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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India after its independence in 1947 had a broad foreign policy orientation till the end of 1980's by being 'Non Aligned' which meant not to be either aligned or against any superpower and maintaining strategic confrontation with both the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R. although being ambivalent towards theRead more
India after its independence in 1947 had a broad foreign policy orientation till the end of 1980’s by being ‘Non Aligned’ which meant not to be either aligned or against any superpower and maintaining strategic confrontation with both the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R. although being ambivalent towards the global ideology till cold war. Further India strongly walked on the principles of anti- imperialism, anti- racism, anti- colonialism and focused on peaceful coexistence (panchsheel) and global stability.
With the rise of globalisation in the 1980’s during Rajiv Gandhi’s era, India walked into the path of pro liberalisation and capitalism by adopting an open market economy and strengthening ties with the western powers. With the launch of “Look East” policy, India turned into a big-power in the South Asian region, forming regional organisation (allies). With this India adopted the policy of “Multi Alignment” or “Strategic Autonomy” which is an extension of “Non Alignment”, this continues till present. India thus finds itself to be “viswa guru” by maintaining friendly ties with all the countries.
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