Context:
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An editorial highlights the growing challenges for India’s foreign policy in a rapidly shifting global order.
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Rising geopolitical uncertainties, weakening multilateralism, and China’s expanding regional footprint have created a situation where India faces a trust deficit and declining influence in key regions.
Key Highlights:
Global Geopolitical Shifts / Decline of Multilateralism
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The return of Donald Trump–style politics and the weakening of multilateral platforms have made diplomacy more transactional.
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India’s foreign policy establishment is struggling to adapt to these new realities, leading to concerns of geopolitical irrelevance.
India’s Absence from Key Regional Processes
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India was notably missing from the Gaza peace settlement process, led by the U.S. and other powers.
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This absence signals declining influence in West Asia, a region critical for:
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Energy security
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Diaspora interests
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Trade connectivity
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Neighbourhood Diplomacy Challenges
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India’s response to the Gen Z revolution in Nepal is described as lacking depth, despite Nepal being of vital strategic importance.
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This reflects limitations in India’s engagement with political transitions in its immediate neighbourhood.
Strategic Isolation in West Asia
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Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, reducing India’s earlier diplomatic leverage in the Gulf region.
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Countries like Türkiye, historically hostile towards India, are filling the diplomatic vacuum.
Regional Security Flashpoints
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The Afghanistan–Pakistan conflict threatens regional stability.
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India must proactively address challenges posed by Pakistan’s strategic manoeuvres.
China’s Expanding Influence
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India–Sri Lanka ties remain vulnerable to external influence, especially from China’s Belt and Road diplomacy.
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Downplaying the Galwan clash as minor undermines the seriousness of the unresolved border issue.
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China is steadily expanding influence across India’s eastern neighbourhood through “devious” strategic methods, potentially eclipsing India’s role.
Significance / Concerns
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A perception of India being “friendless” risks weakening partnerships.
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Trust deficits can limit India’s ability to shape outcomes in its neighbourhood and beyond.
Relevant Prelims Points:
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Multilateralism: Cooperation among multiple countries to solve shared challenges through institutions and alliances.
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Geopolitical Relevance: A state’s ability to influence regional and global outcomes.
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Trust Deficit: Declining credibility and confidence in a country’s foreign policy actions.
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Galwan Clash (2020): Major India–China border confrontation highlighting unresolved LAC tensions.
Issue + Causes
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Causes of India’s foreign policy challenges include:
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Decline of multilateralism
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Growing Chinese influence in South Asia
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Weak neighbourhood political engagement
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Transactional alliances reshaping West Asia
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Benefits of Strong Diplomacy
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Enhances India’s strategic autonomy.
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Protects regional influence and connectivity.
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Builds credibility in global governance structures.
Challenges / Impact
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Reduced participation in peace processes weakens India’s voice.
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Pakistan’s alliances in West Asia may constrain India’s outreach.
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China’s regional dominance threatens India’s security environment.
Relevant Mains Points:
Conceptual Linkages
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India’s foreign policy must balance:
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Strategic autonomy
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Regional leadership
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Great power competition
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Neighbourhood First Policy Stress Test
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Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan developments show need for deeper political engagement beyond infrastructure and aid.
China Challenge
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Border tensions and China’s economic diplomacy require candid assessment and long-term strategy.
Way Forward
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Recalibrate diplomacy through:
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Stronger neighbourhood political outreach
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Active participation in West Asian peace and security forums
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Countering China’s influence with development partnerships
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Maintaining vigilance on border disputes
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Building trust-based alliances rather than transactional ties
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UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS 2 (International Relations): India’s regional influence, neighbourhood diplomacy, China challenge
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Essay / Mains: Strategic autonomy, multilateral decline, geopolitical recalibration