Changing Pattern of Indian Foreign Policy

Ukraine Conflict & India

The war in Ukraine saw the government spell out its version of “non-alignment”, as it sought to keep a balance in the growing polarisation between the U.S. and the European Union on one side, and Russia on the other.

International Forums

2023, in many ways, an important year for Indian diplomacy, as India will be at the forefront after taking over the presidency of the G-20 and chairship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which will bring all the major leaders of the world to Delhi for summits.

FTAs

• In 2022, India returned to Free Trade Agreements, after a hiatus of several years when the government had called for a review of all FTAs, scrapped all Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) and walked out of the 15-nation Asian Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
• In 2022, India signed trade agreements with the UAE and Australia, and hopes to progress on talks with the EU, Gulf Cooperation Council and Canada for others.
• India also joined the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Forum (IPEF), although it later decided to stay out of trade talks.

Neighborhood Policy

India’s recent neighbourhood policy was marked by economic assistance to Sri Lanka in the midst of its collapse, and regional trade and energy agreements with Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal that could see a South Asian energy grid emerge.

Central Asia and South East Asia

India has strengthened ties with Central Asian countries on connectivity. The government kept channels open with repressive regimes like Afghanistan’s Taliban and the Myanmar Junta, opening a “technical mission” in Kabul and sending the foreign secretary to Nay Pyi Taw to discuss border cooperation.

UNSC

• India abstained on a UNSC vote calling for Myanmar to end violence and release political prisoners.
• With Iran too, where protests against the killing of activist Mahsa Amini have brought thousands onto the streets, India has steered clear of any criticism.
• However, with Pakistan, ties remain flat-lined, with a big showdown at the UN between Mr. Jaishankar and Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto.