Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India’s foreign policy, Issue: Asia-Centric Policy.
Context:
Global geopolitics is shifting as Asia becomes the centre of economic growth, population, innovation, and strategic competition. India’s rise as a major economy, combined with changes in U.S.–China–Russia dynamics, demands a recalibration of India’s foreign policy priorities toward Asia.
Key Highlights:
India’s foreign policy is transitioning from a traditional West-focused approach to a more assertive, Asia-centric strategy.
The focus is on:
- Strengthening strategic autonomy
- Deepening Asian partnerships (BRICS, SCO, ASEAN, Gulf)
- Reorienting trade and technology ties
- Building India’s capacity for self-sustaining growth
- Reducing external dependence on technology and defence imports
The objective is to position India as a key Asian power shaping regional rules, value chains, and security architecture.
DIMENSIONS OF INDIA’S ASIA-ORIENTED STRATEGY:
1. Geopolitics:
- Asia houses two-thirds of global population & is the economic centre of gravity.
- Multiple Asian groupings (BRICS, SCO, ASEAN) are redefining global governance.
- India must avoid binary choices between U.S. and China.
2. Strategic Autonomy:
- Issue-based alignment in trade, technology, climate, and security.
- Independent decision-making remains central to national interest.
3. Economy & Trade:
- Asian value chains dominate manufacturing and electronics.
- Scope for deeper integration through ASEAN partnerships and selective RCEP engagement.
4. Technology & Innovation:
- Asia leads in AI, semiconductors, digital economy.
- India needs to enhance domestic capacity in AI, cyber defence, drones, and space tech.
5. Defence & Security:
- Modernisation needed toward unmanned systems, AI-enabled platforms, and cyber capability.
- Geopolitical landscape in South Asia and IOR is shifting in India’s favour.
Data:
- Asia = ~66% of global population.
- BRICS (PPP GDP) > G7.
- Over 60% of India’s defence equipment is still imported.
- India’s demographic window gives highest working-age population till 2100.
Challenges:
GOVERNMENT STEPS:
- Act East Policy 2.0
- QUAD, BRICS+, SCO engagement
- Defence indigenisation (iDEX, Make in India)
- Strengthening Chabahar route & Indian Ocean partnerships
- AI and cybersecurity collaborations with Asian partners
WAY FORWARD:
- Build an Asia-centric strategic autonomy model
- Strengthen economic integration with ASEAN & Indo-Pacific partners
- Accelerate indigenous tech and defence industries
- Deepen neighbourhood connectivity & energy partnerships
- Promote Global South leadership through inclusive multilateralism
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