Brief Context
Context In Parliament, PM Modi acknowledged the undergoing structural shift from rules-based multilateralism to power-driven, transactional geopolitics. Erosion of Multilateralism Decline of Consensus-Based Institutions: For decades, institutions like the United Nations and World Trade Organization anchored global rule-making through collective decision-making and diplomacy. However, this rule-based order has weakened as major powers increasingly bypass consensus mechanisms, rendering institutio
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Syllabus: GS2/ International Relations
Context
- In Parliament, PM Modi acknowledged the undergoing structural shift from rules-based multilateralism to power-driven, transactional geopolitics.
Erosion of Multilateralism
- Decline of Consensus-Based Institutions: For decades, institutions like the United Nations and World Trade Organization anchored global rule-making through collective decision-making and diplomacy.
- However, this rule-based order has weakened as major powers increasingly bypass consensus mechanisms, rendering institutions less effective.
- Rise of Transactional Power Politics: Multilateral platforms are being supplanted by transactional diplomacy where power and bilateral leverage outweigh collective norms.
- The United States’ recourse to unilateral tariffs and a retreat from collaborative frameworks reflects this trend.
- Rise of Competitive Geoeconomics: China has become the largest trading partner of over 120 countries and has diversified supply chains and markets. The United States, in response, has prioritised technological containment and supply-chain restructuring.
- In this evolving environment, middle powers such as India face heightened vulnerability due to shifting economic alignments.
Evolution of strategic autonomy
- Cold War Origins: Strategic autonomy emerged during India’s leadership in the Non-Aligned Movement. It allowed India to avoid bloc politics during the Cold War.
- Post-Cold War Transition: After 1991, the doctrine became less structural and more declaratory. India joined the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue in 2017, signalling alignment with Indo-Pacific security concerns.
- India procured the S-400 system from Russia despite U.S. sanctions pressure.
- Swing State Narrative: U.S. analysts increasingly describe India as a “swing state” in U.S.-China rivalry.
Current Policy of India
- India’s current foreign policy is characterised by multi-alignment, economic diplomacy, and strategic flexibility. It seeks to;
- Deepen defence and technology cooperation with the United States and Indo-Pacific partners.
- Maintain defence and energy ties with Russia.
- Manage competition and engagement with China through dialogue and deterrence.
- Promote the “Neighbourhood First” policy and regional connectivity in South Asia.
- Advocate reform of global institutions to reflect contemporary power realities.
- India’s approach attempts to preserve autonomy while expanding partnerships that serve economic growth and technological advancement.
Way Ahead
- Flexible Multilateral Engagement: In a fragmented order, flexible coalitions and issue-based alignments can preserve India’s strategic space.
- Platforms such as BRICS provide opportunities to promote economic cooperation, and reform of global financial governance.
- Diversified Trade Strategy: India’s exports remain concentrated in select markets. Reducing overdependence on any single partner requires deeper trade engagement with ASEAN, Africa, and West Asia.
- Expanding comprehensive economic partnerships and integrating into global value chains will enhance resilience against tariff volatility.
Source: TH