Introduction
In the midst of a tumultuous global order marked by geopolitical conflicts, economic recessions, health crises, supply chain disruptions, and environmental challenges, India has emerged as a potent force, poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the contours of the global landscape. India's rapid economic development and rich geo-cultural heritage have endowed New Delhi with the necessary substance and gravitas to assert its influence on the global stage. As a voice for the Global South and a friend to the world community, India's ascent as a geo-cultural, geopolitical, and geo-economic power is a testament to its unwavering commitment to promoting peace, cooperation, and sustainable development based on equity and justice.
source: Firstpost
The Geo-Cultural Vector of India's Foreign Policy
One of the defining characteristics of India's foreign policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership has been the strategic emphasis on geo-cultural diplomacy. This approach has imbued India's international engagements with a profound sense of cultural resonance, forging deeper connections with nations across the globe.
From the restoration of the historic Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal and the sharing of Buddhist relics with Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, and Mongolia, to the inauguration of the grandiose Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the establishment of the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, India's spiritual diplomacy has reached unprecedented heights. The age-old Indian spiritual ethos of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family) and the pursuit of global harmony and peace have become the bedrock of India's approach to the global order.
The introduction of the International Yoga Day, endorsed by the United Nations, has further solidified India's position as a global purveyor of ancient wisdom and holistic well-being. This initiative has transcended boundaries, uniting people worldwide in the pursuit of spiritual and physical wellness.
India's geo-cultural diplomacy has not only strengthened its civilizational ties with like-minded nations but has also positioned the country as a normative power, offering an alternative ideology rooted in inclusivity, compassion, and the pursuit of universal harmony. As the global community grapples with ideological crises and the "clash of civilizations," India's rich spiritual heritage and philosophical traditions provide a beacon of hope, offering a path towards peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding.
Global Geopolitical Power
India's growing geo-cultural stature has been accompanied by an increasing presence and influence in global geopolitics. The international community, including the United Nations, has consistently sought India's leadership in resolving complex crises, such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the West Asian turmoil. India's principled stance, advocating for humanitarian assistance and safe passage corridors, has earned widespread appreciation from UN member states, underscoring its commitment to upholding global peace and security.
India's role in shaping the geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific region has been particularly noteworthy. By emphasizing the principles of a "free and open Indo-Pacific" and playing a crucial role in the formation of the strategic Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), India has emerged as a formidable force in countering China's hegemonic ambitions in the region.
Furthermore, India's active membership in multilateral organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), BRICS, and its participation in the G7 Summit in 2022 have solidified its position as a global leader and a champion of multilateralism. India's successful hosting of the G20 Summit in October 2023 and its insistence on the African Union's membership in the G20 exemplify its commitment to promoting the interests of the Global South and fostering a global sustainable security order based on equity.
India's maritime diplomacy has also gained significant traction, with the unveiling of the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine in 2015 and the Maritime Vision 2030, both aimed at enhancing India's presence and influence in the Indian Ocean region. Additionally, India's success in the Chandrayaan Mission has bolstered its presence in outer space, a domain that will undoubtedly shape the future of humanity. India's approach to global geopolitics under Prime Minister Modi is rooted in four pillars: strategic autonomy in international relations, promoting the interests of the Global South, strengthening civilizational ties with like-minded countries, and greater engagement with neighbors. This strategic doctrine of the "Middle Path" has enabled India to deftly navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, balancing relations with Russia in the Indo-Pacific while maintaining strategic partnerships with the United States and the European Union.
India's principled stance on non-violence has not deterred it from exercising its military capabilities when necessary, as demonstrated by the Balakot surgical strike against terrorist sanctuaries in Pakistan and the firm response to Chinese incursions in the Galwan sector. This resolve has sent a strong message to adversaries, underscoring India's commitment to safeguarding its national interests.
Global Geo-economic Power
India's economic prowess has emerged as a pivotal factor in its ascent as a global power. Despite the global recession, India's economy has remained resilient, projected to grow at 7.3 percent in the fiscal year 2023-2024, according to a recent report by the Ministry of Finance. This impressive growth trajectory, coupled with a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, has bolstered India's position as a geo-economic powerhouse.
With a burgeoning middle class and an anticipated consumer base of 773 million people by 2030, India presents an attractive market for global investors and businesses. This consumer base provides India with significant bargaining power in the global economic landscape, enabling it to negotiate favorable terms for market access and trade agreements. India's robust domestic economic growth has propelled it to play a more prominent role in the global economy. Its participation in the G7 Summit and its pursuit of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with regional organizations like ASEAN, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and the potential for similar arrangements with the European Union, Great Britain, Russia, and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) underscore India's commitment to economic integration and global trade.
India's involvement in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) further exemplifies its geo-economic diplomacy and its determination to shape the economic landscape of the Indo-Pacific region. Boosting global connectivity has been a cornerstone of India's geo-economic engagement. Projects such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Chabahar Connectivity Projects, the India-Myanmar-Thailand Corridor, and the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor aim to enhance regional and global connectivity, fostering increased trade and mutual trust among nations.
Prime Minister Modi's emphasis on "increasing connectivity with all regions" as India's main priority, highlighted at the G20 Summit in New Delhi in October 2023, underscores the country's commitment to promoting global trade and cooperation through enhanced connectivity.
Conclusion
India's ascent as a geo-cultural, geopolitical, and geo-economic power has ushered in a new era of global influence and leadership. Through its rich spiritual heritage, principled foreign policy, and robust economic growth, India has emerged as a beacon of hope and stability in a world grappling with myriad challenges. As a "Vishwa Mitra" (friend of the world) and a "Vishwa Guru" (global teacher), India's role in shaping the global order is poised to become increasingly pivotal. By championing the values of peace, cooperation, and sustainable development based on equity and justice, India is well-positioned to forge a path towards a more harmonious and prosperous global community. The world looks to India as a stabilizing force, a champion of the Global South, and a purveyor of ancient wisdom and holistic well-being. With its unwavering commitment to strategic autonomy, multilateralism, and the pursuit of global harmony, India stands ready to shape the contours of the global order, ushering in a new era of peace, prosperity, and mutual understanding.
Comments