Compare and contrast challenges faced and the way they were managed by India on foreign policy front during the post – Cold War era and post- 2008 global economic crisis. (200 Words)
POST COLD WAR ERA:
End of cold war with soviet union disintegration in 1991 created new realties and new challenges for India:
- A unipolar world– weakening relevance of NAM
- Fall of soviet union– needed closer ties with US, the sole superpower
- Era of liberalization– new vigor of economic diplomacy searching for new partners
- Nuclear test of 1998– sanctions by international community
- Increasing dominance of the west in international institutions like WTO, IMF, WB
- Terrorism having its origin in cold war raising its head
How they were tackled:
- Tie with US strengthened and taken to strategic level
- Indo-US civil nuclear deal and resulting support by US and her allies eased sanction and persuaded the world for India specific nuclear policy
- Look east policy to strengthen ties with economically crucial south-east Asia
- Trade ties with china deepened
- Strong voice against terrorism and canvassing for global cooperation
POST 2008 FINANCIAL CRISIS:
Challenges:
- Slowdown of the west affecting India‘s economy – against need for alternative and new economic partners
- Perceived weakening of US- growing assertion of Russia and china
- Emergence of some states in EU like Germany
- Chinese assertion in Indian Ocean region
How it is being managed:
- More south cooperation via BRICS, more collaboration among developing nations
- Not taking sides in the geopolitical posturing of Russia and china
- Act east policy to further deepen ties with the region
- Sagar mala yatra by PM and reviving Indian Ocean rim association
An energetic and vigorous foreign policy with long-term policy protecting India‘s strategic and economic interest while treating others on the basis of equality and partnership will be the key.