Opinion | India Well Poised to Overshadow American Foreign Policy

Introduction

Foreign policy is the set of principles, strategies, and goals that guide a country’s interactions with other nations and international organizations. It plays a crucial role in shaping a country’s identity, security, and economic interests. In recent years, the United States’ foreign policy has been under scrutiny, and there are growing concerns that its global leadership is at risk. At the same time, India has been making significant strides in its foreign policy, and its growing influence in the global arena is being noticed by the world. This article aims to explore the challenges that the United States faces in its foreign policy and how India’s foreign policy is shaping up to address these challenges.

The United States and its Foreign Policy

The United States has been the world’s dominant superpower for decades, and its foreign policy has played a significant role in maintaining that position. However, in recent years, there has been growing concern that the United States’ global leadership is at risk. This is due to a combination of factors, including increasing competition from rising powers such as China, Russia, and India, and the United States’ own internal political and economic challenges.

One of the key challenges facing the United States’ foreign policy is the increasing competition from China. China has been rapidly expanding its influence in the Asia-Pacific region, and its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has become a significant geopolitical force. The United States has responded to this challenge by adopting a more confrontational approach towards China, including imposing tariffs on Chinese goods and restricting Chinese investment in the United States.

Another challenge facing the United States’ foreign policy is the growing threat of terrorism. The United States has been involved in a number of conflicts in the Middle East, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. While these conflicts have helped to disrupt terrorist networks, they have also resulted in significant human and financial costs.

The United States’ foreign policy is also facing challenges from within. The country’s political system has become increasingly polarized, and there is growing concern that this is undermining the country’s ability to respond to global challenges. In addition, the country’s economic challenges, including rising inequality and a shrinking middle class, are also impacting its ability to maintain its global leadership.

India and its Foreign Policy:

India’s foreign policy has been undergoing significant changes in recent years, and the country has been playing an increasingly important role in the global arena. India’s foreign policy is based on the principles of non-alignment, which means that the country does not align itself with any particular power bloc. Instead, India seeks to maintain friendly relations with all countries and to pursue its interests through diplomatic engagement.

One of the key drivers of India’s foreign policy is its growing economy. India is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, and its increasing economic clout has helped to raise its profile on the global stage. In addition, India’s demographic dividend, with a large and young population, is also seen as a significant asset.

India has been pursuing an active foreign policy in recent years, with a focus on its immediate neighborhood. The country has been working to deepen its ties with its neighbors, including Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. In addition, India has been working to counter China’s influence in the region, including by investing in infrastructure projects in countries such as Myanmar and Bangladesh.

India has also been playing an increasingly important role in the Indo-Pacific region. The country has been working to build closer ties with countries.

The United States of America has long been a dominant force in international affairs, shaping policies and alliances that have influenced the course of world events. However, in recent years, the country’s foreign policy has come under intense scrutiny, with critics arguing that it has become increasingly unpredictable and inconsistent. At the same time, India has emerged as a rising power on the global stage, with a foreign policy that is widely regarded as sophisticated and effective. This paper will explore the current state of American foreign policy and contrast it with India’s foreign policy successes.

Part I: The Decline of American Foreign Policy

The United States has historically been seen as a global leader, with a foreign policy that prioritizes democracy, human rights, and economic development. However, in recent years, the country’s foreign policy has been marked by inconsistency and unpredictability. For example, the United States has withdrawn from important international agreements, such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran Nuclear Deal. It has also engaged in trade wars with key allies, such as the European Union and Canada. Additionally, the United States has taken an increasingly isolationist stance on the world stage, which has led to a decline in its influence and credibility.

One of the key factors contributing to the decline of American foreign policy has been the Trump administration’s “America First” approach. This approach prioritized U.S. national interests over multilateral cooperation, leading to a withdrawal from many international agreements and organizations. This approach also led to a more confrontational stance towards China, which has resulted in a trade war that has hurt both countries. Furthermore, the Trump administration’s approach to foreign policy was marked by inconsistent messaging, with the President often contradicting his own advisors and making impulsive decisions.

The Biden administration has sought to repair some of the damage done by the Trump administration’s approach to foreign policy. For example, it has rejoined the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization. However, the Biden administration has also faced criticism for its handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, which has raised questions about America’s commitment to its allies and partners.

Part II: India’s Foreign Policy Successes

India’s foreign policy has been widely regarded as sophisticated and effective, with a focus on building partnerships and promoting economic development. One of the key achievements of India’s foreign policy has been the development of strong partnerships with countries in the region, such as Japan, Australia, and Singapore. These partnerships have focused on promoting economic growth and regional stability, and have helped to position India as a key player in the region.

Another key success of India’s foreign policy has been its focus on multilateralism. India has been an active participant in international organizations such as the United Nations, and has played a leading role in initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance. India has also been a vocal advocate for the reform of international institutions such as the World Trade Organization, which it sees as being biased against developing countries.

India’s foreign policy has also been marked by a focus on economic development. The country has pursued a policy of “economic diplomacy,” which seeks to promote economic growth through trade and investment. This approach has helped to position India as a key player in the global economy, and has led to the development of strong economic partnerships with countries such as the United States and Japan.

Part III: Contrasting American and Indian Foreign Policy

The foreign policies of the United States and India represent two contrasting approaches to international relations. While the United States has been a global superpower and a key player in shaping international affairs for several decades, India has been more focused on regional issues and concerns. In this essay, we will explore the key differences between the foreign policies of the United States and India, highlighting their distinctive approaches to national security, economic development, human rights, and international relations.

National Security

National security is a critical priority for both the United States and India, given the complex geopolitical environment in which they operate. However, the two nations have adopted contrasting approaches to national security. The United States has been more proactive in its approach, relying on a combination of diplomatic, economic, and military measures to safeguard its national interests. The United States maintains a large military presence worldwide and has been involved in several military engagements in different parts of the world, including the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

In contrast, India has been more cautious in its approach to national security, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy, negotiations, and conflict resolution. India’s foreign policy is based on the principles of non-alignment, which means that it does not align exclusively with any major power blocs but rather maintains friendly relations with all. India’s nuclear doctrine emphasizes a “no-first-use” policy, which means that it will use nuclear weapons only in response to a nuclear attack.

Moreover, India’s foreign policy is focused on promoting regional stability and security, given its location in a volatile region with several nuclear-armed neighbors. India has adopted a “neighborhood first” policy, which means that it places a high priority on maintaining friendly relations with its neighbors. India has also been actively engaged in counter-terrorism operations against groups operating in its neighborhood, including in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast.

Economic Development

Economic development is another critical priority for both the United States and India. However, the two nations have adopted different approaches to economic development. The United States has been a global leader in promoting free-market economies and international economic cooperation. The United States has been actively involved in various global organizations, including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the International Monetary Fund. The United States has used its economic power to exert influence on other nations, and has been involved in several trade disputes with different countries.

In contrast, India’s foreign policy is more focused on promoting its economic interests, especially by engaging with its neighbors in the South Asian region. India has been actively pursuing economic liberalization and reforms over the last few decades, and has been taking steps to attract foreign investment and promote trade and commerce. India has also been actively involved in regional economic initiatives, including the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

Moreover, India has been pursuing a “Look East” policy, which involves enhancing economic and political ties with East and Southeast Asian countries. India has been actively involved in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and has been working towards enhancing economic cooperation with countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. India has also been a key player in the BRICS group of emerging economies, which includes Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa.

Human Rights

Human rights are an important aspect of foreign policy, and both India and the United States have had their share of challenges in this area. In this section, we will explore how human rights are addressed in the foreign policies of India and the United States.

India’s Human Rights Record

India is the world’s largest democracy and is committed to upholding human rights principles. However, the country has faced criticism for its human rights record, particularly in the areas of religious freedom, women’s rights, and discrimination against marginalized communities. One of the most significant human rights challenges in India is the treatment of religious minorities, particularly Muslims. There have been incidents of communal violence and discrimination against Muslims, including restrictions on their religious practices and denial of their citizenship rights. The Indian government has also been criticized for its handling of the

Kashmir issue, where there have been allegations of human rights violations, including arbitrary detention and use of excessive force.

Women’s rights are another area of concern in India. The country has a high incidence of gender-based violence, including rape and domestic violence. There are also significant gaps in access to education and healthcare for women, particularly in rural areas.

The Indian government has taken steps to address these human rights challenges, including passing laws to protect women and minorities and launching campaigns to raise awareness about these issues. However, there is still a long way to go to ensure that human rights are fully protected in India.

The United States’ Human Rights Record

The United States has a long history of promoting human rights around the world, but the country has also faced criticism for its own human rights record, particularly in the areas of racial and social justice.

One of the most significant human rights challenges in the United States is systemic racism and discrimination against marginalized communities, particularly African Americans. There have been incidents of police brutality against African Americans, and the country has a high rate of incarceration, with disproportionately high numbers of African Americans and other people of color in prison.

The United States has also been criticized for its treatment of immigrants, particularly those who are undocumented. The country has implemented policies such as family separation and deportation, which have been condemned by human rights organizations.

The United States government has taken steps to address these human rights challenges, including passing laws to protect the rights of marginalized communities and launching campaigns to promote social justice. However, like India, there is still a long way to go to ensure that human rights are fully protected in the United States.

Conclusion

The United States and India are two separate sovereign nations with their own unique foreign policy goals and strategies. While India has been making significant strides in its foreign policy, it is not in direct competition with the United States.

That being said, India’s growing influence in the global arena can have a significant impact on America’s foreign policy. India is a rising power and has been working to build closer ties with countries in the Indo-Pacific region. This includes building economic partnerships, investing in infrastructure projects, and cooperating on security issues.

The United States has also been focusing on the Indo-Pacific region, and there is significant overlap in the two countries’ foreign policy goals in this area. The United States has been working to counter China’s growing influence in the region, while India has been pursuing a similar strategy. The two countries have also been cooperating on issues such as counterterrorism and cybersecurity.

In addition, India’s growing economy and demographic dividend give it significant leverage in the global arena. As India’s economic clout grows, it will become more influential in shaping global policies, including in areas such as trade and climate change.

Overall, while India’s foreign policy is not in direct competition with America’s foreign policy, it can have a significant impact on global affairs. As India’s influence grows, it is likely that the country will play an increasingly important role in shaping global policies and agendas, and will continue to work closely with the United States on issues of mutual concern.

– The author can be reached at listenadnan@gmail.com