Reimagining Indian Diplomacy in a Fragmented World
India’s foreign policy, once rooted in moral leadership and non-alignment, now faces a turbulent global landscape marked by transactional alliances, declining multilateralism, and regional instability. The editorial critiques India’s diplomatic inertia and calls for a strategic overhaul.
Challenges
Erosion of Multilateralism
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- The global shift toward unilateralism—especially post-Trump era—has weakened collaborative platforms.
- India’s continued reliance on Nehruvian idealism (non-alignment, moral diplomacy) appears outdated in this new geopolitical reality.
Diminishing Influence in West Asia
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- India was excluded from the Gaza peace process, led by the U.S., Türkiye, Egypt, and Qatar.
- A low-level delegation to reconciliation events further signaled India’s waning regional clout.
Strategic Myopia in the Neighbourhood
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- India’s passive stance on Taliban resurgence and instability in Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka reflects a lack of proactive regional engagement.
- Viewing Taliban attacks on Pakistan as “justice” is seen as dangerously shortsighted.
Fragile Engagement with China
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- Diplomatic gestures mask unresolved border tensions post-Galwan.
- India’s underestimation of China’s hegemonic ambitions under Xi Jinping risks long-term strategic setbacks.
Way Forward
- Strategic Renewal: Move beyond rhetorical assertions of autonomy; align economic strength with geopolitical relevance.
- Pragmatic Diplomacy: Embrace flexibility, regional sensitivity, and realpolitik.
- Civilisational Confidence: Leverage India’s cultural identity to build soft power and global partnerships.
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