The Realist view of Indian foreign policy is grounded in the principles of realism, a prominent theoretical framework in international relations that emphasizes power politics, state-centric behaviour, and the pursuit of national interests in the global arena. Realism posits that states are the primary actors in international relations, driven by a rational pursuit of power, security, and survival in an anarchic world characterized by competition and conflict. In the context of Indian foreign policy, the Realist perspective offers insights into India’s strategic behaviour, security concerns, and regional dynamics.
Security and Strategic Autonomy
From a Realist perspective, Indian foreign policy is primarily concerned with ensuring national security and maintaining strategic autonomy in a geopolitically complex environment. India’s historical experience of colonialism, partition, and regional conflicts has shaped its security calculus, leading to a focus on military modernization, nuclear deterrence, and the pursuit of strategic partnerships to safeguard its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Balance of Power
Realists argue that states seek to balance against potential threats to their security and interests by forming alliances, building military capabilities, and pursuing diplomatic strategies to counterbalance stronger adversaries. In the case of India, Realist considerations have influenced its approach to regional geopolitics, including its strategic partnership with the United States to balance against China’s rising influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Neighbourhood Relations
Realist perspectives highlight the importance of a state’s immediate neighbourhood in shaping its security environment and foreign policy priorities. India’s relations with neighbouring countries such as Pakistan, China, and smaller South Asian states are influenced by Realist considerations of power dynamics, security dilemmas, and strategic competition. India’s efforts to assert influence in its immediate neighbourhood while managing complex relationships reflect Realist principles of self-interest and security maximization.
Nuclear Deterrence
Realism underscores the importance of nuclear deterrence as a means of ensuring national security and deterring potential adversaries from hostile actions. India’s acquisition of nuclear weapons and its nuclear doctrine, which emphasizes credible minimum deterrence and a no-first-use policy, are driven by Realist considerations of strategic stability, threat perception, and the need to protect vital national interests in a nuclearized environment.
Great Power Dynamics
Realism acknowledges the role of great powers in shaping global politics and influencing the behaviour of smaller states. India’s engagement with major powers such as the United States, Russia, China, and the European Union reflects Realist calculations of aligning with or balancing against dominant actors to advance its national interests and enhance its strategic leverage in the international system.
Economic Interests and Geopolitics
Realist perspectives recognize the interplay between economic interests and geopolitical considerations in shaping state behaviour. India’s pursuit of economic partnerships, energy security, and access to global markets is intertwined with Realist imperatives of enhancing its economic power, reducing dependence on external actors, and securing resources vital for its development and strategic objectives.
Strategic Hedging
Realism advocates for strategic hedging, wherein states adopt a flexible and pragmatic approach to foreign policy that allows for maneuvering between competing interests and alliances to maximize their security and strategic autonomy. India’s policy of strategic hedging is evident in its multi-alignment strategy, which involves engaging with multiple actors while preserving its non-aligned status and safeguarding its core national interests.
In summary, the Realist view of Indian foreign policy emphasizes the pursuit of national security, strategic autonomy, and the rational calculation of interests in a complex and competitive international environment. While Realism provides valuable insights into India’s strategic behaviour and regional dynamics, it is important to acknowledge that Indian foreign policy is also shaped by a combination of other factors, including historical legacies, cultural influences, domestic politics, and normative considerations.
