THE CONTEXT: Indian voters have switched to coalition mode for their national government, and the compulsions of collectivism will affect policy matters, including foreign relations. Despite this, much foreign policy remains a continuum, with political consensus often prevailing on issues of utmost national interest. However, coalition compulsions could lead to a less risk-taking approach, tempering the distinctive BJP flavor to reflect the diversity within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
THE ISSUES:
- Compulsions of Collectivism: Coalition politics often necessitate compromises, making foreign policy less risk-taking and more reflective of the diverse interests within the coalition. This can temper the distinctiveness of any party’s foreign policy agenda, such as the BJP’s.
- Regional Interests: Regional parties can influence foreign policy, especially when their interests are directly affected. For instance, Tamil parties have historically influenced India’s policy towards Sri Lanka due to concerns about the Tamil population there.
- Complex Global Environment: The global landscape is becoming more complex, with ongoing conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict impacting India’s foreign policy priorities. These conflicts influence India’s strategic decisions, such as maintaining neutrality in the Ukraine conflict to balance relations with both Russia and the West.
- China’s Ambitions: China’s growing geopolitical ambitions in India’s neighborhood pose a significant challenge. India’s strategy involves balancing cooperation and competition with China while strengthening ties with other regional and global powers.
- Geo-Economic Foreign Policy: Economic considerations are increasingly driving India’s foreign policy. Managing economic pressures and seizing opportunities has led to a more pragmatic and strategic approach to international relations.
- Energy Security: India’s energy needs, particularly its reliance on oil imports, significantly influence its foreign policy. Despite Western pressure, the country has been buying discounted Russian oil to mitigate the economic impact of the Ukraine war.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Strengthening Coalition Diplomacy: Enhance intra-coalition consultation mechanisms to ensure a unified foreign policy stance that reflects the diverse interests of coalition partners. Establish formal channels for regular consultations among coalition partners on foreign policy issues to build consensus and avoid conflicting positions. Utilize the regional expertise of smaller coalition partners to inform and shape foreign policy decisions, particularly on issues that directly impact their constituencies.
- Navigating Geopolitical Tensions: Continue the realpolitik approach in dealing with the Russia-Ukraine conflict, balancing relations with Russia and the West to safeguard India’s strategic interests. Actively participate in multilateral forums like BRICS, G20, and the Quad to strengthen India’s global standing and influence. Maintain strategic autonomy by diversifying defense and economic partnerships, reducing over-reliance on any single country.
- Enhancing Economic Diplomacy: Focus on economic diplomacy to drive growth and secure India’s position as a critical player in the emerging world order. Expand and deepen trade agreements with key partners like the UAE and Japan to boost economic ties and attract investment. Leverage initiatives like ‘Make in India’ to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities. Develop and promote economic corridors like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) to improve connectivity and trade.
- Addressing Regional Security Concerns: Revive and strengthen regional frameworks to ensure a stable and peaceful neighborhood. Work towards reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to foster regional cooperation and address common security challenges. Enhance counter-terrorism cooperation with neighboring countries and key partners to address security threats. Engage in sustained diplomatic efforts with China to manage border tensions and prevent escalation.
- Fostering Strategic Partnerships: Partner with key countries to enhance India’s global influence and address common challenges. Build on the solid foundation of India-UAE relations by exploring new areas of cooperation in technology, renewable energy, and defense. Revitalize the India-Japan partnership by focusing on economic, technological, and security collaboration, leveraging the complementarities between the two economies. Position India as a leading voice of the Global South by advocating for equitable global governance and addressing development challenges.
THE CONCLUSION:
In every likelihood, the new government needs a big bang moment on the foreign policy front — this is important to send the message (both domestically and internationally) that though India now has a coalition government, India’s foreign policy resolve is as sharp as ever. The new government’s economic policies will directly affect the scope of its foreign policy, necessitating a renewed focus on transformative relationships and regional frameworks to ensure a peaceful periphery for India.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q.1 What is meant by the Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss. 2013
Q.2 Regarding India — Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. 2013
Q.3 India’s energy security is essential to its economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries. 2017
Q.4 The time has come for India and Japan to build a solid contemporary relationship involving global and strategic partnership that will have great significance for Asia and the world.’ Comment. 2019
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1 Discuss the impact of coalition politics on India’s foreign policy, particularly in the context of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. How do ongoing global conflicts and regional dynamics influence India’s foreign policy priorities? Illustrate your answer with examples from India’s relations with major international powers and neighboring countries.
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