British colonial policies in India profoundly impacted traditional socio-economic structures and cultural practices. Economically, the introduction of the land revenue systems, such as the Permanent Settlement, disrupted agrarian relations. These policies favored landlords and resulted in widespreadRead more
British colonial policies in India profoundly impacted traditional socio-economic structures and cultural practices. Economically, the introduction of the land revenue systems, such as the Permanent Settlement, disrupted agrarian relations. These policies favored landlords and resulted in widespread peasant exploitation and poverty. The commercialization of agriculture shifted the focus from subsistence farming to cash crops, leading to food shortages and famines.
The traditional artisan industries suffered under British rule due to the influx of cheap, machine-made goods from Britain. This deindustrialization caused widespread unemployment and economic dislocation among skilled artisans. The introduction of railways and telegraphs, while modernizing India’s infrastructure, primarily served British economic interests, facilitating resource extraction and market integration for British goods.
Culturally, British policies and education systems aimed at creating a class of English-educated Indians who could assist in administration. This led to the erosion of traditional educational institutions and a shift in societal values. The imposition of Western legal systems undermined indigenous legal practices and social norms. However, the exposure to Western ideas also sparked a renaissance in Indian thought, leading to social reform movements and the eventual rise of nationalism.
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India's current foreign policy towards China is a combination of collaboration and cutthroat competition with strategic hedging from it. Ties between the two countries have been strained, especially after a border standoff in 2020. While such initiatives have aimed to thaw ties, disagreements over sRead more
India’s current foreign policy towards China is a combination of collaboration and cutthroat competition with strategic hedging from it. Ties between the two countries have been strained, especially after a border standoff in 2020. While such initiatives have aimed to thaw ties, disagreements over substantial issues like territorial disputes—China is sending out some heavy artillery in South Asia as well —and India’s strategic partnerships with the US ensure that problems will endure.
India has adopted a composite strategy that combines diplomacy and force in dealing with China. On the other, multilateral forums like the SCO and BRICS where it is involved with China on several issues. On the other side, India has bolstered its border defenses and stepped up strategic alignments with China wary like USA and Japan.
The Russia-Ukraine war has brought a new dimension and problem to India’s foreign policy. India, however, has struck a cautious note by refraining from naming Russia and instead called for dialogue & respect of sovereignty besides maintaining strategic neutrality. This policy shift has its roots in India’s traditional closeness to Russia, notably in defence and energy. Of course, India could not afford to go out against Western powers particularly the United States which has left a great influence on their neutrality.
India is of course more broadly influenced by its strategic calculus concerning China as well, within the dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine war. India aims to maintain a stable relationship with China – not only is it engaged in the Quad that seeks to balance an overbearing Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region, but India also concedes that escalation will be detrimental.
The pragmatic nature of India’s foreign policy is evident in the manner it navigates through the complexity inherent in part due to its security interests and strategic interests. Its stance on the (Russia-Ukraine war and Chinese ties are guided by its strategy to preserve autonomy in a multipolar world.
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