Hindu Editorial Analysis : 12-May-2023
India’s foreign policy has undergone a significant transformation over the years. From its original policy of non-alignment during the Cold War era, India has now embraced a multi-alignment approach that seeks to balance its strategic autonomy while engaging with various global powers. This essay explores India’s multi-alignment stand, its origins, current partnerships, challenges, and potential for assuming a greater role on the international stage.
Origins of India’s Non-Alignment Stand
In the 1950s, India declared itself as a non-aligned nation, emphasizing its neutrality and refusal to align with any major power bloc during the Cold War. India played a prominent role in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), a group of 120 nations that aimed to steer clear of the great power rivalries between the United States and the Soviet Union.
India’s Current Multi-Alignment Stand
- Partnership with Russia: Following the disintegration of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, India’s alliances and groupings underwent a transformation. Today, India maintains partnerships with all major global power centers, including Russia. While the emphasis on great power rivalries has diminished, economic integration and cooperation serve as bridges between nations.
- USA & QUAD: India’s relationship with the United States and Japan has strengthened in recent years, primarily due to the shifting global order, which has become more China-centric. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) comprising Australia, India, Japan, and the United States is a testament to this evolving partnership.
- West Asia: India’s involvement in West Asia has expanded with the establishment of the I2U2 grouping, comprising India, Israel, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. Cooperation in areas such as water resources, food security, health, transportation, and space has taken center stage.
- Southeast Asian Nations: While India has a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), it has opted not to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which includes 15 East Asian and Pacific nations, including ASEAN members, Australia, New Zealand, and China. India’s decision reflects its strategic considerations.
- Eurasia: India’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a Eurasian intergovernmental organization, further demonstrates its multi-alignment strategy. The SCO’s secretariat in Beijing highlights India’s engagement with Eurasian nations.
Challenges with India’s Multi-Alignment Stand
- Condemnation of Violations: Critics argue that India’s refusal to condemn violations of international law, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or the coup in Myanmar, raises concerns. As India aspires to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its ambiguous stance on territorial aggression and human rights violations undermines its global voice.
- Limitations as a Mediator: While India’s multi-alignment approach may provide diplomatic space, it may not be sufficient to effectively mediate conflicts between nations. India’s position in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict highlights the limitations of its role as a mediator.
- Leadership in Upholding International Law: India’s low ranking in maintaining a rules-based order and upholding international law among ASEAN and other middle powers suggests room for improvement. India needs to enhance its leadership and engagement to strengthen its commitment to international norms.
- Exclusion from Regional Security Mechanisms: India’s decision to steer clear from US-led regional security mechanisms like AUKUS and 5-Eyes often goes unnoticed. This exclusion raises questions about India’s alignment priorities and its implications for its broader multi-alignment strategy.
Why In News
India’s strategic autonomy and policy of non-alignment have undergone a significant transformation, giving rise to a dynamic multi-alignment approach that enables India to engage with multiple global powers while safeguarding its own interests and independence. This evolution reflects India’s adaptability and recognition of the changing geopolitical landscape, positioning it as a key player in international affairs.
MCQs about India’s Multi-Alignment Approach
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What was the main reason behind India’s shift from non-alignment to a multi-alignment approach?
A. Changing global power dynamics and China-centric world order.
B. Pressure from major global powers to realign alliances.
C. Lack of support from traditional allies in times of conflicts.
D. Desire to join regional economic and security groupings.
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Which regional grouping does India not participate in, despite having a free trade agreement with its member nations?
A. Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
B. Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD).
C. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
D. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
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What has been a criticism of India’s multi-alignment approach?
A. Lack of condemnation for violations of international law.
B. Overreliance on regional security mechanisms.
C. Failure to establish strong partnerships in West Asia.
D. Inability to assert its leadership in Southeast Asian nations.
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What is one potential benefit of India’s rising middle power status?
A. Enhanced diplomatic space in global conflicts.
B. Greater reliance on traditional alliances.
C. Decreased engagement in regional economic partnerships.
D. Exclusion from major international organizations.
