On India’s Multi-Alignment Policy – Express View on Modi-Putin call

Source: This post on India’s Multi-Alignment Policy has been created based on the article “Express View on Modi-Putin call: The new multi-alignment” published in “Indian Express” on 17^th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

News: The article discusses the state of the current global geopolitics and how India is navigating its relations amidst these challenges through its Multi-Alignment Policy.

What is the state of the current global geopolitics?

The current geopolitical scenario is marked by increasing power rivalries. For instance:

1. Conflicts in Europe and West Asia – between Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Hamas.
2. Rivalry between the US and China on economic, technological and strategic fronts.

How is India dealing with these developments?

India has managed to engage with diverse partners who are often against each other. Its current “multi-alignment” policy is guided by national interest and the need to forge bilateral relationships. For instance:

1) Engaging with Russia: Recently, India’s PM and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone conversation. They reportedly discussed the “special and privileged strategic partnership”, the Ukraine conflict and a deepening of bilateral ties.

2) Engaging with Iran: Recently, India’s External Affairs Minister visited Iran where he finalised cooperation on developing the Chabahar Port.

3) Maintaining Ties with USA: The US put considerable pressure on India to take a stronger position against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. However, India maintained its relations with both the major powers.

4) Maintaining Ties with West Asia: India has deep partnerships with Israel and Saudi Arabia, even though they are in a regional cold war with Iran.

At the same time, India hasn’t compromised on its core principles: that war cannot be a solution (in context of the Ukraine conflict) and zero tolerance for terror (in context of the Houthi attacks).

What are the factors which have allowed India to maintain this stand?

1. Economic Rise: The size of India’s market as well as its potential for future growth gives it both strategic and diplomatic weight.
2. Counterbalance to an Aggressive China: As China has grown more aggressive in Asia and beyond, the US and the West see India as a crucial regional counterbalance.
3. Democratic Credentials: Its credentials as a liberal, pluralist democracy make India an attractive partner.

Hence, to navigate the current delicate geopolitics and geoeconomics to secure its interests, India must ensure it does well on all these fronts.

Question for practice:

India is navigating the current global geopolitics through a multi-alignment policy. Elaborate.