A Re-balancing of India’s Great Power Relations, India’s Foreign Policy. The Hindu Editorial Explanation 8 October 2024.

Introduction

The article highlights India’s diplomatic efforts and how it manages complex relationships with major global powers like the U.S., Russia, and China while trying to play a larger role in international peace efforts. The article explains how India is juggling its relationships with major powers—the U.S., Russia, and China—while aiming to mediate global conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war. India’s goal is to maintain its independent foreign policy while protecting its security interests and contributing to international peace efforts.

Article Explanation

1. India’s Participation in the Quad Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 21, 2024. The Quad is a group of four countries—India, the U.S., Japan, and Australia—that work together to ensure security in the Indo-Pacific region. This region is very important because it covers major shipping routes and economic activities.

The Quad’s main goal is to strengthen cooperation among these countries to maintain a rules-based international order, especially to counter challenges like growing Chinese influence in the area. India’s involvement shows that it wants to work closely with other democracies to ensure peace and stability in this part of the world.

2. Ajit Doval’s Trip to Russia

While the Quad meeting was important, the article suggests that Ajit Doval’s visit to Russia earlier in September 2024 deserves more attention. Doval is India’s National Security Adviser (NSA), and he attended a BRICS meeting in Russia. BRICS is a group made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa that focuses on cooperation in political and economic areas.

During his visit, Doval met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss India’s peace efforts concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Doval also held discussions with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi about resolving tensions between India and China at their shared border, known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC). India has been in a military standoff with China at this border for four years, and resolving this is a priority for India.

3. India’s Balancing Act Between the U.S. and Russia

India is in a challenging position because it has to carefully manage its relationships with both the U.S. and Russia. India and Russia have a long-standing relationship that goes back over 60 years, especially in the area of defence. On the other hand, India’s relationship with the U.S. is newer but growing stronger, particularly through the Quad. India has benefited from both relationships and does not want to give up the advantages that come with either.

The Quad represents India’s commitment to working with the U.S., Japan, and Australia for a free and open Indo-Pacific. However, Russia is not happy about the Quad because it sees it as a threat to its interests. India is trying to balance these two relationships, keeping both countries engaged while protecting its interests.

4. Concerns about Russia’s Closeness with China

India is increasingly worried about Russia’s growing closeness with China. Russia and China have been getting closer, especially because Russia conflicted with the West over Ukraine. This is concerning for India because China has been a major challenge for India, particularly at the India-China border, where both countries have had military tensions.

Russia’s support for China and China’s backing of Pakistan—which has often been a security threat to India—adds to India’s concerns. India is finding it harder to rely on Russia because of this growing Russia-China friendship.

5. India’s Role as a Global Peacemaker

India is trying to take on a global role as a peacemaker. Ajit Doval’s meeting with Putin was part of India’s attempt to mediate and help resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This follows Prime Minister Modi’s visits to both Ukraine and Russia in the months prior, signalling India’s intention to contribute to peace talks.

India’s approach is to be a neutral mediator—a country that can facilitate dialogue without taking sides. Although India doesn’t have the power to force Russia and Ukraine to negotiate, it is still trying to help because peace would benefit the global order, and it would also improve India’s standing in the world.

6. Strategic Independence and Foreign Policy

India’s foreign policy under Prime Minister Modi has focused on maintaining strategic independence. This means India wants to be friendly with all countries but does not want to be seen as taking sides in conflicts. India’s relationship with the U.S. has become stronger, especially through the Quad, but India is careful not to completely abandon its relationship with Russia.

India values its independent stance, often called strategic autonomy, where it can choose its path in global affairs without being influenced too much by other countries. India is also aware that improving relations with China is difficult because of long-standing border disputes and security issues, so it wants to maintain its freedom to act according to its interests.

7. Looking Forward: India’s Future Role

India’s efforts to balance relations with the U.S., Russia, and China while trying to play a peacemaking role show that the country is trying to navigate a complicated global landscape. The U.S. and the West are looking to weaken Russia because of the Ukraine conflict, but India does not want to see Russia completely isolated. At the same time, India wants to maintain and grow its strategic partnership with the U.S. and its Quad allies, knowing that China remains a significant challenge.

In summary, the article explains how India is juggling its relationships with major powers—the U.S., Russia, and China—while aiming to act as a mediator in global conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war. India’s goal is to maintain its independent foreign policy while protecting its security interests and contributing to international peace efforts.

.

.

.

.

.join our telegram channel for regular updates of The Hindu Epaper Editorial Explanation-https://t.me/Thehindueditorialexplanation

The Hindu Epaper Editorial Explanation given by Hello Student is only a supplementary reading to the original article to make things easier for the students.

In conclusion, preparing for exams in India can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies and resources, success is within reach. Remember, consistent study habits, effective time management, and a positive mindset are key to overcoming any academic challenge. Utilize the tips and techniques shared in this post to enhance your preparation and boost your confidence. Stay focused, stay motivated, and don’t forget to take care of your well-being. With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve your academic goals and pave the way for a bright future. Good luck!

The Editorial Page of The Hindu is an essential reading for all the students aspiring for UPSC, SSC, PCS, Judiciary etc or any other competitive government exams.

This may also be useful for exams like CUET UG and CUET PG, GATE, GMAT, GRE AND CAT

To read this article in Hindi –https://bhaarat.hellostudent.co.in/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *