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Charting the course beyond borders: Reflections on India’s Foreign Policy
The year 2023 witnessed India grappling with a myriad set of international events that left an indelible mark on its foreign policy landscape
PM Narendra Modi at the Quad leaders summit with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan and President Joseph Biden of the United States of America. / X/@MEAIndia
In the closing chapters of 2023, India found itself navigating a complex global landscape marked by significant international events that reverberated across its borders, shaping its foreign policy in nuanced ways.
From regional conflicts to geopolitical shifts, several key developments demanded India’s attention and strategic recalibration resulting in changed diplomatic stances and priorities.
On the regional front, the crisis in Afghanistan presented a major test for India’s foreign policy. The Taliban’s return to power raised concerns about regional stability, and India had to prudently navigate its engagement with the new Afghan leadership.
India adopted a cautious approach, given its historical ties with the Afghan people and the need to safeguard its regional interests, emphasizing the importance of an inclusive government and continued humanitarian aid. The Indian government allocated ₹200 Crores for providing assistance to Afghanistan in the 2023-24 budget.
China remained a key player in India’s foreign policy calculus. The 2020 border standoff in Eastern Ladakh continued to cast a shadow, exerting an influence on India’s strategic stance. Managing India-China relationship required deft diplomatic maneuvering, and efforts were made to engage in dialogue while safeguarding national interests.
Economic competition and geopolitical rivalry with China shaped India’s approach to regional and global affairs, and will continue to do so in the coming years.
The Indo-Pacific region emerged as a focal point for India’s foreign policy, driven by shifting geopolitical dynamics. The Quad, comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, gained momentum as a platform for regional cooperation.
The forum’s focus on ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific reflected India’s commitment to safeguarding maritime security and promoting a rules-based order in the region. Navigating the balance between its longstanding non-alignment policy and strategic partnerships, India sought to assert its influence in this critical geopolitical theater.
From an international standpoint, the Russia- Ukraine conflict had significant effects on India’s foreign policy. Indian response to the crisis was primarily influenced by domestic concerns and strategic priorities. Opting for neutrality helped in maintaining the balance between its ties with Moscow, a historic defense ally, and its commitment to international norms.
In line with global cues, the war also triggered an inflationary crisis and a slowdown in the pace of India’s economic growth. This presented a twin conundrum for India, at a time when it was slowly looking to rise above the pandemic pressure. However, both the IMF and World Bank had termed India to be a ‘bright spot’, as the Indian economy showed great resilience despite spiking repo rates, decline in exports, currency devaluation and stock market volatility.
The crisis underscored the importance of a flexible foreign policy approach in navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing global scenario.
The Israel-Hamas conflict presented a persistent challenge for India’s foreign policy throughout the year. As tensions flared in the Middle East, India was in the delicate position of managing its relations with Israel while also upholding its steadfast support for the Palestinian cause. The conflict prompted India to reiterate its call for a peaceful resolution and advocating for a two state solution.
This reflected in India’s vote in favour of the UN resolution condemning Israeli settlements in Palestine in November 2023. Navigating the intricacies of this geopolitical predicament, India maintained a nuanced approach to ensure stability in the region while safeguarditng its strategic partnerships.
Globally, The G20 summit held considerable significance in shaping India’s economic and diplomatic agenda. India’s G20 presidency provided an opportunity to articulate its priorities on the international stage, advocating for inclusive growth and cooperative strategies to address common challenges.
India’s engagement in the G20 was not only about recovery from the pandemic but also a platform to assert its role in shaping the global economic narrative. Discussions at the summit influenced India’s strategies for economic revival, trade partnerships, and addressing challenges such as climate change. The nation actively participated in forging alliances and collaborations to bolster international cooperation on different fronts.
The year 2023 witnessed India grappling with a myriad set of international events that left an indelible mark on its foreign policy landscape. The effects of pandemic, regional crises, economic challenges, and geopolitical shifts demanded adaptability and strategic foresight.
India’s diplomatic engagements reflected a steady balance between asserting its global presence and safeguarding its national interests, demonstrating the difficulties of navigating an increasingly complex global matrix. As the nation looks ahead, these experiences and lessons will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of India’s foreign policy in the years to come.
The author is from the Dept. of International Studies, Women’s Christian College, Chennai
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