PSIR 5a. Explain the major features of India's Foreign Policy in the 21st century. UPSC 2023, 10 Marks

Introduction

India's foreign policy in the 21st century has evolved to address emerging global challenges and seize opportunities. These are the major features of India's foreign policy in this era:

1. Multi-Alignment:

Strategic Autonomy: India aims to maintain strategic autonomy by avoiding alignment with any major power bloc, allowing it to pursue its national interests independently.

Strategic Partnerships: While not forming formal alliances, India seeks strategic partnerships with various countries, including the United States, Russia, France, Japan, and ASEAN nations.

2. Neighbourhood First:

Proactive Engagement: India prioritizes its immediate neighbours, focusing on peaceful coexistence, connectivity, and development cooperation through initiatives like the "Neighbourhood First Policy."

3. Act East Policy:

Enhanced Engagement: India's "Act East Policy" aims to deepen economic, political, and cultural ties with Southeast Asia and the Pacific, recognizing the region's growing importance.

ASEAN Connectivity: India seeks to strengthen connectivity and trade with ASEAN countries and plays a prominent role in forums like the East Asia Summit.

4. Strategic Partnerships:

U.S.-India Relations: The U.S. is a key partner, marked by civil nuclear cooperation, defense collaborations, and shared democratic values.

Russia and France: India maintains strong defense and strategic ties with Russia and France, which provide advanced military technology.

5. Global and Regional Engagement:

Multilateral Diplomacy: India actively participates in international organizations like the United Nations, BRICS, G20, and SCO, advocating for global issues such as climate change, counterterrorism, and global health.

Enhanced Engagement in Africa: India is expanding its presence in Africa, fostering economic cooperation and addressing security and developmental challenges.

6. Economic Diplomacy:

Economic Liberalization: India's foreign policy increasingly prioritizes economic engagement, attracting foreign investments, and fostering trade relations through initiatives like "Make in India" and "Digital India."

Regional Trade Agreements: India is part of regional trade agreements like RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).

7. Climate and Environment:

Climate Leadership: India is committed to addressing climate change, striving to reduce carbon emissions and increasing renewable energy capacity. It is an active participant in global climate negotiations.

8. Security and Counterterrorism:

Regional Security: India cooperates with regional partners like the Quad (comprising the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India) to ensure regional stability and maritime security.

Counterterrorism: India emphasizes the need for international cooperation in countering terrorism, citing concerns about state-sponsored terrorism.

9. Healthcare Diplomacy:

Vaccine Diplomacy: India is emerging as a major provider of COVID-19 vaccines to developing countries, strengthening its global standing through healthcare diplomacy.

10. Digital and Technology Engagement:

Cybersecurity and Digital Transformation: India focuses on cybersecurity, digital governance, and fostering technology partnerships for innovation and development.

India's foreign policy in the 21st century is characterized by adaptability and pragmatism, responding to a rapidly changing global landscape while safeguarding its strategic interests and promoting peace and development in the region and beyond.