Indian foreign Policy has many changes since its beginning; Identify the major changes in the last 10 years.

 Q. Indian foreign Policy has many changes since its beginning; Identify the major changes in the last 10 years.

Over the last decade, India’s foreign policy has undergone significant transformations, shaped by changing global dynamics, emerging regional challenges, and evolving domestic priorities. The period from 2014 to 2024, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has seen a marked departure from certain traditional diplomatic stances while maintaining continuity on some core principles. India’s foreign policy during this period has been characterized by increased engagement with the world, greater assertiveness on global platforms, deeper strategic partnerships, and an emphasis on economic diplomacy, defense cooperation, and regional stability.

The major changes in India’s foreign policy in the last ten years can be categorized into several broad areas, each reflecting the country’s changing priorities and evolving international environment. These include India’s approach towards its neighbors, its relations with major powers, its role in multilateral organizations, its stance on security and defense, and its economic diplomacy. Each of these areas will be explored in detail, highlighting the shifts in India’s foreign policy approach.

1. Shift from Non-Alignment to Strategic Partnerships and Bilateral Engagements

In the first few decades after independence, India adhered to the principles of non-alignment, a policy designed to maintain a neutral stance in the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. However, since the early 2000s, India has increasingly moved away from strict non-alignment, progressively adopting a more pragmatic and strategic approach to its foreign policy.

Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India’s foreign policy has increasingly focused on building strategic partnerships with key global powers. The last decade has seen India forging deeper relations with the United States, Japan, Australia, Russia, and other important regional powers. These partnerships are based on mutual security, economic, and political interests, marking a significant departure from the earlier emphasis on neutrality.

• India-US Relations: India’s relationship with the United States has deepened considerably in the last ten years, primarily driven by shared concerns about regional security, counterterrorism, trade, and defense. In particular, the partnership has evolved into a strategic alignment, reflected in the growing defense cooperation, intelligence-sharing, and the signing of key defense agreements such as the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA). The US has also been a crucial partner in India’s drive for economic growth, with trade between the two nations expanding significantly.
• The Quad and Indo-Pacific Strategy: The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, has emerged as a key feature of India’s foreign policy in the last decade. The Quad has become a platform for addressing common challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, including maritime security, freedom of navigation, counterterrorism, and regional stability. India’s active participation in the Quad is indicative of its strategic pivot towards the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the importance of a free, open, and inclusive regional order.
• China and the Changing Dynamics: India’s approach towards China has also undergone a transformation. While India has maintained a diplomatic dialogue with China, the relationship has become more competitive and cautious in the face of growing Chinese assertiveness, particularly in the South China Sea and along India’s northern borders. The 2017 Doklam standoff and the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, which resulted in casualties on both sides, highlighted the volatility of the India-China relationship. In response, India has moved closer to the US, Japan, and Australia, strengthening its strategic alignment to counterbalance China’s influence in the region.

2. Regional Relations: Moving from ‘Neighborhood First’ to ‘Act East’ and Engagement with the Indian Ocean Region

The period from 2014 to 2024 has also seen a significant evolution in India’s regional foreign policy. Under the Modi government, the Neighborhood First policy, which sought to strengthen India’s ties with its South Asian neighbors, has been emphasized as the primary focus of India’s foreign policy. However, India’s regional strategy has evolved to address the changing dynamics in South Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

• South Asia: India’s relationship with its neighbors, particularly Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, has been a mix of cooperation and contention. While India has continued to offer economic assistance, infrastructure development, and security cooperation to countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan, its relationship with Pakistan has remained troubled due to cross-border terrorism, the Kashmir issue, and political disagreements. Relations with Nepal have also been strained over border disputes, especially regarding the Kalapani region. Despite these challenges, India has maintained its engagement with South Asian countries through initiatives like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and bilateral ties.
• Act East Policy and ASEAN: One of the key developments in India’s regional diplomacy in the last decade has been the shift towards a more proactive “Act East” policy. Building on the earlier “Look East” policy, India has sought to deepen its engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries and enhance its strategic and economic ties with East Asia. India has increased its participation in regional organizations such as the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). The focus on the Act East policy underscores India’s recognition of the growing economic and strategic importance of East Asia in the 21st century.
• Indian Ocean Region (IOR): India’s foreign policy has also placed greater emphasis on its maritime security interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). As one of the largest littoral states of the Indian Ocean, India has sought to enhance its presence in this region through military cooperation, port access agreements, and participation in maritime security dialogues. India has strengthened its partnerships with countries like the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius while actively participating in regional multilateral platforms such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). The growing involvement of external powers like China in the Indian Ocean has made this region increasingly important to India’s national security strategy.

3. Economic Diplomacy: Pursuing a More Assertive Role in the Global Economy

Economic diplomacy has become a key pillar of India’s foreign policy in the last decade, as the country seeks to enhance its position in the global economic order. India has increasingly focused on fostering stronger economic ties with major powers, regional partners, and emerging markets.

• Trade and Investment: India has sought to expand its trade relationships with countries around the world through various trade agreements, partnerships, and participation in international organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO). Efforts to diversify trade and attract foreign investment have been at the core of India’s economic diplomacy. India has made significant strides in strengthening its economic ties with countries like the US, the EU, Japan, and ASEAN nations, and has participated in various regional trade agreements, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations, although India decided to withdraw from the RCEP in 2019 over concerns about market access and domestic industries.
• Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat: The Modi government has emphasized initiatives like “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India), which focus on boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing dependence on imports. The push for economic self-sufficiency has influenced India’s foreign policy as well, as the country seeks to strengthen its manufacturing sector and become a key player in global supply chains. India’s foreign policy has increasingly sought to balance global integration with the need for economic autonomy, focusing on sectors like defense, technology, and pharmaceuticals.
• Digital Diplomacy and Technology: India has also emphasized digital diplomacy as part of its broader economic strategy, recognizing the importance of technology in driving economic growth. India’s software industry, in particular, has played a key role in its foreign economic relations, as Indian IT companies have established a strong presence in global markets. India has also advocated for the promotion of a free and open digital economy and has taken steps to develop its own digital infrastructure, including the launch of initiatives like the Digital India program.

4. Multilateral Engagement: A Greater Role in Global Governance

India’s engagement with multilateral organizations and global governance structures has evolved significantly over the last decade. India has sought to increase its influence in key international forums and has actively participated in efforts to reform global governance institutions, including the United Nations (UN), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank.

• UN Security Council Reform: One of the key priorities for India in the last decade has been the pursuit of a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. India has consistently argued for a more representative and reformed Security Council, which includes developing countries like India. India’s push for reform has gained increasing support from other global powers, and the country’s growing geopolitical and economic stature has further strengthened its case.
• Climate Change and Sustainable Development: India has become a vocal advocate for climate change action and sustainable development, particularly in the context of the Paris Agreement. India’s foreign policy has increasingly reflected the need for a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability. India has consistently called for greater climate justice and support for developing countries to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The country has played an active role in international climate negotiations and has pledged to meet its ambitious targets under the Paris Agreement.
• Global Health Diplomacy: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted India’s growing role in global health diplomacy. India’s pharmaceutical industry, particularly the production of vaccines, has placed the country at the center of global efforts to combat the pandemic. India has supplied millions of COVID-19 vaccines to countries across the world through the COVAX initiative and bilaterally, positioning itself as a key player in global health governance.

5. Security and Defense: A Focus on Counterterrorism and Regional Security

India’s security policy has undergone significant changes in the last decade, with a greater focus on counterterrorism, defense modernization, and regional security. India has sought to strengthen its defense ties with key global powers and deepen its strategic footprint in the Indo-Pacific region.

• Counterterrorism: One of the central pillars of India’s security policy has been the fight against terrorism. India has consistently raised the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan at international forums and has called for stronger global counterterrorism measures. India’s growing defense cooperation with countries like the US, Israel, and France has contributed to strengthening its counterterrorism capabilities.
• Defense Modernization and Indigenization: India has made significant strides in modernizing its military and expanding its defense capabilities. The country has focused on defense indigenization, aiming to reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers and develop its own defense manufacturing base. The successful test of nuclear-capable missiles, the expansion of the Indian Navy, and the development of indigenous defense technologies have enhanced India’s military deterrence capabilities.
• Maritime Security and the Indo-Pacific: India’s focus on maritime security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, has become increasingly important due to China’s growing influence in the region. India has sought to expand its naval presence in the Indian Ocean and strengthen its defense ties with countries like the US, Japan, and Australia. The Indian Navy has participated in joint exercises, humanitarian missions, and counter-piracy operations, underscoring India’s role as a key player in maintaining regional security.

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