Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
For decades, India projected itself as a leading voice of the developing world, a staunch advocate for non-alignment, and a champion of the interests of marginalized nations. This image was solidified through its support for decolonization, its leadership in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and its consistent emphasis on South-South cooperation. However, in recent years, India’s foreign policy has undergone a significant shift, marked by closer strategic alignment with the United States and other major powers. This has led to questions about whether India has abandoned its traditional role, and whether the long-sustained image of a leader of the oppressed and marginalized has indeed disappeared in the face of its new role in the emerging global order.
Historical Context: India as a Leader of the Oppressed
India’s commitment to anti-colonialism and its advocacy for the developing world were central to its foreign policy from independence in 1947. Key aspects included:
- Non-Alignment (NAM): Founded in 1961, NAM provided a platform for newly independent nations to pursue a path independent of the Cold War superpowers. India, under Jawaharlal Nehru, was a key architect of NAM.
- South-South Cooperation: India actively promoted cooperation among developing countries through initiatives like technical assistance programs and preferential trade agreements.
- Support for Decolonization: India consistently supported movements for independence in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
- Focus on Equitable Global Governance: India advocated for reforms in international institutions like the UN Security Council to make them more representative of the developing world.
This approach earned India considerable goodwill and respect among developing nations, establishing it as a moral and political leader.
Shift in Foreign Policy: Towards Strategic Alignment
Since the early 2000s, and particularly in the last decade, India’s foreign policy has witnessed a noticeable shift. This is driven by several factors:
- Rise of China: China’s growing economic and military power has prompted India to seek closer ties with countries that can counterbalance China’s influence.
- Strategic Partnership with the US: The US-India civil nuclear agreement (2008) marked a turning point, leading to increased cooperation in defense, technology, and trade.
- Indo-Pacific Strategy: India’s embrace of the Indo-Pacific concept, and its participation in initiatives like the Quad (US, India, Japan, Australia), signals a willingness to work with like-minded countries to maintain a rules-based order in the region.
- Economic Liberalization: India’s economic reforms have led to increased integration with the global economy, and a greater emphasis on attracting foreign investment.
This shift has manifested in increased military exercises with the US, closer intelligence sharing, and a more assertive stance on issues like maritime security.
Impact on India’s Image: A Complex Picture
The shift in foreign policy has undeniably impacted India’s image. While it has strengthened its relationships with major powers, it has also led to concerns among some developing countries:
- Perception of Abandoning Non-Alignment: Some critics argue that India has abandoned its traditional policy of non-alignment and is now aligning itself too closely with the US.
- Reduced Focus on South-South Cooperation: There is a perception that India’s focus on its strategic partnership with the US has come at the expense of its engagement with developing countries.
- Concerns about Equity and Justice: India’s support for a rules-based order, while important, is sometimes seen as prioritizing Western interests over the concerns of the developing world.
- Balancing Act: India continues to maintain relationships with countries like Russia, demonstrating a desire to avoid complete alignment with any single power.
However, it’s crucial to note that India continues to provide development assistance to many developing countries and remains a vocal advocate for their interests in international forums. The image has *evolved*, rather than completely *disappeared*. India now presents itself as a responsible stakeholder in the global order, capable of working with both developed and developing countries to address common challenges.
Case of Vaccine Diplomacy during COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, India initially engaged in “vaccine diplomacy,” supplying vaccines to numerous developing countries. This reinforced its image as a responsible global actor. However, as India faced its own surge in cases, it restricted vaccine exports, leading to criticism and highlighting the limitations of its capacity to consistently prioritize the needs of others. This illustrates the complexities of balancing domestic priorities with its traditional role.
Conclusion
The image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalized nations has undoubtedly undergone a transformation. While it continues to advocate for the interests of developing countries, its growing strategic alignment with major powers, particularly the US, has altered its perception in some quarters. However, it is inaccurate to claim that this image has completely disappeared. India is navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, attempting to balance its traditional values with its national interests. Its future role will likely be that of a pragmatic and influential player, capable of bridging the gap between the developed and developing worlds, rather than solely championing the latter.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.