India seeks greater global role with caution

Source: The post India seeks greater global role with caution has been created, based on the article “U.S. defence ties — India needs to keep its eyes open” published in “The Hindu” on 29 March 2025. India seeks greater global role with caution.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: Russian President Putin’s recent praise for PM Modi’s efforts in the Ukraine-Russia war highlights India’s growing credibility as a global actor. However, this raises a key question: Why has India refrained from a more active political role in regional and international conflicts despite its history of decisive interventions and rising global stature?

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India’s Historical Role in Regional Conflicts

1. In 1971, India helped stop a genocide in East Pakistan and supported the creation of Bangladesh.

2. In 1988, India sent troops to the Maldives to stop armed mercenaries from overthrowing its President.
3. In 2009, India helped Sri Lanka defeat the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
4. India has recently taken action against piracy in nearby seas.
5. During the Korean War (1951–52), India played a key role in the UN Security Council and was made chair of the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission.
6. India has often acted as a bridge between opposing sides, including in its 2021–22 UNSC stint.
7. These examples show that India has historically taken bold and active roles in regional peace and security.

Reasons for India’s Political Reticence

1. Economic Prioritization: Over the past two decades, under both UPA and NDA governments, India has focused on economic growth, becoming the world’s 5th largest economy. Political involvement is seen as a risk to development.
2. Preserving Bilateral Ties: India avoids interfering in sensitive issues to maintain strong relations with diverse countries.
3. Leaving Conflicts to Regional Powers: In regions like West Asia, India follows the lead of Gulf countries, even though it has major interests there.
4. Global Order Dynamics: With increasing geopolitical shifts, India treads carefully to safeguard its standing and future ambitions.
5. Geopolitical Risks of Inaction: If India remains passive, others like Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar will step in—even in areas crucial to India. For instance, India was excluded from Afghan talks and sidelined in Bangladesh, despite its proximity.

Changing Global Expectations

1. India’s global ambitions—UNSC permanent seat, being a leading democracy, and a pole in a multipolar world—bring rising expectations.
2. India’s neutral stance in the Ukraine war influenced other developing nations to take a balanced position.
3. PM Modi’s message that “this is not an era of war” and his call to avoid nuclear escalation were globally recognised.
4. Putin’s praise is not just a thank you, but a subtle signal for India to take a larger role.

Need for Strategic Shift and Internal Reform

1. India must move from bilateral to regional strategies, especially in West Asia, Central Asia, and East Asia.
2. It should re-engage with forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and revisit its RCEP decision.
3. Internal economic reforms are needed to meet U.S. trade expectations and build deeper global ties.
4. India doesn’t have to mediate, but must show its readiness to lead in peace and security.
5. India’s early leadership in the Korean War, despite its poverty, shows that proactive diplomacy is possible and respected.

Conclusion
India should not view geopolitics and economic development as conflicting. A more active global role, without necessarily becoming a mediator, will enhance India’s standing. In a changing world order, India must assert itself as a responsible and capable power.

Question for practice:

Examine why India, despite its history of decisive interventions and rising global stature, has refrained from playing a more active political role in regional and international conflicts.