India’s foreign policy dilemma revolves around the challenge of balancing its global ambitions with pressing domestic needs. As India aims to position itself as a major global player, it must navigate complex international relationships, trade agreements, and strategic alliances. At the same time, the country faces significant internal issues like poverty, infrastructure development, and economic inequality. Balancing these competing demands—expanding influence on the global stage while addressing the needs of its vast population—presents a unique challenge for India’s leadership in the coming years. This delicate balancing act shapes much of India’s foreign policy decisions today.
Tags: GS-2, IR- Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India’s Interests
Context:
- India, the fifth-largest economy navigating the complexities of international relations, faces the challenge of balancing ambitious global aspirations with pressing domestic needs, a dilemma central to its foreign policy strategy.
India’s global ambitions:
- Permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council: India aims for a permanent seat to enhance its influence in global security and international crises.
- Economic and Strategic Influence in the Indo-Pacific: India is expanding its presence in the Indo-Pacific to counter China’s hegemony.
- Leadership in Emerging Economies: India aspires to be a leading voice for emerging and developing countries by representing the Global South in various international forums.
- Meeting transnational: India aims to actively address global issues such as climate change, public health and food security.
- Representation in international financial institutions: India advocates greater decision-making powers in the World Bank and IMF to reflect the interests of developing countries.
- Military and industrial development: Strengthening military and industrial capabilities is essential for India to balance China’s influence in Asia.
- Soft power enhancement: India seeks to promote its cultural heritage and democratic values to enhance global influence.
Challenges to India’s Global Ambitions:
- Economic Constraints:
- India faces significant income disparities and a per capita income of USD 2,500, with a global GDP contribution of only 3.6%.
- This limits its influence compared to major economies like the U.S., EU, and China. Additionally, China’s investments in neighboring countries challenge India’s regional influence.
- Domestic Development Priorities: Pressing issues such as poverty alleviation and job creation require substantial resources, complicating the balance between domestic needs and international commitments.
- Regional Security Concerns: Ongoing tensions with Pakistan and border disputes with China divert focus from global engagement, compounded by instability in neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar.
- Competition with China: China’s superior economic and military capabilities pose a significant challenge, requiring India to navigate cooperation and competition in international forums.
- Limited Power Projection Capabilities: Despite military modernization, India lags in advanced military technology and force projection compared to major powers.
- Balancing Multiple Strategic Partnerships: Managing diverse relationships with the U.S., Russia, Japan, and Europe while maintaining strategic autonomy is complex, as seen in India’s stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Steps India to achieve its global ambitions:
- Permanent membership of the UN Security Council:
- India uses its G20 Presidency to participate in BRICS-like forums to achieve consensus on UN reforms with Japan and Germany as members of the 2+2 ministers in discussion in November 2023 .
- Economic reforms and policies:
- Initiatives like “Make in India” boost domestic manufacturing, while initiatives like “Digital India” promote digital transformation.
- Countries like Bhutan, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka and the UAE currently accept UPI payments.
- Diplomatic outreach:
- By adopting a “multiple alignment” strategy, India engages with global power.
- During COVID-19, it provided vaccination assistance through “Vaccine Friendship” and humanitarian assistance through Operation Sadbhav (hurricane relief) and Dost (Turkey-Syria).
- Quad and I2U2’s active participation reflects a strategic commitment to collaboration to strengthen ties with the Indian diaspora.
- Increased Regional Impact:
- As a founding member of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) launched in May 2022, India through the India-Middle East European Economic Corridor (IMEC), 2022.
- Launched in September 2023 in, improved communication and marketing There is a purpose.
- The “Neighborhood First” program focuses on development assistance to immediate neighbors, while the “Act East” and “Look West” programs build links between Southeast Asians and West Asians the depth of the
- Leadership in Emerging Economies:
- India hosted the Third Voice of the Global South Summit in March 2024, which highlighted priorities such as climate change and health Under the chairmanship of the G20, India for Africa The United Nations successfully entered as a permanent G20 member.
- Addressing transnational challenges:
- At COP28 in December 2023, India announced renewable energy targets and launched the Green Credit Initiative.
- The International Solar Association promotes global solar energy.
- India has also provided “Made-in-India” COVID-19 vaccines to more than 150 countries and has played a key role in the September 2023 G20 declaration on food security.
- Representatives in the International Monetary Fund:
- India recommends reforms in the World Bank and IMF, and urges increased voting rights for developing countries.
- Its rate of IMF Special Drawing Rights to 2.75%, and makes 8th with a large share.
- Military and technological advances:
- India test-fired the Agni-4 intercontinental ballistic missile, enhancing its intercept capability.
- In 2023-2024, defense exports reached a record Rs 21,083 crore, a growth of 32.5%.
- The successful Chandrayaan-3 mission showcased advanced space capabilities, as India promotes itself as a hub for IT services and AI.
- Soft Empowerment:
- The International Yoga Day serves as a platform for cultural exchange, while Indian cinema is recognized at major international film festivals, thereby promoting India’s rich heritage across the globe
Way forward for India’s global ambitions:
- Strengthening the foundation of the house:
- Develop policies that increase GDP growth while tackling income inequality through investment in education, health and infrastructure.
- Focus on creating employment opportunities, especially for young people, through skills development and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
- Freedom of communication:
- Maintain strategic independence while deepening partnerships with like-minded countries to safeguard India’s interests.
- Continue diplomatic efforts to support India’s membership in the UN Permanent Security Council and use the G20 and BRICS to promote its cause.
- Use India’s position to bridge the divide between developed and developing countries and promote inclusive dialogue
- Department of Finance and Strategy:
- Expand trade and defense partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and increase participation in regional initiatives such as IPEF to counter China’s influence.
- Increase investment in R&D in emerging technologies (e.g. AI and renewable energy) to increase competitiveness. The recent partnership with Singapore in the semiconductor ecosystem is a step in this direction.
- Promoting soft power and cultural change:
- Promote cultural exchange through events such as International Yoga Day, sister city events and global Indian art and film screenings to promote goodwill.
- Use the Indian diaspora as cultural ambassadors to strengthen ties with host countries.
- Addressing global challenges:
- Advance the goal of sustainable development and climate action by putting India at the forefront of renewable energy and climate resilience.
- Build on initiatives like Vaccine Friendship to strengthen global health partnerships and enhance India’s role in international public health governance.
- Strengthening community relationships:
- Continue to refine the “community first” strategy to promote stability and cooperation through development assistance and joint ventures.
- revitalizing regional forums such as SAARC and exploring new avenues of cooperation in South Asia to enhance connectivity and trade.
- To enhance relations with West Asian countries through trade, defense and cultural exchanges in order to develop comprehensive regional policies.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
Q:1 Consider the following statements: (2016)
- The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.
- The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (a)
Mains:
Q. Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN Security Council.(2015)
Source: BS
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