Confusion Made India International Pariah State
India, the world’s growing economy and expected to be the global leader of the 21st century, is being criticized and seems to be confused in her decision making. The country once had a clear cut direction and smooth foreign policy now seems to be in fear of making strong decisions to favor herself. Narendra Modi, instead of making India more stable and stronger, is looking in confusion to run the international relations of the country. According to experts, this behavior of India towards its foreign policy made her an international pariah in which no country can trust.
India in the Unsuccessful Strategy of Pleasing Everyone
In international relations, one needs to choose clearly who must make stronger ties. It is not possible to make every power a close friend. India unfortunately is doing the same thing of showing herself a friend of everyone. For example, India participated in Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), where India, China, and Russia along with other countries talked about cooperation in security and economy. But at the same time, aiming to please USA, India skipped an important BRICS meeting where India, Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa discussed many global challenges. This strategy of India sent internationally a negative image of herself. It shows the confused decision making of India trying to be on all sides. In this scenario, countries are unable to trust India as a reliable partner. According to experts, this undirected foreign policy of India can affect its diplomacy and foreign relations in the longer term.
Stress on Modi of Trump’s Government
United States and the blunt president Donald Trump are an important reason of Modi’s confusing foreign policy. For India, the USA is an important ally, and she doesn’t bear the anger of her.
Modi has already made Trump angry about his import of Russian oil. The United States has applied the tariff of 50% on Indian goods.
The reason is the import of Russian oil by India instead of USA sanctions on Russia. Modi has failed to challenge the tariffs and explain the concerns of India and kept quiet on these sanctions. Experts say it’s the weakness of Modi’s foreign policy.
Modi didn’t attend the important meeting of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) just because of the fear of anything said by Donald Trump as he is a blunt president. To avoid the embarrassment at UNGA, Modi skipped the meeting. This shows the fear of embarrassment and the weakness of his decision as he is unable to protect the Indian interests. Missing these types of important meetings can affect the influence of India internationally.
Neither East nor West – India Lost the Trust
Indian confusing steps made her non-trustworthy for both East and West. United States and European Union are unable to trust India due to its inconsistent and confused policies. Especially due to Russian oil imports by India, the United States is frustrated and can’t rely on India as a reliable ally.
China and Russia now also have trust deficit against India as Indian absence in important BRICS meetings raises the question whether it should be trusted or not.
India has weakened its position diplomatically and no one is willing to trust her. In this isolated situation it’s difficult for India to stand at a suitable point diplomatically.
Only Photos and the Failure of Strategic Autonomy
Modi uses his photos with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping to win on the diplomatic front. These photos are just photos and not a sign of any progress in the betterment of relations.
Modi’s “strategic autonomy” in which the concept of independent foreign policy was introduced is falling. The goal of this policy was to collaborate with multiple powers without being dominated by one.
Right now, this clear cut strategy is in confusion and the relation with powers is just limited to photos.
A Comparison of Indian Confused Foreign Policy with Pakistan’s Clear One
Although Pakistan is facing different types of challenges internally, she has clear cut vision and a consistent foreign policy to maintain her relationship with nations. Pakistan is focusing on pursuing trust-based partnerships with her allies. This clarity in Pakistan foreign policy in comparison exposed Indian confused decisions.
Modi’s confused foreign policy is taking India to the verge of chaos making it vulnerable on the diplomatic front. According to experts, this situation is leading India towards becoming a pariah state. A state on which no one can trust and build relationships. Modi should focus on balancing its foreign policy choices otherwise India will be isolated and become pariah.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are exclusively those of the author and do not reflect the official stance, policies, or perspectives of the Platform
