India’s geography, history, and tradition have played significant roles in shaping its foreign policy by influencing its strategic interests, security concerns, and cultural identity.
Here’s how each of these factors has contributed to the determinants of India’s foreign policy:
- Geography:
- Strategic Location: India’s geographical location at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Indian Ocean region has endowed it with strategic significance. Its proximity to key maritime trade routes, such as the Strait of Malacca and the Persian Gulf, gives it leverage in regional geopolitics and maritime security.
- Physical Borders: India’s vast land borders, shared with several neighboring countries, present both opportunities and challenges. Border disputes with countries like Pakistan and China have influenced India’s security concerns and defense posture, shaping its foreign policy priorities and regional alignments.
- Maritime Dimension: India’s extensive coastline and maritime interests in the Indian Ocean region have led to a focus on maritime security, naval diplomacy, and economic engagement with littoral states. India’s “Act East” policy reflects its strategic outreach to Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region, driven by its maritime interests and aspirations for regional leadership.
- History:
- Colonial Legacy: India’s experience of colonialism under British rule has left a lasting imprint on its foreign policy outlook. The struggle for independence against colonial oppression, and the subsequent quest for sovereignty and self-determination, have shaped India’s commitment to principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and anti-imperialism in its foreign relations.
- Non-Alignment: India’s foreign policy doctrine of non-alignment emerged during the Cold War era as a response to global power dynamics and the legacy of colonialism. Non-alignment reflected India’s desire to maintain strategic autonomy, promote peace, and resist alignment with any major power blocs, while pursuing a policy of friendship and cooperation with all nations.
- Role in Global Affairs: India’s historical contributions to world civilization, cultural exchanges, and intellectual traditions have shaped its self-image as a civilizational state and a proponent of global peace and harmony. India’s engagement with international institutions such as the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and BRICS reflects its aspirations for global leadership and contribution to multilateral diplomacy.
- Tradition:
- Cultural Diplomacy: India’s rich cultural heritage, spiritual traditions, and soft power assets have been leveraged to enhance its diplomatic outreach and influence abroad. Cultural diplomacy initiatives such as yoga diplomacy, cultural festivals, and educational exchanges promote India’s cultural identity and foster goodwill and understanding among nations.
- Dharmic Values: India’s tradition of dharmic values, including principles of dharma (duty), ahimsa (non-violence), and vasudhaiva kutumbakam (the world is one family), underpin its ethical and moral framework in foreign policy. These values emphasize India’s commitment to peace, non-violence, and inclusive development, guiding its engagement with the international community.
In summary, India’s geography, history, and tradition serve as important determinants of its foreign policy by shaping its strategic imperatives, historical experiences, and cultural identity. These factors influence India’s regional and global priorities, diplomatic engagements, and aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive world order.