Domestic ideologies in external settings

Source– The post is based on the article “Domestic ideologies in external settings” published in The Hindu on 7th October 2022.

Syllabus: GS2- International Relations

Relevance– Impact of domestic politics on foreign policy

News- The article explains articulation of the domestic agenda of the ruling party by the current Foreign Minister at the 77th UNGA session.

What are the main points of address that promote the domestic agenda of the ruling party?

Promoting the ideology of the ruling party– The Foreign Minister told UNGA that Indian society is rejuvenating itself from devastation caused by “centuries of foreign invasion” and “colonialism”. He made a distinction between centuries of foreign attacks and colonialism.

Century of foreign invasions is codeword for Muslim rule during the mediaval period. It represents the ideology of the current ruling party and their version of history.

Indian diplomatic tradition which has always presented nationally unified positions abroad, particularly at the UN and in multilateral forums. Domestic controversies should be avoided

Questioning earlier leadership– Mr. Jaishankar said that India’s rejuvenation is taking place in a democratic framework and is “reflected in more authentic voices and grounded leadership”. The statements question the choices made by choosing their representative since independence. It is clearly referring to the point that earlier representatives were less authentic and grounded

Damaging India record in decolonisation- Jaishankar recalled Modi’s pledge for Indian people to liberate them from colonial mindset. He added that externally it means reformed multilateralism and more contemporary global governance.

It damages India’s record as a pioneer and leader in the global decolonisation process in the 1950s and the 1960s. An entire generation of human rights workers in the United

States and South Africa were also inspired by Gandhiji and his non-violent anti-colonial struggle.