Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India’s Foreign Policy, Issue: India’s Foreign policy in International Conflicts.
Context:
Amid the ongoing Gulf conflict, debate in India has intensified over whether its foreign policy shows a strategic “tilt,” prompting reflection on India’s historical pattern of balancing non-alignment with pragmatic national interests.
Key Takeaways:
Historical Context of India’s Foreign Policy:
Key Historical Instances:
- Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan (1979):
- Janata government initially criticised Soviet intervention.
- After Indira Gandhi returned to power, India softened its stance and justified Soviet action for regional stability.
- Cambodia–Vietnam Crisis (1978–80):
- Janata government avoided recognising the Vietnam-backed regime in Cambodia.
- Congress government later recognised it to counter China, showing pragmatic strategic balancing.
- Korean War (1950):
- India tried to prevent UN condemnation of China’s intervention.
- Reflected early diplomatic tilt toward Beijing to build an Asian strategic order.
- Iraq–Kuwait Crisis (1990):
- India avoided strongly condemning Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.
- Reasons: oil dependence, Indian diaspora concerns, and ties with Saddam Hussein.
Current Dynamics in the Middle East:
- Changing Regional Politics:
- Earlier narrative: US vs Arab world and Israel vs Arabs.
- Now shaped by Arab–Iran rivalry and shifting alliances.
- India’s Strategic Stakes:
- $200 billion trade with Gulf countries.
- Around 9 million Indians living in the region.
- Heavy dependence on energy imports.
- Growing Interdependence:
- India and Gulf states’ security, economy, and energy interests are closely linked.
- Protecting diaspora, trade, and energy supplies shapes India’s current policy
India’s foreign policy history shows that national interest has often outweighed strict neutrality. While India promotes independent decision-making through non-alignment, its choices in global conflicts—from the Cold War to the Middle East—reflect strategic calculations, changing governments, and evolving geopolitical realities.
Source: (The Indian Express)
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