Understanding India's Foreign Policy Shift: Aakar Patel's Insight
UN Resolution on Gaza and India's Position
On June 12, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, condemning Israel's use of starvation as a tactic in warfare. Out of the participating nations, 149 voted in favor, while the United States and Israel opposed the motion. India chose to abstain from the vote, a decision that reflects a consistent pattern during the Modi administration. This stance has drawn criticism from some Indian citizens, as it diverges from India's historical support for Palestine, aligning instead with the BJP's Hindutva ideology.
The Complexity of India's Foreign Relations
Supporters of the government have expressed frustration over the perceived neutrality of the international community regarding India's recent conflicts with Pakistan, feeling that other nations are not siding with India. This article aims to clarify rather than critique India's foreign policy under Narendra Modi. The BJP's manifestos, dating back to its origins in the 1950s, have not provided a clear foreign policy framework. However, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has articulated his views in his writings, which can help us understand India's global strategy. Jaishankar posits that the current era will see the United States and Europe becoming more introspective, while China continues to ascend, creating opportunities for countries like India to engage opportunistically without the need for a consistent approach.
Jaishankar's Vision for a Multi-Polar Asia
India's goal is to establish a 'multi-polar Asia,' where it can assert its equality with China. Jaishankar suggests that India must skillfully manage multiple diplomatic engagements. He views this opportunism as acceptable, rooted in India's cultural heritage. This perspective sheds light on India's abstention from condemning Israel's actions against children in Gaza. Jaishankar draws lessons from the Mahabharata, arguing that deceit and immorality are simply deviations from established norms. He believes that inconsistency in policy is not only permissible but necessary, as rigid adherence to consistency is impractical in a dynamic world.
The Nature of India's Foreign Policy
Critics may argue that this approach lacks a genuine foreign policy framework, serving merely as a facade for existing practices. Modi's focus on grand ceremonies may overshadow substantive policy. Detractors might also question why Jaishankar's doctrine seems disconnected from the BJP's rhetoric, which often emphasizes India's civilizational identity. There is a noticeable absence of romantic notions like Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or the grandiosity of Vishwaguru in Jaishankar's pragmatic approach. Instead, it reflects a transactional view of international relations, where India must adeptly navigate opportunities. For instance, India capitalized on the Ukraine conflict to procure inexpensive Russian oil, benefiting from Europe's reliance on Russian energy.
The Implications of a Transactional Foreign Policy
Jaishankar's theory suggests that this transactional approach could lead other nations to exploit India in return. This may explain the lukewarm reception of India's global outreach efforts. As evidenced by India's voting patterns at the UN, the major powers recognize and accept this transactional nature. Whether this approach constitutes a positive, negative, or neutral foreign policy is left for the audience to determine.
Conclusion
By Aakar Patel