1. Context of the Article:
- The article is written in the backdrop of S. President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from various international commitments and the changing dynamics of global power.
- It critically examines India’s strategic posture and diplomatic engagements amid a shifting multipolar world order.
2. Key Threat Highlighted:
- India’s aspiration to be a “great power” is under threat, particularly due to:
- Unilateralism of global powers (especially the U.S. under Trump).
- Erosion of multilateral institutions.
- India’s growing dependency on singular global players like the U.S.
- Unilateralism of global powers (especially the U.S. under Trump).
3. Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy:
- Trump’s “America First” policy weakens:
- Global institutions (like WTO, NATO).
- Long-term bilateral commitments.
- Multilateral diplomacy.
- Global institutions (like WTO, NATO).
- This makes it difficult for India to rely on consistent U.S. support, weakening India’s ability to leverage its relationship with the West.
4. India’s Strategic Autonomy Dilemma:
- India has traditionally followed a policy of “strategic autonomy”—balancing major powers without getting tied to one.
- However, recent foreign policy moves suggest a tilt towards the U.S., which can be risky in an unpredictable global scenario.
5. Dangers of Unilateralism:
- S. unilateral decisions (like pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal) affect India’s interests in West Asia.
- The emergence of a multipolar world means India cannot rely solely on bilateral ties, especially with nations that are revising their global roles unpredictably.
6. Importance of Multipolarity:
- A stable, rules-based multipolar order helps medium powers like India.
- India must support multipolar structures (e.g., BRICS, SCO) to protect its global standing.
7. Recommendations for India:
- Engage deeply with multilateral institutions.
- Avoid excessive dependence on any single power (like the U.S.).
- Revive its role as a non-aligned leader by:
- Promoting peace initiatives.
- Playing an active role in regional diplomacy, e.g., in South Asia, West Asia, and Indo-Pacific.
- Promoting peace initiatives.
8. Push for Peace in South Asia:
- The author emphasizes that India must de-escalate tensions with Pakistan, especially after events like Pulwama (context of the article).
- Rising militarism may damage India’s long-term aspirations for regional leadership and peaceful diplomacy.
9. Strategic Communication Matters:
- India must be clear in its strategic messaging to global powers—asserting its independence and vision for a stable world order.
- Overplaying military responses or emotionally driven nationalism might backfire in international diplomacy.
10. Conclusion:
- To preserve and enhance its “great power” ambition, India must:
- Balance bilateral ties (U.S., Russia, China).
- Strengthen multilateralism.
- Champion peaceful regional engagement.
- Avoid over-reliance on any one pole in the multipolar global structure.
- Balance bilateral ties (U.S., Russia, China).
10-Marker (150 words)
1. “India’s over-dependence on a single pole in a multipolar world threatens its strategic autonomy.”
*Discuss with reference to recent shifts in global diplomacy and U.S. foreign policy.