Book Review: The India Way – Strategies for an Uncertain World

The global order is undergoing changes. If it was largely bipolar during the Cold War and then briefly unipolar after disintegration of Soviet Union, there are signs of emerging multipolarity. China is already world’s second largest economy and major military power. Russia has come out of itself – imposed strategic retreat. From Germany to Japan and India to Brazil, middle powers are also expected to play key roles in new order. In present context of world politics, global community is witnessing significant paradigm shift in the world order. Countries are repositioning their stance in global architecture of political hierarchy. The upsurge of Asia, reinvention of Russia, economic potential of Africa and inward-looking policy of America in 21st century has reconfigured the overall geo-strategic matrix.

What should be the direction of foreign policy of India in changed new global order is focus of the book, The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World’, where the author Dr. S. Jaishankar sheds light on new global political conditions. The book is a must read for any serious student and practitioner of International Relations and Diplomacy. Written by a person who has been a career diplomat for four decades, at present Minister for External Affairs of India, an intellectual and thinker, one can expect the book to present a unique perspective that would help understand global political and economic diplomacy better.

When a sitting foreign minister writes a book on country’s foreign policy, the reading would naturally expect some insights into India’s policy thinking. Dr. Jaishankar lays out broad framework of India’s policymaking. The book articulates his vision of India’s strategic choices. Dr. Jaishankar states that international interactions at bilateral and multilateral levels have moved forward from world of agreements towards world of convergences. The Foreign Minister’s acumen and diplomatic experience enable the reader to identify key determinants that affect and influence dynamic interplay between state actors which determines trajectory and outcome of contemporary politics. He analyses challenges and spells out possible policy responses and places this thinking in context of history and tradition, appropriate for a civilizational power that seeks to reclaim its place on a world stage. The central thesis of the book is need for India to adopt more pragmatic and realist based foreign policy to engage with changing world.

Dr. Jaishankar suggests three-pronged strategy that could help steer a new course for India’s diplomacy. This includes refraining from forming alliances, exploiting conflicts which are intrinsic to multipolar system, and accepting and exercising contradictory policies. Applying his three-prong strategy, the author discusses how India should manage relations with China. The author posits that manner in which two powers operate in coming decades will determine future course of Asian century. He proposes different dimensions of strategic partnerships with regional members to ensure restoration of balance of power in Asia against China’s rise and domination.

Going through eight chapters in the book, one sees the eclectic canvas the book presents, though recurring theme being is challenges relating to rise of China, US-China dynamics, challenges and opportunities for India in contemporary world that is constantly evolving. The eight thematic chapters in the book tackle different facets of same problem: What strategies should India follow in a world undergoing profound transformations, particularly because of rise of China. In his inimitable style of articulation, Dr Jaishankar comes up with expressions such as these: “But for two decades, China had been winning without fighting, while the US was fighting without winning.” Another one being: “An unabashed America First and a muscular China Dream are setting the tone (to international relations)…even a Europe with a growing fortress mentality is struggling to find the right balance between its interests and values. As for Japan, its continued caution speaks for itself.”

Pursuit of all out diplomacy occupies more important place in the book. Dr. Jaishankar outlines his diplomatic agenda: “It is time for us to engage America, manage China, cultivate Europe, reassure Russia, bring Japan into play, draw neighbours in, extend the neighbourhood and expand traditional constituencies of support” (p.10). Setting a new template of foreign policy which is driven by realism, not only has India been able to successfully promote itself as influential actor in international community but has been able to significantly elevate its global image as a potential leader. The objective is to “engage competing powers like US, China, the EU or Russia at the same time” (p. 15). India must do this to regain the initiative: “Will the world continue to define India, or will India now define itself” (p.17), Jaishankar asks. “The paradox the world will confront is to seek change in the very order in which it is still deeply invested. A more fragmented, diffused and complicated future awaits, as all of us will do our political sums differently. The value of India in such global calculations is apparent. Let us take it as a sign of the times that the world has discovered the virtue of Namaste, the India Way of greeting with folded hands” (p. 213). For India, this means optimal relationships with all major powers to best advance its goals, which also requires bolder and non-reciprocal approach to immediate and extended neighbourhood. A global footprint is now in making that leverages India’s greater capability and relevance. This era of upheaval entails greater expectation from India, putting it on path to becoming a leading power. “As India rises in the world order, it should not only visualize its interests with clarity but also communicate them effectively.

Leave A Comment
or

For faster login or register use your social account.

Connect with Facebook