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REPOSITIONING INDIA ON THE GLOBAL CHESSBOARD: PIONEERING STRATEGIES FOR GLOBAL LEADERSHIP IN THE 21ST CENTURY
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REPOSITIONING INDIA ON THE GLOBAL
CHESSBOARD: PIONEERING STRATEGIES FOR GLOBAL LEADERSHIP IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Abstract:
The concept of diplomacy is not new to India,
the traces of the establishment of diplomatic relations with the other
countries could be found back in the history since the time of Indus Valley
civilizations. The ancient Puranas and texts like Arthashashtra talked about
the importance of diplomacy while framing of international relations with other
nations. During the times, when India got its Independence, its condition was
not that sound. The economy was shattered, and the country was divided into two
parts and dwindling with the challenge of cultural conflicts and chaos. But
soon India overcame the challenges and arose as a potentially powerful country
in the world with its largest democracy, third largest army, fifth largest
economy and leading role in many International and Regional Organisations.
India has always adopted a policy of
non-interference and non-aggression based upon the principles of Indian
political thinkers like Mahatma Gandhi which also helped India to frame its
foreign policy tactfully during the times of Cold War era. India’s foreign
policy has maintained a great equilibrium between soft and hard power
diplomacy. India believes that in today’s contemporary era of globalisation and
technical revolutions, the wars are not won by swords and guns but, with
political relations and diplomacy. India has been playing a leading forefront diplomacy
in various arenas, strengthening relations with powerful nations of the world,
providing assistance to countries in need during extreme circumstances, strengthening
ties with neighbours, a leading role in various regional and international
organisations, fighting various global challenges like terrorism, environmental
challenges etc. As India celebrates Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav @75 years after
India’s Independence, India’s diplomacy has been leading it to become the
Vishwa Guru again.
Keywords: Soft Power, Diplomacy, India, International
Organisations.
I.
Introduction:
India is a vibrant country with a diverse
culture, where people from different castes, colours, creeds and ethnicities
live together with solidarity and cooperation. Indian population consists of
approximately 79 per cent Hindus, 15 per cent Muslims, 3 per cent Christians, 2
per cent Sikh, Buddhist and Jains. All of them living with harmony and
brotherhood.
When India got its independence, the condition
of India was not that sound. Today, India is considered a potential superpower
and has a growing international influence in the world.
Power is defined as the ability to influence
the behaviour of others. There are two types of powers, the one is hard power
and the second is Soft Diplomatic Power.
In terms of hard power, according to the World
Economy Ranking 2022, India’s economy stands as the Fifth largest in the world.[1]
According to GFP Index India ranked as the 4th powerful Army[2]
with nuclear capabilities and state-of-the-art defence and attack technologies.
India is a nuclear-capable country. It is ranked among one of the top five
nations in the field of space exploration placing it among the top nations in
the world for scientific research. 7th largest country in terms of area, and
recently the world’s largest population, with the biggest democracy.
Considering Soft power diplomacy India is a
member of various International and regional organisations and plays a
forefront role in leading those organisations like G20, BRICS, SAARC, UNHRC,
ICJ etc. Along with this India has established strong cultural, economic and
diplomatic ties with various other superpowers of the world such as 2+2
dialogues with the USA, Australia, Japan and Russia.
India has also remained concerned about
third-world countries from Africa and Asia and shared various cultural and
diplomatic ties. The proposal to invite the African Union to the G20 Submit is
one such example. Prime Minister’s and President’s visits to such countries are
another example of strengthening diplomatic ties with these nations. In return for that, India has been hailed for
its leading role in the world.
II.
History of India’s
Diplomacy: An ancient insight
Building diplomatic relations is not a new
concept for India. Since ancient times, India’s Indus Valley Civilizations have
established international trade with Mesopotamia, Egypt, Rome etc. The Rome
writer Pliny describing India’s trade relations writes ‘all the gold in the
world comes to India and sinks’ showing the dominance of India in trade thus
obtaining the name “Sone ki Chidiya”. The traces can be further seen with the
regular visiting of foreign ambassadors to India eg. Greek Ambassador
Meghasthenes visiting India during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya, Fa-hein
from China etc.
India is the land of Budhha, Mahavira and
Mahatma Gandhi who gave the world the concept of the right path, right faith
and right conduct, the principles of Satya and ahimsa.
Ashoka has been said to have travelled from place
to place to spread the concept of Buddhism and Dhamma, the right path to be
conducted by every individual during his/her life.
India is also the land of Kautilya/Chanakya
who talks about prudent diplomacy while framing foreign policy for an effective
administration. Kautilya has given a strategy of “Shadgunya Siddhant” (Six-Fold
Policy)[3]
in the arthashastra that suggested following the right means at the right time
with flexible planning and complete determination to the leaders while building
up the relations with the neighbour countries,
The six-fold policy is as follows:
·
Peace (sandhi),
·
War(vigraha),
·
Neutrality (asana),
·
Marching (yaana),
·
Alliance (saamarasya) and
·
Waging war with one and making peace with another
(dvaidhi bhaava).
Kautilya assumes that every move of the leader
desirous of victory towards its ally or enemy should have to be based upon its interests.
This found its relevance even in today’s International Politics.
Where we believe that every international
politics is based upon national interest, we also believe in the concept of
universality and unity. Indian ancient texts, puranas and Upanishads believe in
the Universality and brotherhood giving the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam to
the world.
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India sees the whole world as one family and
believes in cooperation and peaceful co-existence.
III.
Diplomacy during the Cold
War Era:
It was somewhere believed that “Power comes
from the barrette of the Gun” as stated by Mao. But India’s Intentions were
very clear from the beginning of its role in International Politics as stated
by Mahatma Gandhi “Means defines the end”. Though India is becoming a powerful
nation but not on the edge of its swords but with its soft power diplomacy,
establishing healthy relations in international scenarios.
When India got its Independence, the world was
dwindling with the challenge of the Cold War. The whole world was divided into
two powerful blocks i.e. the United States of America on the one side and the
United Soviet States on the other side. India realising the effects of joining
any block to its development, has taken a sharp step to remain neutral. India
formed Non- Alling Movement (NAM) to not only remain neutral but to act as a
mediator between these two powerful blocks. This diplomacy helped India to get
help and assistance from both the powerful blocks and boosted its development. Therefore,
India has established a healthy relationship with both blocks. With this India
has obtained military and technologically advanced machinery and weapons from
the USA as well as the USSR. Thus, creating an image as a leading power that is
not going to just follow but to lead the world with its own ideologies and
principles.
IV.
After Independence
Diplomacy:
After Independence, the foreign policy of
India was framed very tactfully, taking lessons from history as Prof. Seeley
has rightly quoted “History without Political Science has no fruit and
Political Science without History has no Roots”
In today’s world, no country wants to shed the
blood of its citizens, fighting in wars with others. The dimensions of power have
taken another turn where more emphasis has been given to soft power diplomacy. India
realises the importance of peace and cooperation. Jawaharlal Nehru once said “Without
peace, all other dreams vanish and are reduced to ashes’. India’s foreign
policies are more focused on the development and strengthening of its soft
power and the role of diplomacy in conflict resolution. The traces of this
ideology are clearly reflected in the foreign policies of India, from the
founding member of the United Nations to Non- Alignment movement, the Panchsheel
agreement, the no-first-use policy etc.
V.
Changing dimensions
of Diplomacy: Leading towards becoming the “Viswa Guru” (Global Leader):
Today we live in the age of globalisation,
the age of information. American political scientist Joseph Nye, who is known
as the originator of the idea of Soft Power in modern times, recommended that American
foreign policy strategists not make just the best machines and missiles, but to
make the best stories/narratives.
When we speak of
Goodwill in accounting/commerce, it means an intangible and invisible asset
that brings in a premium for the company. In other words, it is value for the
brand name. (Naam hi kaafi hai)
America’s stardom today
is built on its liberal capitalist democratic foundations as much as it is built
on its military supremacy. In this regard, a French leftist philosopher Regis
Debray, once said that blue jeans and rock and roll are more powerful than the
entire Red Army.
As we celebrate the
Amrit Kaal, India today at 75 has become a global force to reckon with. It
boasts of one of the most powerful military, 5th largest economy, and a
thriving democracy in a matrix of multicultural, multilingual, multiethnic
secular society rooted in ancient ethos. It is a soft power by default. And it
has the potential of becoming the cultural superpower and the Vishwa guru.
Despite limited
resources in proportion to a massive deprived population, India is seen at the
forefront when natural disasters hit its neighbours. Indian diplomacy is at its
peak in no overstatement taking cognisance of India’s operations in hostile
zones. Some of the leading eye-opener operations have proved India’s stature in
global politics.
·
Operation Sukoon in 2006 to evacuate Indians, Sri Lankans and
Nepalese citizens from the midst of the war hit Lebanon.[5]
·
Operation Safe Homecoming in 2011 to evacuate Indian citizens
fleeing from the Civil War in Libya.[6]
·
Operation Rahat in 2015 to evacuate Indians and foreign citizens
from Yemen war conflicted areas. [7]
·
Operation Ganga in 2022 to evacuate Indians from war-conflicted
Ukraine areas. And [8]
·
Operation Devi Shakti to evacuate people including citizens and
Afghan partners from Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover. [9]
India’s
humanitarian assistance to developed as well as developing countries during the
COVID-19 pandemic is the epitome of India’s vision of global prosperity. It has
been steadfast in its stance on ceasing hostilities in Ukraine.
VI.
Analyses of
Leading Roles of India in recent times:
·
Presidency
at G20: 2023 is also the year of India’s G20 presidency, an
important time frame when the world is looking up to India to set the receding
multilateralism in order. This time the presidency under India has been
organised with the theme of “One Earth, One Family, One Future” with our strong
belief of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.[10]
Many activities and agendas have been put forward by the Indian government.
Some of them are as follows:
-
Many Jan Bhagidari activities were also simultaneously
held with public participation in the whole of nation. These include G20
University Connect lecture series, Model G20 meetings, Special G20 sessions in
Schools/Universities, G20 Pavilions in major festivals, Quiz contests, Selfie
competitions, #G20India stories, workshops, marathons, awareness rallies,
cleanliness drives, Yuva Samvaad and hundreds of other G20-theme events by the
civil society and private sector.
-
Substantive deliberations during India’s leadership
included inclusive and resilient growth, progress on SDGs and green
development, women-centric development and the topics on international peace
and harmony.
-
India addressed the geopolitical issue of wars such as
the ongoing war in Ukraine.
-
It also helped in achieving a greater goal of
inducting the African Union as a member of the G20.
-
India has called for bigger, better, more effective
and more representative MDBs.
-
Many discussions were held on global food security and
it endorsed for the millet production initiatives taken to enhance food
security while maintaining the soil productivity simultaneously.
-
Points were put to endorse the role of traditional
medicine and noted the role of WHO’s
centre in Jamnagar.
-
Some new initiatives taken during the presidency were the
Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group, Chief Scientific Advisors Roundtable,
Millet Research Initiative, Cooperation in traditional medicines, etc.
-
Another achievements covered were the launch of the Global
Biofuel Alliance, India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor,
India-Brazil-South Africa-USA meeting, and Partnership for Global
Infrastructure and Investment that includes the health, telecom and renewable
energy sectors.
·
Membership
in UNSC:
India's
contention for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
has been supported by several points. Some of them are described as follows:
Global Significance
and Population: India
is the world's largest democracy with a population exceeding 1.3 billion
people. Its growing economic power, diverse culture, and significant global
influence make a compelling case for its representation in the UNSC. Also,
India almost accounts for about 17% of the world population so such a large
share of the population should have a permanent seat for the overall
development of the world.[11]
Contributions to
Peacekeeping Operations: India has been one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping
missions, showcasing its commitment to maintaining global peace and security
even at the hard times India always showed its commitment towards maintaining
world peace. Its consistent involvement in peacekeeping efforts demonstrates
its capability and dedication to upholding UN principles.
*Source: United Nations Peacekeeping.
India has been placed at 3 position
in terms of contribution to peacekeeping forces in the world. In 2021 India deployed
5481 uniform personnel in various peacekeeping operations which was constantly
raised to 5873 and 6073 in 2022 and 2023 respectively.[12]
Economic Powerhouse: India's economic growth and potential as a major
global economic player are substantial. Its contribution to the world economy,
trade, and development aid to various countries makes it a significant
stakeholder in international affairs. India is one of the fastest-growing
economies in the world. This also approves its position to claim the seat in
the UNSC.
Commitment to Multilateralism: India has a long-standing commitment
to the principles of multilateralism, diplomacy, and the rule of law. It
actively engages in various international forums, advocating for peaceful
resolution of conflicts and adherence to international laws.
Strategic Geo-Political Importance: India's geographical location in
South Asia places it strategically amidst a region with various geopolitical
challenges. Its representation in the UNSC could provide unique insights and
perspectives on regional security issues. It also serves as the main route of
the African continent to the eastern continents of the Japan and South China Sea
route. It states that India’s bid is of crucial importance for the maintenance
of peace in this area so that a peaceful trade can be established with the
support of the nations lying next to the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.
Democratic Values and Pluralistic
Society: India being
the largest democracy in the world is known for its commitment to democratic
values, pluralism, and diversity. As a representative of the UNSC, it can bring
these values to the forefront of discussions on global peace and security.
Support from Various Countries: India has received endorsements and
support for its bid for a permanent seat on the UNSC from several nations and
regional blocs, reflecting a widespread acknowledgement of its role as a
responsible global actor. The main countries in support of India are G4
countries which include Germany, Brazil and Japan.
Reform of UNSC: There's a consensus among many
countries that the UNSC needs reform to better represent the current
geopolitical landscape. This includes increasing representation from regions
like Africa, Latin America, and Asia, with India being a prominent contender
for such expansion.
·
Member of UNHRC: India has been re-elected to
the United
Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2022-24 term and
vowed to continue to work for the promotion and protection of human rights
through “Samman, Samvad and Sahyog".[13]
Human Rights Council candidates are elected in geographical groups to ensure
even representation. Thus, India’s re-election to such a high platform proves
India’s strong position at the world arena.
·
International Court of Justice:
India has
made significant contributions to the International Court of Justice (ICJ),
both through its participation in cases and the involvement of Indian judges on
the court. Some points can be justified as follows:
India’s
judges on the ICJ:
India has had its judges serve on the International Court of Justice. Notably,
Judge B. N. Rao, a prominent Indian jurist, served on the ICJ from 1982 to
1991. His tenure contributed to the court's jurisprudence and decisions during
that period. Additionally, Dalveer Bhandari, another Indian judge, served on
the ICJ from 2012 to 2021[14].
Bhandari's tenure saw him actively participating in various cases and
decisions, bringing forth his expertise and perspective to the court's
deliberations.
India’s
commitment to International Law: India's participation in the ICJ cases underscores its
commitment to the rule of law and the peaceful resolution of disputes through
international legal mechanisms. India's involvement in ICJ cases has been aimed
at upholding international law, ensuring justice, and seeking fair resolutions
to disputes.
Conflict
Resolution and India’s role: India's engagement with the ICJ reflects its dedication to
resolving disputes through diplomatic and legal channels rather than resorting
to unilateral actions or escalations. By pursuing cases in the ICJ, India
demonstrates a willingness to engage in peaceful resolution mechanisms provided
by international law.
·
CO Sumit host
Country:
-
India
was granted full membership to the SCO in 2017, and it was an extraordinary
feat for the group members to have chosen India to host the summit in 2023.
-
All the countries signed the New Delhi Declaration to counter
the activities of terrorist, separatist and extremist groups, to suppress
religious intolerance, ethnic and racial discrimination, etc.
-
India created the five pillars and cooperation in the SCO that
includes Startups and Innovation, traditional medicine, youth empowerment,
digital inclusion and shared Buddhist heritage.[15]
·
Leading role in
Regional Organisations:
-
India
has been a part of many regional organisations within the subcontinent of Asia
and South Asia such as; the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation
(SAARC), Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
(BIM-STEC), the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation
(IOR-ARC). [16]
-
India also engages with other organisations such as the Association
of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC).[17]
-
India is also a member of the world’s leading economies such as
G20 countries whose leadership was given to her in 2023 and it was concluded
with many fruitful outcomes.
-
India always had the vision to engage in regional organisations
and has been actively working as part of many of them, especially in the close
region of the Indian subcontinent and has always been at the forefront of the
major agendas of cooperation in the fields of health, trade and business, open
market policies, etc. It has also played a vital role in strengthening the
cooperation within these countries to maintain peace and security in the area.
·
International Events of Sports and
Culture taking place in India: Soft power
diplomacy does not only include bilateral and multilateral agreements with
political intentions but also includes the sharing of common interests like
culture, and diaspora and even includes sports interests. In recent years India
has been participating in various sports events around the Globe like the Asian
Games, Olympics, Commonwealth Games etc. India has not only remained a
participating member but has remained a host country. In 2023 India has been
hosting the ICC World Cup where teams and diaspora from different countries
will be visiting India and further extending the soft power diplomacy of the
Country.
VII.
Conclusion:
In the past few years, India has been
very vocal about its cultural heritage. Not less than 3, Parliamentary Standing
Committees have been formed to deliberate on soft power and devise a soft power
matrix for India.
This is high time India
inculcates Goodwill Diplomacy/ nation branding in its grand scheme of things.
Although a long-term exercise, the returns on this investment are immutable.
The recent developments
in India’s Foreign Policies have remained more focused on actions and more
vocal in nature. India's forefront role in establishing diplomatic relations
and creating a balance between first and third-world countries has been appreciated
worldwide. This is a time when India should also give a fresh impetus to its
bid for the permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council as India has
gained a majority of support from nations around the globe. The recent G20
submit gave a new stimulus to this. Various countries from the African Union
have also quoted India as a ‘leader’.
*
Research Scholar, Department of Political Science and Public Administration,
Baba MasthNath University, Asthal Bohar, Rohtak, Haryana, India.
*
Professor, Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Baba
MasthNath University, Asthal Bohar, Rohtak, Haryana, India.
*
Associate Professor and Head, Department of Political Science, S.D College
Ambala, Haryana, India.
[1] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/09/india-uk-fifth-largest-economy-world
Accessed on 21.07.2023.
[2] 2023 India Military Strength,
GFP Ranking, 2023. https://www.globalfirepower.com/country-military-strength-detail.php?country_id=india
Accessed on 22.07.2023.
[3] Kautilya (Chanakya) in India’s
foreign policy, Times of India. Dated: 23.06.2021. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/readersblog/spark/kautilya-chanakya-in-indias-foreign-policy-34133/
Accessed on 21.07.2023.
[4] Chapter 6, Maha Upanishad. Part- VI.
71-73.
[5] Operation Sukoon for the
evacuation of Indian Nationals from Lebanon, Ministry of Defence, PIB. Dated:
24.08.2006. https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=20224
Visited on 23.07.2023.
[6] India unveils Operation Safe
Homecoming, thousands on way, Deccan Harald. Dated: 27.02.2011. https://www.deccanherald.com/content/141506/india-unveils-operation-safe-homecoming.html
Accessed on 22.07.2023.
[7] Operation Evacuation- Operation
Rahat, Indian Navy. Dated 06.04.2015. https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/operation-evacuation-operation-rahat
Accessed on 23.07.2023.
[8] 3000 Indians airlifted today by
special flights from Ukraine’s neighbouring countries, Ministry of Civil
Aviation, PIB Delhi. Dated: 05.03.2022. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1803193
Accessed on 23.07.2023.
[9] Evacuation of
Indians and Afghans under ‘Operation Devi Shakti’ and shipment of humanitarian
assistance for the people of Afghanistan, Ministry of Externa; Affairs. Dated:
11.12.2023. https://mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/34643/Evacuation+of+Indians+and+Afghans+under+Operation+Devi+Shakti+and+shipment+of+humanitarian+assistance+for+the+people+of+Afghanistan Accessed on:
23.07.2023.
[10] https://www.g20.in/en/about-g20/about-g20.html#overview
accessed on 20.12.2023.
[12] https://peacekeeping.un.org/sites/default/files/01_contributions_to_un_peacekeeping_operations_by_country_and_post_66_september_2023.pdf
[13]India gets re-elected to U.N Human
Rights Council for 2022-24 term, The
Hindu. 14.10.2021. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-gets-re-elected-to-un-human-rights-council-for-2022-24-term/article36999783.ece
accessed on 25.12.2023.
[14] https://www.icj-cij.org/all-members
accessed on 25.12.2023.
[15] Wani, Ayjaz. SCO under India’s
Presidency. Observer Research Foundation. https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/sco-under-indias-presidency,
accessed on 30.12.2023.
[16] Wapmuk, Sharkdam. The Role of
India in Regionalism: SAARC, ASEAN, EU, BIMSTEC, LOR-ARC, And MGC: Lessons for
Nigeria in the ECOWAS. The IUP Journal of International Relations, Vol.IX,
No. 1, January 2015, pp.21-42.
[17] Ibid.
Article Information
REPOSITIONING INDIA ON THE GLOBAL CHESSBOARD: PIONEERING STRATEGIES FOR GLOBAL LEADERSHIP IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Authors: MANISH YADAV, DR. C.B SAINI, DR. CHIMAN LAL
- Journal IJLRA
- ISSN 2582-6433
- Published 2024/01/09
- Issue 7
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International Journal for Legal Research and Analysis
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- ISSN 2582-6433
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