Day 47 Mains Questions – Ace Answer Writing Program

Question 1: “India’s relationship with its neighbors is a key determinant of its regional security and economic prosperity.” Discuss the current challenges and opportunities in India’s diplomatic relations with its immediate neighbors. (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

India’s diplomatic relations with its neighbors, as guided by the “Neighborhood First” policy, are critical for ensuring regional security and fostering economic prosperity in the Indian subcontinent.

Body

Current Challenges in India’s Diplomatic Relations –

1. Border Disputes: Ongoing border tensions with China and Pakistan, particularly in regions like Ladakh and Kashmir, strain bilateral relations.
2. China’s Influence: Increasing Chinese presence in countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka challenges India’s strategic interests in the region.
3. Political Instability: Frequent political upheavals in neighboring countries like Myanmar and Afghanistan create security concerns for India.
4. Water Sharing Disputes: Disputes over river waters, such as the Teesta River with Bangladesh, affect bilateral cooperation.
5. Terrorism and Insurgency: Cross-border terrorism from Pakistan and insurgency in Northeast India linked to Myanmar impact regional stability.

Opportunities in India’s Diplomatic Relations –

1. Economic Integration: Initiatives like BIMSTEC and BBIN provide platforms for enhancing trade and connectivity with neighbors like Bangladesh and Bhutan.
2. Cultural Diplomacy: Shared cultural heritage with countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka strengthens soft power and people-to-people ties.
3. Maritime Cooperation: The Indian Ocean Region offers opportunities for maritime collaboration with neighbors like the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
4. Energy Cooperation: Hydro-power projects with Bhutan and Nepal enhance energy security and regional cooperation.
5. Counterterrorism Collaborations: Joint efforts with countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in combating terrorism can bolster regional security.

Conclusion

India’s relationship with its neighbors is pivotal for its regional security and economic growth. Addressing challenges through diplomatic engagement and leveraging opportunities for cooperation is essential for achieving stability and prosperity in South Asia.

Additional Data and Committees for Value Addition –

1. Gupta-Narain Committee: Recommended measures for strengthening India’s border security, relevant in the context of challenges with China and Pakistan.
2. SAARC Initiatives: Despite challenges, SAARC remains a critical platform for regional cooperation, particularly in areas like disaster management.
3. Act East Policy: Enhances connectivity and economic ties with Southeast Asian neighbors, contributing to regional stability.

Question 2: Examine the importance of India’s balanced relationship with both Russia and U.S.A .How does this influence India’s regional and global security interests? (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

India’s balanced relationship with both Russia and the USA, rooted in its non-aligned foreign policy, is crucial for safeguarding its regional and global security interests amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Body

Importance of a Balanced Relationship –

1. Strategic Autonomy: Maintaining ties with both Russia and the USA allows India to preserve its strategic autonomy, as seen in its independent stance on the Ukraine conflict.
2. Defense Cooperation: Russia remains a key defense partner, while the USA enhances India’s military capabilities through agreements like COMCASA, balancing defense needs.
3. Energy Security: Russia’s role as a major energy supplier, alongside the USA’s support in renewable energy, ensures India’s energy security.
4. Technology Transfer: Collaborations with the USA in high-tech sectors, alongside Russia’s assistance in nuclear energy, support India’s technological advancement.
5. Diplomatic Leverage: A balanced approach enables India to leverage its relationships for greater influence in multilateral forums like the UN and G20.

Influence on Regional and Global Security Interests –

1. Regional Stability: India’s ties with Russia help in managing the security dynamics in Central Asia, while the USA partnership strengthens India’s position in the Indo-Pacific.
2. Counterterrorism: Cooperation with the USA enhances intelligence sharing and counterterrorism efforts, while Russia supports anti-terrorism measures in multilateral settings.
3. Geopolitical Balance: Balancing relationships helps India counterbalance China’s influence in the region, maintaining regional power equilibrium.
4. Nuclear Security: Collaborations with both countries support India’s nuclear program and strengthen its stance on non-proliferation, as seen in NSG negotiations.
5. Global Standing: India’s balanced diplomacy elevates its role as a responsible global player, enhancing its credibility in international relations.

Conclusion

India’s balanced relationship with Russia and the USA is vital for its strategic interests, ensuring regional stability and global security. This approach contributes to India’s broader goals of maintaining sovereignty and promoting a multipolar world order.

Additional Data and Committees for Value Addition –

1. DPC (Defence Planning Committee): Advocated for balancing defense imports between Russia and the USA to avoid over-reliance.
2. Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG): Russia’s support and USA’s lobbying have been crucial in India’s bid for NSG membership.
3. Indo-Pacific Strategy: India’s engagement with the USA in the Indo-Pacific enhances regional security, balancing China’s influence.

Question 3: Critically analyze the impact of India’s membership in regional organizations such as SAARC and BIMSTEC on its foreign policy objectives. How do these groupings affect India’s influence in the South Asian and Southeast Asian regions? (15 Marks, 250 words)

Introduction

India’s membership in regional organizations like SAARC and BIMSTEC plays a significant role in shaping its foreign policy, aligning with Article 51 of the Constitution, which promotes international peace and security.

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Impact of SAARC on India’s Foreign Policy Objectives –

1. Regional Cooperation: SAARC provides a platform for promoting regional cooperation in South Asia, but its effectiveness is hindered by Indo-Pak tensions, limiting India’s strategic goals.
2. Trade Integration: SAARC’s South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) aims at economic integration, but intra-regional trade remains low due to political discord, affecting India’s economic interests.
3. Counterterrorism Efforts: SAARC has attempted to address terrorism, but lack of cooperation from Pakistan undermines collective security, impacting India’s counterterrorism strategy.
4. Cultural Diplomacy: SAARC fosters cultural ties, enhancing people-to-people connectivity, which aligns with India’s soft power diplomacy in the region.
5. Development Initiatives: India’s leadership in SAARC development projects, like the SAARC Development Fund, promotes regional stability, yet progress is slow due to political obstacles.

Impact of BIMSTEC on India’s Foreign Policy Objectives –

1. Act East Policy: BIMSTEC supports India’s Act East Policy, enhancing connectivity with Southeast Asia, as seen in the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.
2. Strategic Connectivity: BIMSTEC enhances regional connectivity, crucial for India’s strategic interests in the Bay of Bengal region, strengthening maritime security.
3. Economic Cooperation: BIMSTEC facilitates economic cooperation with Southeast Asian countries, complementing India’s trade objectives, particularly in energy and tourism sectors.
4. Disaster Management: BIMSTEC’s collaborative efforts in disaster management align with India’s regional leadership in humanitarian assistance, evident in joint exercises.
5. Counterterrorism Collaboration: BIMSTEC’s focus on counterterrorism strengthens India’s security architecture in the region, particularly in combating insurgencies and organized crime.

Impact on India’s Influence in South and Southeast Asia –

1. Strengthening Regional Leadership: Through SAARC, despite challenges, India asserts its leadership in South Asia, but Pakistan’s resistance limits India’s influence.
2. Expanding Influence in Southeast Asia: BIMSTEC allows India to project its influence in Southeast Asia, balancing China’s presence, and enhancing its strategic footprint in the Indo-Pacific region.
3. Soft Power Projection: Participation in both organizations enhances India’s soft power, promoting cultural and educational ties, which solidify its influence across South and Southeast Asia.
4. Balancing China’s Influence: BIMSTEC, which excludes Pakistan, offers India a strategic advantage in countering China’s influence in Southeast Asia through enhanced cooperation with like-minded countries.
5. Enhanced Diplomatic Leverage: India’s active engagement in these groupings provides diplomatic leverage, allowing it to navigate complex regional dynamics and advocate for its interests in broader international forums.

Conclusion

India’s membership in SAARC and BIMSTEC significantly impacts its foreign policy objectives. While SAARC has been less effective due to regional tensions, BIMSTEC offers greater potential in advancing India’s strategic and economic interests. These groupings enhance India’s influence in South and Southeast Asia, contributing to regional stability and prosperity.

Additional Data and Committees for Value Addition –

1. Gujral Doctrine: Emphasized India’s non-reciprocal approach to strengthen regional ties, relevant in SAARC and BIMSTEC contexts.
2. BCIM Corridor: An initiative within BIMSTEC that enhances India’s connectivity with Southeast Asia, complementing the Act East Policy.