Indian Foreign Policy: Strategic Autonomy Or Play Of Deceit – OpEd
In the middle of the crises between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Palestine, India’s foreign policy of non-alignment stands out. Many are concerned about Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Kyiv, which occurred at the tail end of August. The Indian people believe this trip is about re-establishing peace, but it is essentially a ploy to win over Western allies. Russia escalated the issue by attacking a children’s hospital in Kyiv one month before Modi visited Moscow. The so-called “strategic autonomy” has dissatisfied both Zelenskyy, president of Ukraine, and strained India’s prestige.
Unfortunately, India lacks the legitimate position necessary to advance the cause of peace. In early 2024, the Israeli army secretly purchased 20 Hermes 900 drones manufactured in India and deployed them to conflict zones. Despite its persistence, the two-state solution that India has been advocating has not been acknowledged. One of the Hermes 900’s most notable features is its 30-hour continuous flight capability. When it comes to aerial bombardments and surveillance, it excels. The Israelis refer to this drone as a “Killer.”
The connection between India and Israel and the continuing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in the murder of innocent Palestinians, is relatively unrecognized. Because of this, the Arab world views this nation with less trust since it often breaches its investment and collaboration intentions. Some strange pattern has emerged among Indian accounts, which are now rallying with Israel and inciting violence against Palestinians.
The India-Arab friendship has been questioned as a facade, with Indian notables promoting contentious propaganda on social media, criticizing Arabs and Iran. It is crucial to highlight this trend to educate Middle Eastern and Arab Muslims about India’s true nature.
Moreover, India has effectively managed to reap the maximum benefits from Russian crude oil despite being a strategic ally of the West. Modi’s previous visit to Russia yielded significant tangible outcomes, including the signing of nine agreements that primarily focused on trade and increased investment inflows. A significant deal involved the commitment to return 35 Indian citizens deceived into fighting for the Russian army in Ukraine.
Apart from this, India and Russia have a long-standing nuclear energy partnership, with two operational reactors in Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu, and plans to build six more advanced units at a new site, likely including a long-term uranium supply pact.
Opportunist viewpoints provide the perception that India’s foreign policy could fail. Some questioned Modi’s foreign policy objectives, seeing his trip to Ukraine as an attempt to strengthen future ties with Russia while pleasing the United States and Europe. His continued excursions abroad indicate a callous indifference to the difficulties confronting opposition-controlled territories, even as conditions in Manipur and IIOJK worsen. Opponents see India’s foreign policy as ambiguous, despite promises of strategic autonomy, making it an untrustworthy partner.
India has generally taken a balanced approach to foreign affairs. The country strives to protect all of its interests while navigating its complex international relationships. However, in the future, its aim must be updated. India has always been exploited as a bargaining tool in Western commerce, and it now wants whatever it can get from Russia.
However, its actions during the Gaza War tell a different story. He clarified: “India’s vote against Israel at the UN was a gesture, but not a policy.” An example of this mismatch is that, despite India’s desire to deepen relations with the US, 62% of its military acquisitions come from Russia. To avoid undermining India’s interests, this tight line must be handled with caution.
In the event that geopolitical tensions grow, India is prepared to respond. Evidence of Russian backing may influence India’s foreign policy, so the country may decide to arm and financially help Ukraine to please its Western critics. By changing its approach, India intends to simplify its foreign connections while preserving balance. India should allay Western fears by proving that it takes its role as a democratic nation and border protection seriously.
Russia is a vital ally for India’s defense and energy industries. Thus, the two nations may continue to cooperate. India has effectively negotiated the clashing interests of different parties using its multifaceted approach, retaining its status as a global powerhouse. This might show that India can thrive in an uncertain and ever-changing world, which could have a significant impact on the country’s foreign policy.
Even if the Israeli-Gaza confrontation reveals global powers’ deception, India has chosen to remain diplomatically silent. To please its Western critics, India has discreetly supported Russia, making it more difficult to judge the country’s genuine commitment to democratic values. Arming Ukraine accomplishes the exact opposite of the purpose, which was to make things clearer.
India must continue to pursue a clear and values-based foreign policy in order to stay loyal to its aims and aspirations in the face of evolving global power dynamics.
