India’s role in the United Nations (UN) has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy, reflecting its commitment to multilateralism, international peace, and the promotion of social justice. India, a founding member of the UN, has always supported the principles of the UN Charter and emphasized its role in fostering a rules-based international order. Over…
Month: May 2025
Comment on India’s response to the Iraq crisis.
India’s response to the Iraq crisis—particularly the 2003 invasion of Iraq led by the United States—was shaped by a combination of its longstanding foreign policy principles, regional security interests, and international relationships. This response underscores India’s evolving position in global geopolitics, its commitment to multilateralism, and its strategic considerations in the Middle East and broader…
What is ‘Look East Policy’ and what is its impact on India-East Asia relations?
India’s Look East Policy (LEP) was a significant shift in India’s foreign policy approach, aimed at fostering stronger economic, political, and security ties with the countries of East and Southeast Asia. This policy was formally initiated in the early 1990s, primarily under the leadership of Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, and became more prominent during…
Explain Rajiv Gandhi’s Contribution to India’s Foreign Policy
Rajiv Gandhi, the sixth Prime Minister of India, held office from 1984 to 1989. His tenure was marked by significant shifts in India’s foreign policy, which reflected his vision of modernizing India’s diplomatic and strategic approach. Gandhi’s contributions to India’s foreign policy were shaped by his youthful enthusiasm, technological outlook, and belief in global cooperation….
Discuss the India-China Border Dispute
The India-China border dispute is one of the most significant and longstanding territorial conflicts in the world. It has its roots in the complex historical, cultural, and geopolitical factors that have shaped the relationship between the two Asian giants. The issue primarily involves the delineation of boundaries in the Aksai Chin region in the west,…
Explain the Complex Interdependence Perspectives of India’s Foreign Policy
The concept of “complex interdependence” was introduced by international relations scholars Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye as an alternative to the realist framework, which emphasizes military power and state-centric approaches in international politics. In contrast, complex interdependence stresses the importance of multiple, overlapping channels of interaction between states and non-state actors in the global system,…
Explain the Determinants of Indian Foreign Policy
India’s foreign policy is shaped by a combination of both internal and external factors, reflecting its unique geopolitical position, historical experiences, and economic goals. Below are the key determinants that have influenced India’s foreign policy over the years: Historical Context and Legacy India’s foreign policy is deeply rooted in its historical experiences, particularly its colonial…
National Security Council (NSC)
The National Security Council (NSC) is the apex body responsible for addressing issues related to India’s national security. It functions as an advisory body to the Prime Minister and is tasked with formulating policies related to the country’s security and defense, including internal and external threats, economic security, and cyber security. 1. Establishment and Purpose…
Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is a critical institution in India’s governance structure, functioning as the principal mechanism for supporting and advising the Prime Minister (PM) in the formulation and implementation of policies. It is not a constitutional body, but it plays a crucial role in the administration and day-to-day functioning of the government. 1….
Explain India-Southeast Asia Security Cooperation.
India’s relationship with Southeast Asia has evolved over time, particularly in the domain of security cooperation. The region is of strategic importance to India, and India has sought to build stronger security ties with Southeast Asian nations to safeguard its interests in the Indo-Pacific region. This cooperation spans areas like counterterrorism, maritime security, disaster relief,…
Why is Kashmir So Important in India-Pakistan Relations?
The Kashmir conflict is one of the most longstanding and complex disputes between India and Pakistan, with its roots stretching back to the partition of British India in 1947. The issue of Kashmir is not merely a territorial dispute but also encompasses deep-seated cultural, religious, political, and strategic dimensions. The importance of Kashmir in India-Pakistan…
Describe India-Japan Bilateral Relations Since World War II
India and Japan, despite their geographical distance, have developed a strong and multifaceted relationship since World War II, characterized by cooperation in various sectors such as trade, investment, technology, defense, and culture. The trajectory of India-Japan relations has evolved significantly over the years, from initial cautious engagement to the current status of a strategic partnership….