus shifted toward enhancing its strategic autonomy. This meant increasing its flexibility in global alliances and partnerships while remaining true to its national interests. India’s membership in various multilateral forums such as BRICS, G20, and the United Nations, as well as its pursuit of close ties with regional powers like Japan and Australia, reflect this strategy.
Regional and Global Aspirations:
India’s worldview also emphasizes regional security and economic integration. India perceives its security environment to be influenced by the stability and prosperity of its neighbors, especially in South Asia. However, it also aims to balance its regional interests with global aspirations, advocating for reforms in global institutions, including the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), to reflect the changing dynamics of global power.
In recent years, India has increasingly engaged in the Indo-Pacific region, seeking to counter China’s growing influence and asserting itself as a major player in the evolving global order. India’s “Act East” policy, along with its closer relations with the United States and other countries in the region, reflects this evolving worldview.
2. Explain the Realist and Interdependence Approaches to the Study of India’s Foreign Policy
The study of India’s foreign policy is often analyzed through different theoretical lenses, with Realism and Interdependence being two prominent approaches. These approaches offer distinct perspectives on the nature of international relations and the role of India within them.
Realist Approach:
Realism in international relations emphasizes the role of power and national interest in shaping foreign policy. According to this perspective, the international system is anarchic, and states must rely on their military and economic power to ensure their security and survival. The realist perspective on India’s foreign policy focuses on the balance of power and the quest for security, especially in the context of India’s relations with its neighbors and global powers.
From a realist perspective, India’s foreign policy is driven by its national security concerns, particularly in relation to its long-standing territorial dispute with Pakistan and the growing strategic rivalry with China. India’s military modernization, its strategic partnerships with the United States, Russia, and Japan, and its role in regional security initiatives such as the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) all align with realist principles of power balancing.
Interdependence Approach:
In contrast, the Interdependence approach highlights the importance of economic and social ties in shaping international relations. This approach suggests that states are increasingly interconnected through trade, technology, environmental concerns, and global governance structures. As a result, international cooperation and diplomacy become more important than military power in maintaining peace and security.
India’s foreign policy under the interdependence lens emphasizes its increasing economic and diplomatic ties with the global community. India’s active participation in international organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO), its growing trade relations with countries in the European Union, and its leadership in climate change negotiations under the Paris Agreement reflect this perspective. The Interdependence approach underscores India’s role in fostering global cooperation and addressing transnational challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and public health.
Both the Realist and Interdependence approaches offer valuable insights into the complexities of India’s foreign policy, with the former focusing on strategic considerations and the latter emphasizing the importance of global cooperation and economic engagement.