New Trends in Indian Foreign Policy
Priority to neighbors under the policy of "Never First"
Emphasis on strengthening bilateral ties with our immediate neighbors from the swearing-in ceremony of the current Prime Minister and on the second day itself.
Launch of SAARC Satellite (GSAT-9).
Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal- Motor for regulation of passenger andcargo vehicle traffic between India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and NepalVehicle Agreement (BBIN MVA).
Act East Policy To replace the two decades old 'Look East Policy'with a more active and strategic 'Act East Policy'.
Aggressive Security and Diplomacy
- Army's forward policy on Doklam dispute.
- Surgical strikes against Pakistan and destruction of Naga militant camps in Myanmar.
- To isolate Pakistan from various diplomatic forums follow the strategy.
- Postponement of negotiations on the Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) due to the ban on Indian generic medicines by the European Union.
- Talks with Pakistan and Hurriyat leaders on their own terms.
- Following the policies of previous governments with regard to energy security Civil nuclear deal with countries like Japan, Australia etc.
- Initiative role for harnessing non-conventional energy sources, e.g.International Solar Organization .
- Policy to promote and establish 'Yoga' through various forums including United Nations.
- 'Buddhist Circuit' for South-East Asian countries and 'Ramayana Trail'Policy to strengthen relations with Sri Lanka
- Incorporation of elements of 'para diplomacy' in Indian foreign policy under which town twinning agreements on the lines of Mumbai-Shanghai, Varanasi-Kyoto,Ahmedabad-Guangzhou.
- Project Mausam: To promote trade, cultural ties with several South and South-East Asian countries. It is believed to be a response to the Chinese Maritime Silk Road Initiative.
- To deepen ties with overseas Indians and foreigners through a people to people contact.According to Lord Palm stone, a country does not have 'eternalallies' or 'perpetual enemies' (perpetual enemies), it has only' eternal and perpetual interests' (Eternal and Papincial Interest). Overall,we can see the following trends in the current foreign policy
- India is working on a plan to emerge itself as a leading power rather than a mere 'balancing power'.
- The main goal of diplomacy is to accelerate the socio-economic transformation of the country.
- Sufficient by India with the addition of defense and strategic powerIts 'soft power' side is being used in quantity.
- International relations with a holistic global outlook and Creating a wide network of optimal power-balance.
- Fostering ties with the Indian diaspora and prioritizing helping Indians during crisis abroad.In the last few years, keeping the basic structure of Indian foreign policy unchanged (reprioritization of relations), activism,enthusiasm,subtle and intense dialogue, tendency to develop personal chemistry and clear signs of strategic courage can be seen.
