India’s foreign policy has undergone significant transformations over the last several decades. While continuity has been a hallmark of India’s foreign policy, recent trends suggest a shift towards Realpolitik, indicating a pragmatic approach.
Continuity in India’s Foreign Policy
- Non-Alignment: India’s commitment to non-alignment, as enshrined in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), has remained a constant feature of its foreign policy.
- Panchsheel: The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, also known as Panchsheel, have guided India’s relations with its neighbors and other countries.
- Multilateralism: India has consistently engaged with international organizations, such as the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the BRICS grouping.
As per foreign policy analysts like C Raja Mohan, SD Muni, Harsh Pant presently India’s foreign policy has become more pragmatic.
India’s stance against the Rohingya refugees reflects a shift from its traditional stance of welcoming refugees though India is not a party to UN convention on refugees
India is pursuing de- hyphenation approach towards Israel – Palestine.
India has stopped looking at Israel from the prism of Palestine. India’s offensive defensive strategy against Pakistan was visible when it conducted a surgical strike which was a departure from the past.
India is seen to have left the theatres of Non Alignment and is now considering Multilateralism.
India’s growing relations with USA especially in defense cooperation is seen as a partnership of 21st Century.
SAARC has hit a roadblock with the recent summit being cancelled after Pakistan’s aggression towards India. India has now shifted its focus to sub regional groupings like BIMSTEC
India also showed diplomatic maturity during the Doklam standoff and prevented it from escalating into a full scale war
Shift towards Realpolitik
- Pragmatic Approach: India’s increasing engagement with countries like the United States, Israel, and Japan reflects a pragmatic approach to its foreign policy, driven by strategic and economic interests.
- Act East Policy: India’s Act East Policy, which aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian countries, is a manifestation of its Realpolitik approach.
- Neighborhood First Policy: India’s Neighborhood First Policy, which prioritizes relations with its immediate neighbors, is another example of its pragmatic approach.
Implications of the Shift
- Increased Global Influence: India’s shift towards Realpolitik has enabled it to increase its global influence, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Diversification of Partnerships: India’s pragmatic approach has led to the diversification of its partnerships, reducing its dependence on traditional allies.
- Challenges to Traditional Relationships: The shift towards Realpolitik has also created challenges for India’s traditional relationships, particularly with countries like Russia and Iran.
Conclusion
In conclusion, India’s foreign policy has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with a shift towards Realpolitik.