India’s foreign policy evolves amidst emerging dynamic geopolitics

The image of India in the Western world has altered radically over the past decades, thanks to the cumulative effect of high economic growth, steady integration with the international market economy, the successful introduction of new technologies and communications, and more importantly its foreign policy.

Currently, we are living in such a situation where the US is losing its sheen and China is enhancing its agenda of establishing hegemony in the world, and in the year 2020, a black swan COVID arrived which impacted the momentum of globalization, and supply chains. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has also played a major role in today's geopolitical situation. The Russia-Ukraine war has created a divide where one side is led by the US and another one is aligned with Russia and China. While the entire world's attention was on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, China started its own game, trying to unify Taiwan with its mainland. Taiwan has also become a focal point between US and China.

India's foreign policy has changed for the "good" with the emerging geo-political situation. India has shed its pacifism and has become explicit and assertive in articulating and protecting its core interest. India has started an "India first" policy where New Delhi decides for itself and its independent foreign policy cannot be subject to intimidation. And this was observed during the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

India's response to the Ukraine crisis and the engaging geopolitical issues have unfolded a new chapter of foreign policy. Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war on February 24, India has emphasized the need for diplomacy and dialogue while defending its independent stand, which prioritizes the country's energy and food security. Throughout this year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India's position on the Ukraine conflict. Even in the UN, India always advocated for diplomacy and dialogue.

"Today's era isn't of war and I have spoken to you about it on the call. Today we'll get the opportunity to talk about how can we progress on the path of peace. India-Russia has stayed together with each other for several decades," the Prime Minister said.

He also said, "I prefer to do it my way and articulate it my way."

India's revamped foreign policy has even given China a shockwave. Last year in June, India banned 59 Chinese mobile applications including the widely-used social media platforms such as TikTok, WeChat, and Helo keeping in view the threat to the nation's sovereignty and security.

This action came after 20 Indian soldiers and an unspecified number of Chinese soldiers were killed during violent clashes in Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh amid border tensions with China.

And in the case of Pakistan, India doesn't limit its policy to cricket but is seen in the army, film, and in international fora.

India had also banned Pakistani artists to perform or act in the motherland. These all show that "new" India is not going to tolerate rival countries' nefarious acts.

Last year in November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Initiative for the Resilient Island States (IRIS) for developing the infrastructure of small island nations, saying it gives new hope, new confidence, and satisfaction in doing something for the most vulnerable countries.

Speaking about the impact of climate change on the world, PM Modi said, "The past few decades have proven that nobody remains untouched by the effects of climate change. Be it developed nations or nations that are rich in natural resources. It's a huge threat."

Earlier, in May, former President Ramnath Kovind visited Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Jamaica. Notably, this is the first high-level visit from India.

During the consultations held at Port Moresby, the two sides exchanged views on regional and global issues and cooperation in multilateral fora.

At the closing ceremony of the G20 Summit in Indonesia, PM Modi said that India's presidency will be " inclusive, ambitious, decisive and action-oriented." (ANI)