FOREIGN POLICY

Foreign policy is influenced by domestic considerations, the policies or behaviour of other states or plans to advance specific geopolitical designs.

The foreign policy protects and promotes the National interest of a country. National interest comprises:

• Defend the country's national security
• Enhance the country's soft-power
• Participate in international trade and Commerce favourable for strengthening the economy.

A country permanently looks for National interest through domestic and foreign policy, but the content of national interest keeps changing. The current situation and ideology of the government of the day determine foreign policy.

Recently world witnessed two major situations, which describe that India's foreign policy doesn't get affected by international pressure.

• Russia and Ukraine war: very fresh to our mind, the decision taken by the government of India made the world recognise India is capable of defending its National interest.

Though, the decision was followed by much criticism, amid all this praise-worthy was India's foreign minister S.JaiShankar's witty responses to the foreign media (especially on crude oil import from Russia)

• Iran oil ban: the second instance, was evident when India refused to fall in line with US President Donald Trump's ban on dealing with Iran's oil, banking, and transport sector (as energy security is a top priority for a nation unable to meet the demand for hydrocarbons domestically).

Such kind of strong decisions proves that the stronger and more self-confident a country, the less it dances to another's command.

When we observe the friendship between two countries at present, we conclude, that the basis is "strategic partnership". India has a strategic partnership with as many as 30 countries. 

By and large governments in New Delhi follow realistic and pragmatic foreign policy. While foreign policy is the preserve of government, diplomats have to implement it. Diplomats contribute to the formulation of policy, and negotiations with representatives of states.

A study of history reveals that events often follow a non-linear path and that present realities and trends are the best rough guide to the future. For centuries Europe dominated the world and the rivalries among European powers both in Europe and in far-flung colonies had a Global Impact. 

A single unexpected event or a development in a seemingly unimportant part of the world could trigger off a chain reaction that draws in great powers.

• One such example is the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand of Serbia which led to World War 1.

• Another example is the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan which made Afghanistan the cockpit of international rivalry and spawned terrorism and drug trafficking all over the world.

Such instances are enough to speak strength and outcome of foreign policy designed as per the aspirations of the government of any country.

The new generation of Indians has the ambition and the confidence that India can be a major player in the emerging global scenario; therein lies the challenge for India's foreign policy in the coming year.

This was an introductory article on foreign policy, in future, I will keep bringing articles on foreign policy and international relations to create awareness about the history and reason behind the decisions Government of India takes regarding foreign policy.

-BHAVNA GEED.