Daily Hot Topic
Global Opportunities and Regional Realities: India’s Balancing Act
GS-2 Mains : IR :
Question : Evaluate India’s global rise and its strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region
Global Rise:
- Strong economic growth, military capabilities, and young population.
- Membership in key global institutions and participation in multilateral groups.
- Strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Supported by US and allies to counter China’s influence.
Emerging Challenges:
- Declining influence in South Asia compared to Cold War era or China’s current influence.
- Reasons:
- Diminishing relative power compared to China.
- Loss of regional primacy.
- Geopolitical shifts favoring China (arrival in South Asia, US withdrawal, India’s Indo-Pacific focus).
Way Forward:
- Acknowledge regional changes and adapt traditional South Asia policy.
- Focus on India’s strengths instead of solely matching China’s might.
- Develop new engagement strategies reflecting India’s strengths and regional realities (e.g., reclaiming Buddhist heritage).
- Leverage maritime advantages (Indo-Pacific) to address continental challenges.
- Include South Asian neighbors in Indo-Pacific discussions.
- Partner with US, Japan, Australia, and others to engage Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bangladesh.
- Utilize soft power through informal contacts with regional civil societies.
- Collaborate with external partners to address common challenges.
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