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Have there been changes in India’s foreign policy?

Why in the News?

On the geopolitical and diplomatic stage, 2022 was a difficult year, especially following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

India’s way of  handling the Ukraine Crisis:

• Following Non-Alignment Policy:
  • As the conflict in Ukraine grew more divisive between the United States and the European Union on the one hand, and Russia on the other, the administration clarified its definition of “non-alignment” in an effort to maintain equilibrium.
  • The Indian Prime Minister, on the one hand, refused to accept western sanctions, increased military and oil trade with Russia, and sought rupee-based payment mechanisms to facilitate them. On the other hand, he expressed his displeasure with the war directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin with the words “This era is not for war.”
• Refusing to Vote on the Resolution:
  • Most importantly, India made the decision to abstain from voting in more than a dozen resolutions at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Human Rights Commission, and other multilateral platforms that sought to condemn Russia for the invasion and humanitarian crisis.
  • According to the Indian Foreign Policy, India’s foreign policy is determined by its own national interests, and those who anticipated India to support a certain cause are told, “Tough luck if our policies do not fulfil your expectations.”

What were the Other Highlights in Foreign Policy in 2022?

• Returning to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs):
  • After a pause of several years during which time India called for a review of all FTAs, cancelled all bilateral investment treaties (BITs), and withdrew from the 15-nation Asian Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, India returned to FTAs in 2022. (RCEP).
  • India concluded trade pacts with the UAE and Australia in 2022, and it intends to advance negotiations with the EU, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Canada, among others.
• Joining US led IPEF:
  • India also joined the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Forum (IPEF), although it later decided to stay out of trade talks.

What about Ties with Neighbours?

• Sri Lanka:
  • India’s foreign policy was marked by economic assistance to Sri Lanka in the midst of its collapse.
• Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal:
  • India’s foreign policy is characterised by regional energy and trade agreements with Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal that may lead to the emergence of a South Asian energy grid.
• Central Asian countries:
  • India has improved its connectivity with Central Asian nations.
    • Indian efforts to resurrect the long-stalled Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India (TAPI) pipeline project have resumed.
    • India also talked about how to utilise the International North-South Transport Corridor to its best advantage (INSTC).
    • Additionally, steps have been underway to operationalize Iran’s Chabahar port, which can offer Central Asian nations a safe, viable, and unobstructed route to the sea.
    • In order to improve connectivity between India and Central Asian nations, the Ashgabat Agreement on International Transport and Transit Corridor (ITTC) was also considered.
  • Afghanistan and Myanmar:
    • By establishing a “technical mission” in Kabul and dispatching the foreign secretary to Myanmar to talk about border cooperation, the government maintained communication with oppressive regimes like the Myanmar Junta and the Taliban in Afghanistan.
    • India chose not to participate in a UNSC vote earlier in December 2022 that demanded Myanmar put an end to the violence and release political prisoners.
  • Iran and Pakistan:
    • India has refrained from criticising Iran, where thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest the assassination of an activist.
    • However, relations with Pakistan are still sour, and there will be a major showdown between the two countries’ foreign ministers at the UN in December 2022.

LAC-China Standoff Issue:

• An unsuccessful Chinese PLA assault to seize Indian installations at Yangtse in Arunachal Pradesh concluded the year, portending more severe fighting in 2023, despite a visit by China’s foreign minister to Delhi and disengagement at several stand-off areas.
• Despite the tense status of the relationship, India is scheduled to host the Chinese President twice in 2023 at the SCO and G-20 summits, increasing the likelihood that negotiations to end the deadlock will take place.

Current Challenges in India’s Foreign Policy:

• Pakistan-China Strategic Nexus:
  • The Pakistan-China strategic nexus, which tries to alter the status quo along the contested borders and jeopardise India’s strategic security, is the greatest threat India currently faces.
  • Sino-Indian ties have been seriously harmed by China’s aggressive moves since May 2020 to alter the situation at the Line of Actual Control.
• China’s Expansion:
  • Another issue that worries India is how to counter China’s incursions into South Asia and the Indian Ocean region.
  • China is constructing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Pakistan (passing through Indian territory in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir), the China-Nepal Economic Corridor, the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, and dual use infrastructure along the Indian Ocean coast as part of the much-heralded Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• Balancing Big Power Relations:
  • Due to its strategic autonomy, India is unable to join any military coalitions or partnerships that are hostile to other nations or groups of nations.
  • India has historically been seen by the West as being closer to the Soviet Union or Russia. India’s strong participation in the SCO, BRICS, and Russia-India-China (RIC) forum has heightened these attitudes.
  • India must rely on external balancing in the Indo-Pacific to resolve the security conundrums offered by the hybrid Pakistan-China threats in order to counterbalance an assertive China.
  • From that angle, it is important to consider India’s participation in QUAD and the signing of fundamental agreements with the US, Japan, France, UK, and Indonesia.
• Refugee Crisis: In spite of not being a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, India has been one of the largest recipients of refugees in the world.
  • Here, finding a balance between national interest and human rights protection is difficult. India still has a lot it can do to help with finding long-term solutions as the Rohingya situation develops.
  • These acts will be crucial in deciding India’s position on human rights in the region and around the world.

Way Forward

• In order for the advantages of growth to reach the poorest of the poor in the nation, India should work toward developing an external environment that is favourable for an inclusive development of India.
• Additionally, make sure that India has a voice in international forums and has the ability to sway public opinion on global concerns like terrorism, climate change, disarmament, and changes to international institutions of governance.
• Mahatma Gandhi was right when he argued that politics without ethics and morals would be terrible. India should advance toward collective growth while restoring its moral hegemony in the global community.
• As we live in a dynamic world, India’s foreign policy is therefore geared up to be proactive, flexible, and pragmatic in order to respond quickly to changing situations.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

1. At the international level, bilateral relations between most nations are governed on the policy of promoting one’s own national interest without any regard for the interest of other nations. This leads to conflicts and tension between nations. How can ethical consideration help resolve such tensions? Discuss with specific examples. (2015)
2. In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. (2013)
3. ‘The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order.’ Elaborate. (2019)