Amid the ongoing geopolitical turmoil between Russia and Ukraine, and China’s growing nexus with Pakistan, India finds itself in a precarious position. With a complex web of alliances and relationships to navigate, India’s foreign policy strategy is closely watched by regional and global players. This article dives into the concept of “Geopolitical Jalebi” as a metaphor for India’s complicated position in the midst of clashing powers, and explores the prospects of a Non-Alignment 2.0.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, the world’s superpowers are looking to gain the support of two of the most significant global players – China and India. Despite being caught in the middle of this geopolitical tug of war, India has managed to maintain its neutrality over Ukraine, and it seems that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future.
While India has been gradually strengthening its ties with the US, Japan, and Australia, it has also maintained cordial relations with China. However, the recent border skirmishes between the two nations have led to increased tensions between them. In the context of the Ukraine conflict, this situation is critical because China is considered to be an ally of Russia.
Although India’s official stance on the conflict has been one of non-intervention, it has been an active participant in international efforts to resolve the crisis. India has called for a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the conflict and has also expressed its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The situation is much more complicated for Pakistan, which has reportedly sent 10,000 missiles to Ukraine to aid it in the conflict against Russia. This move is indicative of a significant shift in Pakistan’s foreign policy, as it was once considered to be an ally of Russia. However, the country has been growing closer to China in recent years, which could explain this sudden change in its foreign policy.
While the conflict in Ukraine may seem far removed from India’s interests, it has implications for the country’s foreign policy. India’s non-alignment policy, which has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy for decades, is now being tested with the growing geopolitical tensions. The country’s relations with the US, Japan, and Australia have grown stronger, which could signal a departure from its non-alignment policy. However, India’s ties with China are equally significant, and a cold war-style polarization could harm India’s interests.
The growing influence of India in the international community could also lead to increased pressure on the country to take a more active role in global conflicts such as Ukraine. The recent appointment of S. Jaishankar as the Minister of External Affairs could also signal a shift in India’s foreign policy. Jaishankar is a career diplomat and has previously served as India’s Ambassador to the United States and China. He is known for his keen understanding of diplomacy and his ability to navigate complex geopolitical issues. His appointment could indicate that India is preparing to take a more proactive role in global affairs.
In conclusion, India has managed to maintain its neutrality over the Ukraine conflict, despite growing pressure from both Russia and the West. India’s non-alignment policy remains intact, and the country has called for a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the crisis. However, the growing geopolitical tensions could test India’s foreign policy in the future, and the country’s relationships with both Russia and China will be key to its position in the global arena. As India’s influence in the international community grows, it will be interesting to see how the nation navigates these complex geopolitical issues.
