Describe ‘Hard Power” attributes of India’s foreign policy. (HPAS Mains Question Paper 2022 – GS 2, Q.23)
India’s foreign policy is characterized by a mix of hard and soft power elements. The hard power attributes of India’s foreign policy include the following:
- Military Power: India has one of the largest and most capable militaries in the world, with a focus on developing its conventional and nuclear capabilities. India has also been actively involved in peacekeeping operations under the United Nations.
- Nuclear Deterrence: India is one of the few countries in the world that possesses nuclear weapons. Its nuclear capabilities serve as a deterrent against potential threats and provide a strategic advantage in the region.
- Economic Power: India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, with a large market and significant natural resources. It has also been actively engaged in trade negotiations and has sought to expand its economic influence in the region and beyond.
- Diplomatic Power: India has a strong diplomatic corps that is engaged in active diplomacy and has sought to strengthen its bilateral and multilateral ties with other countries. It has also been involved in regional organizations such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the BRICS group of countries.
- Strategic Partnerships: India has established strategic partnerships with several countries, including the United States, Russia, Japan, and Israel. These partnerships have helped to increase India’s regional and global influence and have provided access to advanced technology and resources.
India’s hard power assets have aided it in asserting its influence in the region and beyond, as well as providing it with a strategic advantage in its foreign policy pursuits. These characteristics, however, are frequently supplemented by India’s soft power elements, such as cultural diplomacy, education, and people-to-people exchanges, which aid in the development of goodwill and relationships with other countries.
