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Core Course
Discipline Specific Elective (DSE-4)
India's Foreign Policy in a Globalizing World
Study Material : Unit 1-
Editors : Dr. Mangal Deo
Dr. Shakti Pradayani Rout
Department of Political Science
SCHOOL OF OPEN LEARNING
University of Delhi
B. (Hons.) Political Science Semester-VI
Graduate Course
Discipline Specific Elective (DSE-4)
India's Foreign Policy in a Globalizing World
Contents
Pg. No.
Unit-1 : India’s Foreign Policy: From a Postcolonial State to an Aspiring Global Power Dr. Surae Soren 01
Unit-2 : Indo-US, India-Russia Relations Dr. Smita Agarwal 14
Unit-3 : India’s Engagement with China Anirudh Yadav 24
Unit-4 : India and South Asia Dr. Smita Agarwal 36
Unit-5 : India’s Negotiating Style in Relation to Trade, Environment and Security Strategy Dr. Duryodhan Nahak 48
Unit-6 : India in the Contemporary Multipolar World Dr. Esha 60
Edited by: Dr. Mangal Deo Dr. Shakti Pradayani Rout
SCHOOL OF OPEN LEARNING
UNIVERSITY OF DELHI 5, Cavalry Lane, Delhi-
whether India still shows continuity in its foreign policy discourse which it has inherited from history.
The long colonial rule for more than hundred years was a very devastating phase for India. India not only lost its political independence but was also got shattered economically. The colonial rule also adversely impacted India socially, ideologically and emotionally. The colonial rule widened sectarian divisions and weakened the social fabric. Due to loss of political independence India was mocked around the world as an uncivilized barbaric country. This not only affected the morale of the nation but also sowed the seeds of national movement which resulted in India’s freedom in 1947. The period of colonial rule in India was not merely a period of great struggle but was also a time of nation building, redefining national ethos, search of ancient knowledge and wisdom, and self assessment of political and social structure. The experience gained during national movement and assertion of Indian tradition, knowledge and realpolitik has shaped the foreign policy trajectory of independent India.
1 Understanding Postcolonial State
The study of postcolonial state depicts a very significant phenomenon in the study of system of states in the international relations. That phenomenon showcases a troublesome event of colonialism in human history which marks the widespread slavery of large population by a significant small population in the world for about two hundred years. The postcolonial therefore means the time and space which has past colonialism or the world order which has emerged after the end of colonial period. The postcolonial in other sense is the world order which has come after experiencing the colonial phase. The colonial era was very brutal and had broken the natural civilizational development by usage of means of sciences through industrial production and newly generated ideology like laissez-faire and white man’s burden. What was most treacherous was the propagation of colonialism in the name of development and upgradation of the indigenous people. The colonial activities severely affected the existing social, political and economic order in the colonized countries.
Apart from slavery the other brutal aspect which emerged during the colonial period was depicting the colonized people as barbaric and therefore fit to be called as inferior human beings. These was done not only by imposing an alien form of political and social change but by also misrepresenting the art, culture, tradition and history of the colonized people. A conscious effort was made to undermine the knowledge tradition of the colonized and impose a new and overbearing value system as considered to be fit by the colonizers. This made a great impact on the colonized people. The colonization process severely altered the traditional practices and value system. Despite its brutal nature it had brought modernity and modern knowledge and value system to the world. As a result the colonization process effected the emergence of a new global social and political structure. When the colonization period ended the new structure remained and was shaped and altered as per the understating and convenience of the newly independent nations. This new structure forms the basis of the study of postcolonial state. One thing which is very common around the world is the
reexamination of the effect of colonization and its impact on the socio-political and economic aspects. Thus postcolonial study showcases a new kind of knowledge system which has emerged after the colonial era.
The postcolonial study try to dislodge the hegemony of western or colonial powers in every fields of knowledge production by reexamination and deconstruction of existing knowledge. The postcolonial study becomes complex when an attempt is made to draw a general meaning of postcolonial studies. Different authors have viewed and given emphasis to different areas while studying post colonial system. In an authoritative articulation Ashcroft, Griffiths and Tiffin have observed that “We use the term ‘post-colonial’, however, to cover all the culture affected by the imperial process from the moment of colonization to the present day” (Ashcroft, Griffiths and Helen 2002: 2). They have tried to generalize the meaning of postcolonial by including every type of culture which was affected by the colonial process. The postcolonial study thus has a continuity from the colonial days to the present times. The present day knowledge formation is affected by the changes which were made during the colonial era. Leela Gandhi is of the view that “postcolonialism can be seen as a theoretical resistance to the mystifying amnesia of the colonial aftermath. It is a disciplinary project devoted to the academic task of revisiting, remembering and, crucially, interrogating the colonial past” (Gandhi 1998: 4). She also emphasize on studying the antagonistic relation between the colonizers and the colonized (Ibid). By understanding the colonial era relationship between the colonizers and the colonized, the present era power- knowledge relationships between the west and rest of the world could be understood.
In international relations postcolonial study has a unique place. The entire colonization process was relation between different states which was based on values of superiority and domination. This is the reason why postcolonial studies developed its roots in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Australia. These were also the regions which faced the brute burnt of colonialism. As a result the post colonialism in international relations questions the existing global norms and ethics which claim to impart global justice. Postcolonial study in international relations also challenge the western or European domination in creation of international order by questioning the ethical foundations of international society building.
Postcolonial studies therefore find its roots in those philosophies which have talked about international society and perpetual peace. However the early protest movement against Columbus occupation of the Americas or early protest movement against the the European colonization of Asia, America, Africa and Australia have guided the understanding of the postcolonial study. The way the slaves revolted against the colonizers and questioned the ethical, legal and cultural reasons of slavery, still form the major premises of rejecting western norms of creating an international society.
The postcolonial study questions the assumptions of truth which the west has propagated especially those related to the colonized. Postcolonial study challenges the truth about the colonized as it believe that the western understanding how much ever honest cannot truly understand the conditions of the colonized. There is also a factor of power-knowledge relation which favors the western understanding. Since true understanding of international
Since independence India has shown some pattern in its foreign policy which has its roots in historical values.
India has always seen the world as a one single unit living in peace and harmony. The ancient concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) has guided India’s foreign policy since independence. In this context the ancient Indian philosophy of Advaita is worth mentioning. In recent years Advaita has gained acceptance in India’s foreign policy discourse. The Advaita postulates that “the globe as a political entity is perpetually connected” (Shahi 2015: 15). India’s foreign policy also see’s the world as a one entity which is globally connected therefore making discrimination and injustice impossible. India’s understanding of interconnected world is about sharing resources and values. The ultimate aim of incorporating Advaita in foreign policy is to create a world which is free from hunger, poverty and exploitation.
Since independence India’s foreign policy has also been deeply influenced and shaped by the Buddhist principles. The concept of Panchsheel or five virtues had played an important role in nurturing India’s relations with other countries. India used Panchsheel to establish strong and long lasting relationship with other postcolonial states. In foreign policy the five principles are: “(i) mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, (ii) mutual non-aggression, (iii) mutual non-interference, (iv) equality and territorial integrity and sovereignty, and (v) peaceful co-existence”. The Panchsheel helped India to project itself as benevolent and non aggressive country in the world. It helped in increasing India’s prestige in the world as the world was looking for a peaceful environment after witnessing two world wars.
India’s proclivity for world peace has also come from Gandhian principles of Satya and Ahimsha (truth and nonviolence). Mahatma Gandhi’s influence on nation building and also in foreign policy had been profound. Gandhi’s teaching of truth and nonviolence was not only integrated in India’s foreign policy but was also cherished in entire world. Gandhian philosophy and values prohibited India from indulging in power politics. As a result India’s foreign policy focused on world peace and cooperation.
However the international system does not merely accepts pacifistic ideas but it also witness power politics. The countries engage in war for various reasons like security and prestige. So creation of strong military is also important. Having witness military incursions from neighboring countries, India’s foreign policy based on nonviolent principles was modified and element of military strength was included in foreign policy discourse. However there was a dilemma as to how military activities could be condoned. The ancient tradition and knowledge system based on ancient value system was invoked. The Indian foreign foreign policy believes in the concept of dharmayuddha to conduct war. The “dharma stands for right conduct in order to maintain cosmic harmony” (Roy 2007: 233). The dharmayuddha therefore is accepted when the order has to be maintained, matasyanyaya has to be ended and justice has to be prevailed. India’s military strength is therefore to protect the nations from enemy attack.
India has deep sense of traditional values of peace and dharma. Since independence India’s foreign policy has exhibited value and ethics laden actions. India feels proud in following the path of ethics and hope that the world too become more ethical. However as the international system has diverse competing perspectives, India’s foreign policy has adapted to the emerging environment without compromising on ethics.
1 Nonaligned Movement
As a postcolonial state India has exhibited a unique foreign policy which is unparalleled in the world. Uniqueness in India’s foreign policy can be attributed to its policy of nonalignment. Due to India’s effort, the nonalignment policy became a global movement saving large number of postcolonial and newly independent states from the consequences of war. As the second world ended in 1945 the cold war soon began. The cold war was an indirect war between the two power blocs. The American bloc wanted to create a world order based on liberal capitalism and on the other hand the Soviet bloc wanted to create a world order based on communism. This ideological driven indirect warfare was engulfing entire world and the newly independent states were facing the consequences.
The nonalignment movement could be considered as a postcolonial movement. The genesis of nonalignment movement lies in the colonization process in which the non European nations were colonized. The colonization process occurred as an effect of propagation of laissez-faire ideology. The European nations in their zeal to search for new markets and natural resources explored the world. With their superiority in military strength, science and technology they defeated the non western world and forced them to slavery. During the colonization era racial discrimination became prominent which is still continuing in different forms. India too had to face economic exploitation and racial discrimination. Since the time of national movement itself, that is during the pre independent era Indian leaders became wary of liberal economics. Indian were also not asked about their willingness to participate in the world wars. Several Indian soldiers were send to different parts of the world to fight in the world war. India’s nonalignment policy got developed even before it got independence. After India got independence it decided to not join any power blocs and develop its independent foreign policy.
India’s diplomatic efforts played a crucial role in expanding the nonaligned movement. The nonaligned movement formed a large bloc of newly independent nations who did not wish to go into war. The outcome of nonaligned movement can be summed as the following- “(i) The non-aligned group’s pressure undoubtedly pushed forward and speeded the process of de-colonialisation. Also polarisation of countries into two blocs was slowed down. (ii) The non-aligned group brought to the notice of the peoples of the world that there was an alternate side to these and that bloc policy would not serve the interests of world peace. (iii) The non- aligned and the Afro-Asian group helped the newly independent countries by giving them the necessary moral support in the independent exercise of their right to act as they themselves saw fit” (Ratnam 1970: 266).
As India’s nuclear policy developed, India started to call for global elimination of nuclear weapons from the earth. India wanted the world to use nuclear energy only for peaceful purposes. As India called for global elimination of nuclear weapons, India’s call went unheard and on the contrary the American and the Soviet bloc went into a nuclear arms race. India also found out that the world was discriminatory as the nuclear technology possessing country were reluctant to share nuclear technology even for peaceful purposes. India’s nuclear policy started to change due to geopolitical needs. In 1962 as a result of Chinese incursion on Indian territory India started to rethink about its military as well as nuclear policy. When China conducted its first nuclear test at Lop Nor on 16 October 1964, it altered the military balance between India and China. As a consequence domestic call for nuclear test grew in India. This also meant that people’s aversion to nuclear weapons receded.
At the global level India found out that a militarily weak nation was not respected. It also found that India’s neighbourhood was hostile and so its territorial integrity was vulnerable. This belief got strength due to India-Pakistan war in 1965 and 1971. India also found that the powerful nations who possessed nuclear nations were not ready to share nuclear technology and wanted to retain nuclear hegemony. This is evident from the fact that to prohibit nuclear tests, the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) was brought into force on March 5, 1970. In this scenario India gradually changed its nuclear policy. In its nuclear policy, India never discarded its ethical and moral principles. However it accepted nuclear bomb as a means of security provider and prestige builder. Therefore India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974 and termed it as “peaceful nuclear explosion”.
The world took note of India’s nuclear test. The western countries reacted sharply and criticized India. A London Suppliers Group was formed to prohibit and control nuclear technology and materials to countries which did not adhered to NPT. India viewed the reactions of the west as discriminatory. Ironically India achieved what it wanted to achieve. India showed to the world that India is not a weak nation and follows an independent foreign policy.
For almost two decades India maintained a kind of status quo. It did not conduct further nuclear tests. However with the increasing nexus between China and Pakistan alarmed India and it started to feel threatened. Further the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) which prohibited nuclear test was adopted by the United Nations in 1996. India termed CTBT as discriminatory and refused to sign it. To strengthen its security and to reestablish its prestige India conducted second nuclear tests in 1998. The world again reacted severely and the western countries put sanctions on India.
India’s 1998 nuclear tests projected India as a powerful and responsible nation. India also came up with its nuclear doctrine in 2003. India’s nuclear doctrine contains two important aspect. It talked about creating a “credible minimum deterrent” and maintaining a position of “No First Use”. It declared that its nuclear weapons were only to deter the adversary and at the same time it will not first use nuclear weapons against any country. Thus even after becoming a nuclear country India maintained a strong moral position.
India’s nuclear policy has witness a strange tension in its foreign policy discourse. Being a postcolonial state India faced the dilemma of using all its resources for poverty alleviation and development programme in one hand and on other hand it wanted to project itself as a strong nation capable of protecting its people and sovereignty. India wanted to challenge western understanding of India as a weak and poor country. In conducting nuclear tests India not only challenged the western domination but also showcased itself as powerful nation.
The complexities in India’s foreign policy behaviour has shown a gradual progression from a postcolonial state to an aspiring global power. India’s determination to challenge the western hegemony in international order, social-political and economic spheres, ideology and thought system, and knowledge building process has projected India’s aspiration to contribute significantly in creation of a new world order. India’s vision of global order is based on the principles of peace, equitable distribution of resources, mutual respect and cooperation , non exploitative global relation. India’s nuclear status has projected India’s capability in military affairs and also in science and technology. Other significant factor which has helped India to aspire for a powerful position in the global order is its rise in world economy. The status of a country in international politics is not merely determined by military strength but also by its economic strength as it is the economy which sustains the military prowess and keep the population healthy and prosperous.
1 Economic Policy
India had been an agricultural economy for a long time. The economic exploitation during the British rule had rendered India poor. The colonization process broke down India’s economic structure. So after independence India focused on agricultural production. Apart from agriculture India also focused on industrial production. Both the agriculture and industry sector was developed under a plan economy which helped India to alleviate its poverty to a significant level. To sustain the agricultural activities large dams were built. These dams worked as a multi purpose project, producing electricity and providing water for irrigation. India also developed mineral based industries to produce iron and steel. As India was moving towards development its centrally controlled planned economy started to show its limitation. The ‘inspector raj’ and ‘red tapism’ became clogs in the wheel of progress. As a result India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate remained almost constant for a long time. The GDP grew at the rate of 3 per cent from 1950 to 1980. This somehow also indicated that the economic policy needed reorientation.
In the late eighties due to political instability and economic stagnation, India’s economic condition deteriorated significantly. The economic deterioration happened due to lack of competitiveness and innovation in the economic policy. In 1991 India became so vulnerable that it had hardly enough foreign reserves to import for three weeks. This became a watermark for India in its economic policy. For India this was the time when it could reorient its economic policy. India approached the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for financial help. The IMF agreed to help India if it would initiate structural changes in economy. India was ready to make structural changes. Therefore in 1991 India announced to liberalize it
environment, and digital connectivity. Under this policy India has provided assistance to the South Asian nations.
India has also given high priority to economic relationship. While India’s regional trade in South Asia was about $13 billion in 2008 it rose to $36 billion in 2018. Most of the Indian export go to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal. India’s trade in the South Asia region is about 4 per cent of India’s global trade. There is a high potential for improvement in trade relationship. To boost trade ties India has made several trade agreements with South Asian nations. In 1994 India signed SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA) and in 2004 India signed South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA).
The main role of India in the South Asia region is that of security provider and regional balancer. India is also trying hard to further integrate the South Asia region. India promotes regions organizations like South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) initiative. Being the largest country in the South Asia both in geographical size and economy India has provided economic and infrastructural assistance to the region. India’s assistance to the region during COVID-19 pandemic in terms of vaccine and other medical assistance was remarkable.
As India shares historical tie with the South Asian countries, issues related to the region receives special attention from India. Despite India’s size and strength India has never tried to dominate the political or social issues in the region. India has no intention to become a hegemonic country (Chattopadhyay 2011: 2). India is determined to help and cooperate with the South Asian countries.
1 India’s Significance in International Politics
The emergent India in the present international politics is a different India. The contemporary India is more confident and self reliant. Its is ready to take risks and play a pivotal role in international politics. India had believed that it is destined to achieve great power status (Ogden 2011 : 4). While the economic liberalization in 1991 provided needed impetus to economy, the 1998 nuclear tests catapulted India into the world stage.
As the world community on United States’ behest imposed several sanctions on India, India took this opportunity to initiate a robust diplomacy to cope with sanctions and reformulate its bilateral relations. Due to India’s diplomatic push and ability to leverage its economic and military strength, India became successful in changing the world opinion to its favour. Even “the USA began to accept the new consequences of India in terms of her economy, nuclear capabilities, stable democracy and large middle class” (Ibid: 10). The long episodes of talk between Jaswant Singh and Strobe Talbott helped eliminate misunderstandings between India and the United States. This talks also help change India’s image in the world. India was able to convince the world that India is a responsible nuclear nation and is ready to play a major role in global issues.
India also improved its relation with China. India’s relation with China is now based on shared partnership and mutual respect. India is fast gaining parity with China in terms of
military and economic field. During 2020 border skirmishes at Galwan, Ladakh, India was successful in thwarting Chines incursion into Indian territory. India has also been successful in breaking Chinese encirclement of India. One such example is the initiation of Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD) or Quad in 2007 between India, United States, Japan and Australia.
India has gained respect in the world due to its economic and military power. India is now member of several multilateral organizations and plays important role in shaping the policies of these organization. India’s concern is now heard in international organizations like World Trade Organization (WTO) and International Monetary Fund (IMF). India is also actively participate in multilateral forums like BRICS (Brazial, Russia, India, China, South Africa) dialogues, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and East Asia Summit (EAS). India also help shape viewpoint in the United Nations and is a generous contributor to the UN Peacekeeping missions. India also plays important role in shaping viewpoint related to common concerns like issues of climate change, global poverty alleviation and containment of pandemic. India helps financially, technologically and also provides workers, staff and experts.
In the recent years India’s role has increased in several fields. Be it outer space exploration or manufacture of vaccines, India has taking a lead role not only to showcase its prowess to the world but also to serve the human kind. The world community has also recognized India’s role and contribution to global development and diplomacy.
1 Conclusion
India’s history, tradition, culture and civilizational ethos play a crucial role in shaping India’s foreign policy. The aspiration for global power is the manifest of deep rooted thought that India was a powerful country in the world and India must achieve its past glory. India also feels that it has every capability to achieve its dream. The postcolonial characteristic helps India to stick to its roots and at the same time make diplomatic maneuvers in the technologically and financially driven modern world. India’s aspiration for power is not to accomplish hegemonic objective but to contribute in global peace and development. India cherishes mutual cooperation and equitable distribution of resources. For India the world order should be non exploitative and non hegemonic. India’s foreign policy is value laden and collaborative in nature. The increasing Indian role in international issues has made the wold order more ethical and cooperative. India rise in the world is a pleasant phenomena in international relations.
1 References
Ashcroft, Bill, Gareth Griffiths and Helen Tiffin (2002), The Empire Writes Back: Theory and practice in post-colonial literatures, Routledge: London.
Baru, Sanjay (2002), “Strategic Consequences of India’s Economic Performance”, Economic and Political Weekly, Vol. 37, No. 26, pp. 2583-2592.
Chattopadhyay, Pratip (2011), “The Politics of India’s Neighbourhood Policy
in South Asia”, South Asian Survey, Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 93–108.
Unit-
Indo-US, India-Russia Relations
Dr. Smita Agarwal
- Structure
2 Introduction
2 India’s Relationship with USA
2.2 India-USA relationship in the era of cold war 2.2 Kashmir Issue 2.2 Pakistan- a hyphenated relationship between India and USA 2.2 India- USA bilateral relations after the end of Cold war 2.2 Indo- US relations after September 11 2.2 Rising India: A strategic Choice for the US
2 India-Russia
2.3 A Historical glimpse of Indo- Soviet relations 2.3 Collapse of USSR and new divergences between Indo- Russia relations 2.3 Rise of New era in Indo- Russia relations 2.3 Defence ties 2.3 Civil nuclear ties 2.3 Economic ties 2.3 Global Partnership
2 Conclusion
2 Practice Questions
2 References
2 Introduction
Since time immemorial world has existed in interdependent relations. Earlier economic relations were the main stay between civilizations or countries. With increase in activities propelled due to globalization, states have entered into a complex –interdependence with other states. As a result all states have relations with other states. This chapter will aim to look at India’s relations with USA and Russia. Both these powers are extremely important for India’s bid to attain superpowers relations. This is because both these powers had enjoyed and continues to control and mould international relations.
2 India’s Relationship with USA
India and USA are seen as world’s oldest and largest democracies of the world. Despite having strong ties where USA was seen as pushing the cause for India’s independence their relationship did not fructify in the initial years. This was mainly due to the international climate that was plagued by USA –USSR ideological cold war and India’s stance on avoiding any group politics that could be detrimental for India’s newly acquired freedom. India- USA relationship will be seen through three phases- during cold war, after the end of cold war and third phase will be after the Rise of China’s claim to being a super power.
2.2 India-USA Relationship in the Era of Cold War
Diffusion of atomic bomb over Hiroshima and Nagasakhi led to the start of an era of mistrust and start of cold war. This phase marked an era of polarization. India being a newly independent country chose strategic autonomy by adopting the principle of Non- alignment. As a result, it was not part of any of US promoted military blocs and security alliances like South East Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO)A AND Central Treaty Organisation (CENTO). While Pakistan became a member an active member of these organization thereby making India ‘s position with USA weak. This led to building of divide between the countries at all international forums and issues. The cold war led differences between the two countries was clearly visible during Hungarain crises, Czechoslovakia cries, people’s Repulic of China’s membership in United Nations, Kashmir problem, American arms transfer to Pakistan and nuclear issue.
2.2 Kashmir Issue
India did not get a very positive support from USA in the Kashmir issue. This problem had begun immediately after India’s independence when Pakistan aided tribal invasion took place. US did not recognize Pakistan aggression and imposed arms sanction on India. This negative attitude continued till 1971. It was only after the signing of Shimla Agreement that US recognized India’s stand to settle this conflict through bilateral dialogue. Situation improved with the waning of cold war where India opened its economy and emerged as strong economic power. This also coincided with the disintegration of USSR that effectively established free market economy as the universalizing principle of the world. Looking forward to becoming a hegemony, USA started tilting towards India and developed strong relationship with India that later replaced into strategic autonomy. This could be reflected when during Kargil war of 1999, USA effectively mediated Indo-Pak conflict.
2.2 Pakistan–a Hyphenated Relationship between India and USA
The partition of Indian subcontinent was very tragic as a result both India and Pakistan emerged as strong rivals. With the onset of cold war Since India refused to be an ally of USA, thinking of geo-strategic significance, USA chose Pakistan as its ally during the Cold war. Under SEATO AND CENTO program, Pakistan received arms transfer and other military and diplomatic aid from USA that was detrimental to India’s security. This act further divided a rift between India and USA. In fact Pakistan’s closeness to USA was a major irritant in India – USA relationship. This was even seen when India had vehemently opposed arms race that had started during Cold war and had got translated into nuclear arms race also. India’s strategic position on disarmament made her reject nuclear nonproliferation treaty (NPT). India’s bid towards disarmament made her oppose the NPT that created a divided world between nuclear powers and non- nuclear powers. India opposed this discriminatory treaty and as per geo-political climate it also denoted Peaceful Nuclear Explosion (PNE) in
Post cold war era did mitigate some differences between India and US and ushered in new era of economic and defence co-operation but certain irritants like nuclear issue still clouded their robust relationship. This reached a peak when India denoted a nuclear bomb in 1998 named Pokhran II. At the same time India’s conduct in Kashmir was been seen as human rights violations by some US legislators who used raise this demand in international forums. Finally with the denoting of the bomb US imposed sanctions on India under their policy of ‘cap, freeze and back’. at the same time the political climate of US was in favour of pushing Pakistan as an ally. Therefore despite Pakistan having nuclear arsenal build up did not face the same sanctions as India faced after it had tested it. This kind of strategic decisions had derailed India’s economic growth. It also affected India- Russia’s partnership deal for signing of cryogenic rocket deal.
The stale climate faced by India after Pokhran II did not continue for long. This happened due to certain political climate like Asian economic crises, breaching of boundary by Pakistan leading to Kargil war in 1999 but India’s economy still showing resilience. As a result US administration cleared the stalemate by supporting India’s position in the kargil war. This also resulted in a visit by President Clinton in the year 2000 that led to signing of several agreements between Indian and US.
2.2 Indo- US Relations after September 11
September 11 attack on world tower shook the world and the widening US-Pakistan distance finally led to a rift. At the same time Bush administration had already contemplated to lift us sanctions from India over nuclear embryo. After this attack India emerged as a key ally who supported US war against terrorism. However, choosing strategic strategy over moral values, US made Pakistan its ally in its war against terrorism due to geographical reasons which made India vulnerable to Pakistan’s attack frequently. Like attack over Indian Parliament on 13 December and attack over Kashmir legislative assembly in 2001 as the political climate with death of Osama Bin laden and destruction of Iraq that had led to death of Saddam Hussein, Indo- Us relations now took a new turn. This largely stemmed from change in political leadership in US and change of world order where US faced a rising China who was trying to draft a new world order according to new principles thus giving a blow to US leadership. In this context US was drifting towards rising India who due to geographical and strategic reasons could be supported to contain rising China. At the same time US support to Pakistan dwindled as Pakistan was seen collapsing due to its internal political and economic instability.
2.2 Rising India: A Strategic Choice for the US
A stable economy, a vibrant democracy and positive human resource has made India been most sought after destination for economic investment and has made India quite strong to draft its own principles of foreign policy. This bold confidence has given birth to the idea of strategic autonomy that has emerged as a cardinal principle of India’s foreign policy in the postcold war era. This principle is being used by India to actively engage with US. By strategic autonomy, policy experts says that India exercises choice as per her requirements as to when to be independent and when to exercise alliance based strategy. According to Kalyanaraman, ‘Strategic autonomy denotes the ability of a state to pursue its national interests and adopt its preferred foreign policy without being constrained in any manner by other states. As a result it is India’s independent choice that is exercised while choosing to get closer to any country. This principle was enumerated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the first time, in his key note address at Shangri La dialogue in 2018 in Singapore.
He said that , ‘It is a measure of our strategic autonomy that India’s Strategic Partnership, with Russia, has matured to be special and privileged Prime Minister said that India’s principle of “strategic autonomy” remains strong, while drawing an equivalence in ties with Russia, the U. and China and cautioning against a “return to the age of great power rivalries”. In the present context, in 2018 the debate on strategic autonomy has resurfaced when India, in October 2018 has signed a $5 billion defence deal with Russia to purchase S-400 missile defence system and decided to continue with oil trade with Iran 2018 in spite of the open opposition by the United States.
In order to fully understand contours of strategic autonomy between India and US it can be seen through the following points
Civil Nuclear Cooperation
The Peaceful Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, that was signed in 2008 is the first major strategic breakthrough between the two countries. This agreement ended India’s global isolation in the field of nuclear technology when India had exploded peaceful explosion in 1974 and it had faced major sanctions. In 2005 when President Bush signed strategic agreements, it also recognized India a s a responsible nuclear power. This declaration was drastic opposite to earlier stand of US when India had refused to sign NPT. With this agreement in place India got access to commerce in civil nuclear agreements from Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). The deal also facilitated India signing of similar nuclear cooperation agreements with many other countries like Russia, France, South Korea, Japan and Australia.
Defence Cooperation
Defence Framework Cooperation agreement that was signed in 2005 for a 10 year period has included joint maritime exercises, arms supply and sharing of defence information. As a result of this co-operation they decided to launch the joint Malabar naval exercises in 2007. After this a multi lateral organization by the name Quadi-lateral security dialogue (QUAD) was conceptualized which included India, US, Japan and Australia. At the same time Defence co-production and co-development along with supply of advanced system constitutes an important element of Indo-US defence cooperation. Some of the important projects for co- development identified under this agreement are Intelligence-gathering and reconnaissance modules for C-130J Super Hercules aircraft; Mobile electric hybrid power sources; Chemical, biological warfare protection gear for soldiers. In sequel to above development, India was designated a Major Defence Partner by the US in 2016, which entitles India to seek supply of most advanced defence instruments from the US. India has procured from the US many advanced defence items like C130J aircraft, P8I maritime surveillance aircraft, and INS Jalashwa, Apache attack helicopters and Chinook heavy-lift helicopters and others.
India was also encouraged to play a major role in US South Asia Strategy announced in August, 2017. This strategy aims at restoring peace and stability in Afghanistan and sidelines Pakistan for her tacit support to terrorist elements.
Indo-Pacific Strategic Theatre
With the rise of China and other Asian countries, like China and ASEAN members, the Indo- Pacific Ocean has assumed strategic and economic significance in recent years. This region is the major supply route for international trade and energy resources and contains. It contains two hot spots – Malacca Strait and South China Sea. The narrow Malacca Strait links Indian Ocean with Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea has emerged as a disputed place between
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Course: political science hons
University: Creighton University
- Discover more from:political science honsCreighton University999+ Documents
- More from:political science honsCreighton University999+ Documents
