India’s global rise and its Regional Decline – UPSC

India’s ascent on the global stage has been marked by significant strides in various arenas, positioning itself as a formidable player in the international arena. With a burgeoning economy, burgeoning population, and burgeoning technological prowess, India has emerged as a pivotal actor in global geopolitics, economic forums, and cultural exchanges. However, amidst this global ascent, India grapples with challenges within its own region, experiencing a decline in certain aspects of its regional influence and stability. Factors such as unresolved territorial disputes, internal conflicts, and strained relations with neighboring countries present hurdles to India’s quest for regional hegemony. Thus, while India’s global rise is undeniable, its regional decline poses complex challenges that necessitate careful navigation and strategic recalibration.

Context:  

• The paradox of India’s modern foreign policy resides in its ascension on the global stage amidst a diminishing regional influence, stemming from shifts in power dynamics relative to China, and evolving geopolitical terrains in South Asia. 

The reasons behind India’s global rise:  

1. Economic Growth: India’s robust economic growth (6% to 7%)  and 5th GDP ranking enhance its global influence. It attracts multinational investments, especially in technology and consumer goods, boosting its stature. 
2. Strategic Partnerships: India’s alliances, like with the United States, foster collaborations in defence, technology, and counterterrorism. Participation in forums like BRICS and the G20 enables engagement on global issues. 
3. Diplomatic Outreach: India’s active diplomacy, such as the “Act East” policy, deepens engagement in the Asia-Pacific, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, broadening its global presence. 
4. Soft Power: India’s cultural richness, including Bollywood, yoga, and cuisine, enhances its soft power globally, attracting interest and fostering understanding. 
5. Tech and Innovation Hub: India’s thriving IT sector and startup ecosystem position it as a hub for technological expertise. Contributions in software development, AI, and renewable energy solidify its reputation as a global tech powerhouse. 

The factors that have led to decline in India’s regional power:  

1. Rise of Competitors: The emergence of China as a dominant regional player has challenged India’s influence in South Asia. China’s economic investments, infrastructure projects, and diplomatic initiatives in neighbouring countries have sometimes overshadowed India’s presence. 
2. Internal Challenges: India’s internal challenges, including economic disparities, social issues, and governance inefficiencies, have diverted attention and resources away from regional engagement and power projection. 
3. Geopolitical Dynamics: The complex geopolitical landscape in South Asia, marked by historical rivalries, unresolved territorial disputes, and regional conflicts, has hindered India’s efforts to assert its influence and maintain stability. 
4. Neighbouring Relations: Strained relations with some neighbouring countries, such as Pakistan and Nepal, have limited India’s ability to effectively shape regional dynamics and promote cooperation on shared issues. 
5. Security Concerns: Persistent security threats, including cross-border terrorism and insurgencies, have necessitated a focus on internal security and defence, diverting resources from regional engagement and power projection. 
6. Diplomatic Challenges: Diplomatic challenges, such as limited multilateral engagement and occasional diplomatic setbacks, have constrained India’s ability to effectively leverage its regional influence and address common challenges. 

India faces several challenges in South Asia: 

1. Rise of China: China’s increasing influence poses a significant challenge to India’s regional dominance. As China’s power grows, it shifts the balance in South Asia, challenging India’s position and leading to geopolitical competition for influence. 
2. Shift in Regional Dynamics: The presence of China in South Asia, combined with the United States’ reduced engagement in the region, has altered the regional power dynamics. This shift creates a competitive environment for influence, impacting India’s ability to maintain its dominance. 
3. Strategies of Smaller South Asian Nations: India’s smaller neighbours are adopting diverse strategies, including balancing, bargaining, hedging, and bandwagoning, in response to changing power dynamics. Many of these countries view China as a potential counterbalance to India, complicating India’s relationships in the region. 
4. Obsolescence of South Asia as a Geopolitical Construct: The traditional concept of South Asia as a coherent geopolitical entity is becoming outdated. This shift challenges India’s historical dominance in the region, as new geopolitical realities emerge 

India can take several strategic steps to address the challenges it faces in South Asia: 

1. Revisiting Traditional Conceptions: India should reassess its traditional views of the region and update its approach to maintain its dominance in South Asia. This might involve adapting to new geopolitical realities and evolving regional dynamics. 
2. Accepting Changing Realities: Recognizing and accepting the shifts in the region’s geopolitics is essential for India to effectively address the challenges it encounters. This involves understanding the implications of China’s rise and adjusting strategies accordingly. 
3. Focus on Strengths: Instead of attempting to match China’s capabilities in every aspect, India should focus on leveraging its own strengths. Reclaiming traditional assets, such as its cultural heritage, can enhance India’s soft power and influence in the region. 
4. Leveraging Maritime Advantages: Given the challenges in its continental strategy, India should capitalise on its maritime advantages in the Indo-Pacific. Enhancing trade, forming minilateralism, and building issue-based coalitions can strengthen India’s position in the region. 
5. Engaging with Smaller South Asian Neighbours: India should actively engage with its smaller South Asian neighbours to counter China’s regional influence. Including them in Indo-Pacific strategic discussions and strengthening partnerships with key players like Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Bangladesh can help mitigate China’s influence. 
6. Adopting a Non-India Centric Approach: India should be open to viewing the region through a non-India centric lens and collaborating with external partners to address common challenges in the Indian Ocean and South Asia. This approach signals India’s willingness to work with friendly nations to promote regional stability and security. 

Conclusion:     

Hence, Indian foreign policy needs to adeptly manoeuvre through the intricacies of its ascending global stature and declining regional influence. India should prioritise enhancing cooperation and collaboration initiatives like SAARC and promoting bilateral partnerships with individual South Asian countries.. 

Source:    (TH) 

FAQs

Q: How has India’s global influence grown in recent years?

India’s global influence has grown significantly in recent years, driven by its expanding economy, diplomatic initiatives, and strategic partnerships. It has emerged as a key player in international forums such as the G20, BRICS, and SCO. Additionally, India’s growing presence in sectors like technology, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy has enhanced its soft power and economic clout on the global stage.

Q: What factors have contributed to India’s regional decline despite its global rise?

Despite its global rise, India has faced challenges in its regional neighborhood. Factors contributing to its regional decline include unresolved territorial disputes, strained relations with neighboring countries like Pakistan and China, internal conflicts, and economic disparities within South Asia. These challenges have hindered India’s efforts to exert influence and maintain stability in its immediate vicinity.

Q: How has India’s relationship with China impacted its regional standing?

India’s relationship with China plays a crucial role in determining its regional standing. While both countries have cooperated on certain economic and multilateral issues, they also have longstanding border disputes and strategic rivalries. Tensions, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), have periodically escalated, impacting regional stability and India’s relations with neighboring countries aligned with China.

Q: What steps is India taking to address its regional challenges?

India is pursuing various strategies to address its regional challenges. This includes strengthening diplomatic ties through initiatives like the “Neighborhood First” policy, promoting economic integration through projects such as the International North-South Transport Corridor, enhancing defense capabilities, and fostering cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Additionally, India is engaging in regional forums like SAARC and BIMSTEC to address common issues and promote regional cooperation.

Q: How does India balance its global aspirations with regional concerns?

Balancing global aspirations with regional concerns is a complex task for India. While it seeks to enhance its global stature and influence, it also recognizes the importance of maintaining stability and cooperation in its immediate neighborhood. India adopts a multi-faceted approach, engaging in dialogue and cooperation with regional partners while actively participating in global initiatives that align with its interests. However, achieving this balance requires careful diplomacy, economic development, and strategic engagement to address both global and regional priorities effectively.

In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901. 

For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here

For Daily Updates and Study Material:

Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS

• 1. Learn through Videos – here
• 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
• 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
• 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here

Visit our YouTube Channel – here