Bharat’s Videsh Niti Evolving Space
In the 21st century, Bharat’s Videsh Niti has undergone a significant transformation, transitioning from a primarily reactive stance to a more proactive approach. This evolution can be encapsulated in the mantra of "Observe, Engage, and Influence" which has become a guiding principle for Bharat’s Internal & External Policy Landscape This approach is instrumental in aligning India with its vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Observe:
The Foundation Stone is careful observation of the global landscape.
Monitoring geopolitical developments: India closely tracks major power dynamics, regional conflicts, and emerging global trends.
- Syria Recent Change in Leadership: Essentially, India's approach to the Syrian situation is one of careful observation and measured engagement, prioritizing a peaceful resolution and mitigating potential security risks.
- China's Growing Influence: India has been closely monitoring China's economic and military rise, its Belt and Road Initiative, and its activities in the Indian Ocean Region. This has led to India strengthening its strategic partnerships with countries like the US, Japan, and Australia through the QUAD.
- Afghanistan Situation: India closely followed the developments in Afghanistan, including the US withdrawal and the Taliban takeover. This has led to a reassessment of India's regional security strategy and engagement with Central Asian countries.
- Indo-Pacific Dynamics: India's active participation in the Indo-Pacific discourse and its focus on maritime security demonstrate its close monitoring of the evolving geopolitical landscape in this crucial region.
- Iran-Saudi Arabia Rivalry: India closely observes the ongoing rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which has significant implications for regional stability and energy security. India maintains diplomatic ties with both countries and strikes a balance to avoid being drawn into their conflict.
- Yemen Conflict (Red Sea Crisis): India monitors the conflict in Yemen due to its potential impact on maritime security in the Red Sea and the safety of Indian citizens working in the region.
- Israel-Palestine Conflict: India has traditionally supported the Palestinian cause but has also developed closer ties with Israel in recent years. India carefully observes the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and advocates for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
- Understanding the evolving security environment: India keeps a close watch on traditional and non-traditional security threats, including terrorism, cyber warfare, and climate change.
This emphasis on observation allows India to anticipate challenges and opportunities, enabling it to formulate well-informed foreign policy responses.
Engage:
The next step is active engagement with the international community. This includes:
- Building strategic partnerships: India has been actively forging strategic partnerships in forms of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with key countries, including the EU, UAE, Australia and exploring new opportunities with trusted partners like United States, Japan and Russia.
- Participating in multilateral forums: India plays a prominent role in various multilateral institutions, such as the United Nations, G20, and BRICS. India held the Chair of G20 in 2023 and played a crucial role in expanding the G20 Group.
- Promoting regional cooperation: India is actively involved in regional initiatives such as SAARC, BIMSTEC, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
With active engagement, India aspires to establish consensus on global issues, promote its interests, and contribute to regional and global stability.
Influence:
The final step is to exert influence on the global stage. This involves:
Projecting India's soft power: India, a land of rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions, has been effectively projecting its soft power through a unique blend of ancient wisdom and modern entertainment.
- Yoga, an ancient practice rooted in Indian philosophy, has gained global recognition, with millions practicing it for its physical and mental benefits. The United Nations declaring International Yoga Day further solidifies India's cultural influence.
- Cricket, a religion in India, has transcended borders, uniting fans across the globe. The Indian Premier League, a vibrant cricket tournament, has captivated audiences worldwide, showcasing India's economic prowess and entertainment industry.
- Cinema of India, the world's largest film industry, produces hundreds of movies annually, captivating audiences with its colorful musicals, dramatic storylines, and larger-than-life characters. These films often celebrate Indian culture, values, and traditions, fostering a sense of curiosity and admiration for India.
- Additionally, India's promotion of millets as a sustainable and nutritious food source has gained international attention. By championing millets, India is positioning itself as a global leader in sustainable agriculture and food security.
- India’s Offering to the World: India, through its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), offers a pioneering model for leveraging technology to drive social and economic progress. What began with the Aadhaar digital identity way back in 2009—joined later by services like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), JAM (Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhaar and Mobile number) trinity, and Co-WIN (for managing the Covid-19 vaccination programme), among others—helped India achieve 80 per cent financial inclusion in just six years, which one paper from the Bank for International Settlements estimated would have otherwise taken 47 years to achieve. As of February 2024, seven countries have adopted the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for cross-border payments: Bhutan, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and UAE.
- Championing global causes: India has been a vocal advocate for issues such as climate change via COP, sustainable development, and counter-terrorism. India is now considered as the leader of the Global South.
By actively influencing the global agenda, India aims to create a more favourable external environment for its development and security.
The "Observe, Engage, and Influence" mantra reflects India's growing confidence and its desire to play a more significant role in shaping the global order. By carefully observing the geopolitical environment, actively engaging with the global community, and strategically exerting its influence, India is emerging as a VishwaGuru. As India continues its rise, this doctrine will likely remain a cornerstone of its foreign policy, guiding its interactions with the world and shaping its contribution to global peace and prosperity.
