Does Culture Constitutes a more Prominent Element in India’s Foreign Policy in the Twenty First Century?
The foreign policy of a state mirrors primarily the national objectives of a state and its exudence is guided by the domestic factors like stability of government, power dynamics and state of economy. A realistic foreign policy not only derives from the cultural values and historical traditions of the past but also maintains equilibrium of judgments and scientific evaluation of the contemporary issues and inter-state dynamics. India’s foreign policy has since beginning vacillated between the ideological frames, cultural backdrops and political imperatives. While it stuck to the Indian spiritual tradition of world peace and welfare of mankind it followed the middle path philosophy guided by the Buddhist principles. Hardly at any stage did it show the cultural elements of statecraft and inter-state relations reflected during the pre and post-Kautilyan era. In the post-cold war scenario a sea change is visible in Indian perception of the world and its position and it appears that it has been deriving more from its past traditions of stringent measures while pursuing its objectives. The new BJP regime has registered a subtle shift marking a new era in the foreign policy dynamics over the decades. While it aims at securing India its due in the comity of nations it also views India to be a natural player in the world politics because of its rich and inspiring past and the recent growth. China is another great Asian power and the two have quite often found themselves the natural rivals in the Asian politics. In the post-Galwan episode when China had to finally withdraw its troops the muscular tones are visible too and it reflects the Kautilayan counsel dealing with a powerful enemy through an appropriate strategic culture. The current question constitutes the part of the larger project of the author to explore, underline and investigate the cultural factors behind Indian foreign policy in the light of ‘cultural approach’ against the ‘realist theory’ of strategic culture. It also aims to suggest better ways of dealing the world especially China in the realization foreign policy goals. The Covid 19 pandemic and its aftermath and the science of trade war behind deserve special attention towards the foreign policy operations of India and the others.
Harish, I don't have much to add to your thoughts, since this is not my field. (My diplomat brother would probably have more to say.)
However, to what extent do the institutions set up by the British play any part in Indian foreign policy today? My diplomat brother, in dealing with Indian foreign service types, seems to think, "quite a bit." Do you concur?
My own perception has been, India does not automatically dismiss the British way, in their foreign policy. There does not seem to be a deep-seated antagonism, not at all.
My perception is, India is becoming a major player in world economics, fully participating in high tech and STEM industries, as western powers have been doing. This does not suggest only looking back to old cultural/religious traditions, to me.
Dear Albert,
My reference is to the recent stress on soft measures like culture, values, history and traditions being used as part of foreign policy vis a vis other states.
India has been representing this with south East Asian states, its neighbors and central Asian states while exploring better strategic prospects.
In mu opinion, Culture plays important role on foreign policy of India which truly influences on creating positive image of India in world stage
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