Hindu Editorial Analysis : 8-December-2023

India, as a key player in South Asia, is confronted with various dilemmas that demand innovative solutions to avoid geopolitical entanglements. Failure to address these challenges may result in an unfriendly South Asia.

Anti-India Regimes: Rising Threats in South Asia
  • The emergence of politically anti-India regimes, such as in the Maldives, raises concerns about the presence of Indian troops.
  • Bangladesh, led by Khaleda Zia, planning elections, poses a potential ideological threat to India.
Growing Influence of China: Structural Challenges
  • China’s expanding influence in South Asia through the Belt and Road Initiative and other projects poses a structural dilemma for India.
  • China’s border dispute resolution strategy, excluding India, aims to win over the region, creating challenges for India.
India’s One-Track Policy Approach: A Status Quo Bias
  • India’s policy stance exhibits a status quo bias, limiting its effectiveness in dealing with the region’s complex domestic politics.
  • A one-track policy may alienate other power centers and opposition leaders, hindering diplomatic progress.
Asia Minus Pakistan Approach: Unfulfilled Expectations
  • The belief in an approach excluding Pakistan from South Asia has not yielded the anticipated geopolitical benefits for India.
  • A retrospective analysis reveals that this policy did not unfold as imagined.
Liability of ‘Cultural’ Aspect: Unintended Consequences
  • India’s cultural connection, rooted in history and ethnicity, was expected to enhance diplomatic relations but has become a liability, according to experts.
  • Cultural ties may have limited India’s adaptability in foreign policy.
Causes of Rise of China Vis-à-vis India: Understanding the Shift
  • China’s rise acts as a geopolitical buffer for smaller states in South Asia, providing material support that India struggles to match.
  • China’s non-resident power status allows it to avoid complications arising from being a resident power in the region.

Reaching Crisis-Hit Regions: China’s Outreach Advantage

  • China’s deeper pockets enable significant outreach to crisis-hit regions like Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, surpassing India’s impact.
  • The financial capability of China amplifies its influence in areas where international aid falls short.
Suggestions & Way Ahead: Charting a New Course

Acknowledging Changing Dynamics: A Realistic Approach

  • India must acknowledge the fundamental shift in South Asia’s power balance, recognizing the influence of China.
  • A realistic and pragmatic framing of India’s role is crucial to navigate the current geopolitical landscape.

Need for More Diplomats: Addressing Shortages

  • India faces a critical shortage of diplomats, hindering the effective implementation of its foreign policy.
  • Increasing the diplomatic workforce is essential as India’s role in global affairs expands.

Befriending External Actors: Collaborative Diplomacy

  • New Delhi should actively seek involvement from friendly external actors to counter the growing influence of China.
  • Engaging with a diverse range of external partners is crucial to prevent the region from becoming solely Sino-centric.

Flexible Diplomacy: Adapting to Change

  • Indian diplomacy must be flexible, engaging with multiple actors in neighboring countries.
  • The goal should be to reduce anti-India sentiment rather than adopting a confrontational approach.
Why In News

According to experts, there are a few dilemmas that India faces in the neighbourhood. Additionally, it is crucial for India to actively pursue diplomatic initiatives and foster cooperative relationships in the region, as failure to do so may result in being geopolitically locked in within an unfriendly South Asia.

MCQs about Navigating India’s Geopolitical Landscape

  1. What is identified as a potential ideological threat to India in South Asia?
    A. China’s growing influence
    B. The Belt and Road Initiative
    C. Rise of anti-India regimes in the Maldives and Bangladesh
    D. India’s one-track policy approach
    Correct Answer: C. Rise of anti-India regimes in the Maldives and Bangladesh
    Explanation: The rise of politically anti-India regimes in the Maldives and the potential threat posed by a Khaleda Zia-led government in Bangladesh.
  2. What structural challenge does India face in the neighborhood due to China’s actions?
    A. Cultural biases
    B. One-track policy approach
    C. Rising anti-India sentiment
    D. Growing influence of China and the Belt and Road Initiative
    Correct Answer: D. Growing influence of China and the Belt and Road Initiative
    Explanation: The structural challenge arising from China’s growing influence in South Asia through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative.
  3. Why has India’s cultural connection with the region been considered a liability?
    A. It has led to a rise in anti-India regimes
    B. Cultural ties limit India’s adaptability in foreign policy
    C. It has strained relations with China
    D. The cultural approach has failed to gain support from neighboring nations
    Correct Answer: B. Cultural ties limit India’s adaptability in foreign policy
    Explanation: India’s cultural connection has become a liability as it limits adaptability in foreign policy.
  4. What is suggested as a crucial strategy for India to counter the possibility of the region becoming Sino-centric?
    A. Embracing a one-track policy
    B. Acknowledging the changing dynamics in the region
    C. Excluding Pakistan from regional engagements
    D. Relying solely on cultural ties
    Correct Answer: B. Acknowledging the changing dynamics in the region
    Explanation: India needs to acknowledge the fundamental shift in South Asia’s power balance as a strategy to counter the growing influence of China.

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