The Realist view of Indian foreign policy, rooted in classical realist principles of international relations, emphasizes the pursuit of national interests, security, and power dynamics in shaping India’s external relations.
Key features of the Realist perspective on Indian foreign policy include:
- National Security: Realists prioritize national security as the primary objective of foreign policy. India’s Realist approach focuses on safeguarding its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and strategic interests in a volatile regional and global environment. This includes managing security threats such as terrorism, territorial disputes, and geopolitical rivalries, particularly with neighboring countries like Pakistan and China.
- Balance of Power: Realists view the international system as characterized by power politics and competition among states for influence and dominance. India’s foreign policy seeks to maintain a favorable balance of power in its neighborhood and beyond, while also safeguarding its strategic autonomy and independence. This may involve building alliances, hedging against potential threats, and maximizing leverage through strategic partnerships with major powers.
- Strategic Autonomy: Realists emphasize the importance of strategic autonomy in foreign policy decision-making, advocating for an independent and assertive stance that serves India’s national interests. India’s pursuit of non-alignment during the Cold War, and its subsequent policy of strategic autonomy, reflect efforts to maintain flexibility and maneuverability in a multipolar world order, without aligning with any major power blocs.
- Realpolitik and Pragmatism: Realists prioritize pragmatism and Realpolitik in foreign policy conduct, focusing on tangible outcomes and strategic interests rather than ideological considerations. India’s pragmatic approach involves engaging with a diverse range of countries and actors, including both democracies and authoritarian regimes, based on mutual interests and geopolitical realities.
- Security Dilemmas and Balancing Acts: Realists recognize the presence of security dilemmas and balancing acts in international relations, where states respond to perceived threats by enhancing their military capabilities and forming alliances. India’s foreign policy responses to security challenges, such as its military modernization efforts, strategic partnerships, and regional cooperation initiatives, reflect a Realist calculus aimed at preserving its security and influence in a complex and contested strategic environment.
Overall, the Realist view of Indian foreign policy underscores the importance of power, security, and strategic interests in shaping India’s external relations. While acknowledging the significance of norms, values, and institutions in international politics, Realists prioritize pragmatic considerations and a realpolitik approach to navigating the complexities of the global order and advancing India’s national interests on the world stage.