NEW THRUST ON INDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY

Why is in news? Azad Bharat Ki Baat- Akashvani Ke Saath: Story of NEW THRUST ON INDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY

With 75 years of independence, the country has a greater sense of confidence and optimism in articulating an India First foreign policy.

India decides for itself, and its independent foreign policy cannot be subject to intimidations.

The COVID pandemic has brought out the risks of the over-centralized model of globalization that was being followed.

Since 1992, Indian Foreign Policy became more robust and business oriented. Full Diplomatic Ties with Israel were established in 1992. Since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid out his vision for Indian diplomacy.

Stress has been given on NEIGHBOURHOOD FIRST, ACT EAST, INDO-US, G20, G7, INDIA-RUSSIA, SCO, BRICS, ASEAN, I2U2 and 22 Framework with US, Japan.

In recent decades, India has pursued a more expansive foreign policy that encompasses the neighbourhood first policy embodied by SAARC as well as the Look East policy to forge more extensive economic and strategic relationships with other East Asian countries.

Whether it was during Covid 19 pandemic or the economic challenges, India has gone the extra mile for its neighbours and will continue to do so.

Its awareness for extended neighbourhood has been expressed as an Act East policy, a Sagar outlook, a Gulf engagement and a Central Asia initiative.

India’s diplomacy has also naturally focused on major powers, on key economic hubs, on significant energy sources and on influential regional players.

With open-mindedness and objectivity, the country has been practicing the Mantra of Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas in its foreign policy.

India has always viewed the United Nations as important to global peace, security and development.

It currently serves as a non-permanent member of the Security Council and one very active in UN organizations and in its peacekeeping.

From the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, the QUAD to the BRICS, there is a long list of memberships that India holds.

India advocates a global debate and global consensus on issues of global dimensions such as world trade regime, intellectual property rights, climate change and terrorism.

New Delhi has adopted a firm policy of "Terror and Talks cannot go together”, and despite repeated calls from Pakistan for the resumption of dialogue, it has made it abundantly clear that, no departure will be made unless there are tangible and verifiable concrete evidence of Pakistan reining in the State -sponsored and supported terrorism targeted against India.

The country’s Foreign policy has at least four important goals: (i) To protect India from traditional and non-traditional threats; (ii) To create an external environment which is conducive for an inclusive development of India so that the benefits of growth can reach the poorest of the poor in the country; (iii) to ensure that India’s voice is heard on global forums and that India is able to influence world opinion on issues of global dimensions and (iv) To engage and protect Indian Diaspora.

Today’s self-confident India has a new voice in the global firmament, rooted in its domestic realities and civilizational ethos, as well as firm in the pursuit of its vital interests

All India Radio is celebrating 75 years of freedom with a series, Azad Bharat Ki Baat- Akashvani Ke Saath. It showcases the journey of India since independence in various walks of life through the story telling of All India Radio.