The goal of India’s Foreign Policy is to create an environment where India can safeguard its National Interests while at the same time promoting greater level of Peace, Development and Cooperation at the Global Level. Over the years India has made many significant decisions to develop India’s Image as a Global Power through Diplomatic relations; these relationships are based on a combination of Idealism and Realism. The importance of this combination of Idealism and Realism in regard to India’s size and population and also due to the numerous Strategic Challenges facing the Country provides a solid foundation for India’s efforts to further cement its position in the Global Community.
1. Strategic Autonomy as the Core Principle
The basis of India’s foreign policy has been to maintain its strategic autonomy. This means that India does not position itself with any of the three dominant geopolitical influences on the globe, such as Russia, China or the U.S., but rather chooses to act independently based on its own national interest. India is able to maintain strong diplomatic ties with multiple nations at once without becoming dependent upon any of them because of its independent stance.
2. Relations with the United States
Over last few years, United States and India have worked to increase links across several sectors, including security, technology, trade and education. The development of defence co-operation agreements and military exercises has improved India’s capacity in modernising its military capabilities. However, India is very cautious not to allow it’s partnership with the United States’ to cause limits to its freedom of action with respect to world issues in global matters . In general, the basis of their relationship is based upon mutual democratic values and common security interests in relation to the Indo-Pacific region.
3. Continued Partnership with Russia
Despite global tensions, India has continued its strong relationship with Russia. In addition, Russia has always been one of India’s key supplier of Defence materials/equipment, and Energy Provider. Through this diplomatic engagement with Russia, India is again demonstrating its desire for an independent foreign policy, as this level of balance aids in meeting India’s long-term Defence needs and Strategic Responsibilities.
4. Managing a Complex Relationship with China
India maintains a complicated relationship of both cooperation and competition with China. They trade cooperatively with Chinese enterprises under multilateral forums and engage in cooperative multilateral forums with them but also have serious disputes regarding border areas. Thus far, India has adopted a proactive diplomatic approach regarding the protection of India’s territorial integrity while remaining open to diplomatic channels. Developing regional partnerships and improving border infrastructure constitute two main areas of concern in India’s broader strategy toward China.
5. Neighbourhood First Policy
India places great importance on developing relations with countries that are immediate neighbours and has developed a foreign policy titled the “Neighbourhood First Policy”. The intent of this strategy is to build trust between India and neighbouring countries via active economic co-operation as well as creating a basis for sustainable and stable regional development. Part of this strategy includes assisting neighbours with various forms of financial aid (including development assistance), humanitarian aid, or responding to natural disasters. India’s stability and safety are at risk and accordingly India views stable and peaceful neighbours to be critical to their own safety and economic prosperity.
6. Act East Policy
Through the Act East Policy, India has enhanced its connection with Southeast Asia and East Asia.This Act intended to maintain strong ties with ASEAN countries, Japan, South Korea, and Australia and create new economic opportunities. In particular, the regional focus of the Act East Policy supports the development of economic and trade relations, cultural exchange, security, and sustainable business development between India and Southeast Asia; it also includes a commitment from India to act as an equalizing force against emerging regional powers.
7. Indo-Pacific Engagement
Indo-Pacific Engagement India considers the Indo-Pacific a region wherein it has vital interests. Accordingly, India is working with other countries committed to espousing principles such as freedom of navigation, adherence to international law, and peaceful resolution of disputes, as part of its commitment to being a significant regional player through mechanisms such as the Quad.
8. Global South Leadership
India represents itself as a strong voice of the Global South. Through raising issues like climate justice, sustainable development, and fair global governance. India attempts to make international institutions more inclusive, which subsequently enhances India’s moral and diplomatic influence.
9. Multilateral Diplomacy
India participates in many international forums including United Nations (UN), the Group of Twenty (G20), BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Multilateral diplomacy gives India the opportunity to advocate reform of these global institutions and for continued financial representation of developing nations. Hosting major international summits has helped strengthen India as a diplomatic player.
Conclusion
India’s diplomatic decisions demonstrate a careful balance between national interest and global responsibility. By following strategic autonomy, strengthening partnerships, managing challenges, and supporting the developing countries, deepening partnerships, managing challenges facing developing countries, India continues to shape a foreign policy that is pragmatic, flexible, and forward-looking.
