A menu for the new Government in India

By Salman Haider

India has emerged and stands tall. Major countries of the world seek to be its partner and room has been made for it at global high tables, like the G-20. But while its role has enlarged, its voice remains muffled. Foreign policy has become predictable, reactive, low key. A more assured and assertive India needs to be rediscovered.

The first requirement, then, is a vision of where the country sees itself and where it is going. Foreign policy principles and priorities need updating and effective projection. This is no easy task: the essential ideas must come from the top and bear the stamp of the leader.

India must make a difference when it comes to the great issues of today: the environment and climate change are now centre stage; nuclear disarmament is beginning to claim major attention. A sluggish India has become a target for activists in these fields. It needs to throw up more ideas and take fresh initiatives.

To be a convincing world player, India must rise above neighbourhood troubles. It must place itself at the centre of a virtuous circle of cooperation and friendship with its closest neighbours. This is a difficult task, requiring patience and commitment, yet it must be achieved if the country is to rise to its full potential. Note some encouraging signs: the most deeply embedded problem, Kashmir, came near to solution through backchannel talks with Pakistan. These exchanges need early revival.

Look East
Development of relations with South East Asia and the Far East remains well below optimum. The 'Look East' window is still much smaller than it ought to be and we must push harder in that direction.

Restoration of balance in our dealings in the Middle East is also necessary. The Arab-Israel issue continues to polarise and divide, and India has been distanced from its traditional Arab associates. This must be rectified.

For all the lip service, our economic efforts in places like Africa and Central Asia have languished. Radical changes in our economic diplomacy are needed. We have to be prepared to invest heavily in these resource-rich regions, as China has already done. It may be desirable to set up a separate, well-funded Ministry solely for this purpose.

Don't ignore the Dragon
China will remain a priority area. Currently, we are fairly comfortable with the relationship. The border remains more heavily armed than it need be and to enhance security we should work for mutual reduction of the armed forces deployed against each other. The framework agreements exist and should be put into effect.

Then there is the USA. Its imprint is to be found in every main area where our interests drive us. We should be prepared for continuous dialogue on a wide range of issues. We need to have our own agenda and priorities if it is not to be a one-sided dialogue with the hyper power.

Finally, we need to review and continuously improve the foreign policy instrument, the Indian Foreign Service. This is a high performance group that has made a mark. It needs constant upgrading of skills and performance to retain its edge.