The emerging foreign policy of India

Foreign policy is all about securing the national and security interests of a nation. India’s foreign policy has transitioned from a near-isolationist and near-neutral approach during post-independent years to a more flexible and focused approach especially after the end of cold war era. The impact of globalization, technological changes and global problems like climate change have led to a convergence in thinking that a stable foreign policy is a pre-requisite for peace and prosperity of a nation. The BJP-led government at the centre,in its first year of coming into power has done exceptionally well in managing its foreign relations both at the regional and international level.

The salient features of India’s foreign policy as pursued by the present government at the centre deserves worth-mentioning.The government has accorded primacy to its neighbourhood policy wherein seeking better relations with India’s immediate neighborhood is a growing priority. The PM had chosen Bhutan as its first foreign destination followed by a high-level SAARC summit at Kathmandu later that year. The rescue and relief operation by India during the recent earthquake in Nepal was lauded by countries across the world.  

At the same time, the government is non-compromising on its national interests. Despite being surrounded by difficult neighbors like Pakistan and China, India has done well to engage with them at the highest level. India favors a peaceful and stable Pakistan in her vicinity.Nevertheless, India condemns the religious extremism and cross-border terrorism  emanating from the Pakistani soil.Similarly, incursions by the Chinese forces have dropped to zero after the visit of Chinese premier to India during the last year.

Another aspect of India’s foreign policy is to secure the economic interests of the nation. Against this backdrop, India’s engagement with the developed nations like the USA, France, Canada and Japan is likely to spur trade and investments into the country. Countries like China and Japan have pledged millions of dollars of investments in Indian infrastructural projects. Similarly, India is determined to act decisively on its ‘Look-East’ policy. The recent visits of Prime Minister to China, South-Korea and Mongolia is a part of its so called ‘ Act-East’ approach which is likely to bear fruit in the longer run.

Finally, the Prime Minister deserves credit for mobilizing the diaspora community as an integral part of its engagement with foreign nations. India has an overwhelming diaspora population in nations like the USA, Canada and Australia. Apart from remittances, engagement with the Indian diaspora abroad enhances the international standing of India in the world order of nations. Moreover,the provision of e-visa on arrival facility to various nationals across the world would increase people-to-people contact and boost tourism.

Despite the achievements on foreign policy front in a relatively shorter span of time, India should not repeat its past mistakes. That said, there should be adequate follow-up and better implementation of the policies formulated till date. Therefore, the foremost challenge for India is to take up necessary steps to implement the policies at the bureaucratic level. India cannot afford to become a super-power unless she conducts her foreign policy obligations in a pragmatic manner.