(a) Federal Features in Foreign Policy
India’s foreign policy, although primarily centralized under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), has elements of federalism due to the growing role of states in international diplomacy. While the Constitution of India vests foreign policy powers with the central government, certain aspects of diplomacy, such as trade, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation, involve state governments.
Key Federal Features in Foreign Policy
1. Economic and Trade Agreements:
– State governments actively participate in international trade delegations, seeking foreign investments and collaborations in sectors like infrastructure, technology, and tourism.
2. Border and Regional Cooperation:
– States bordering neighboring countries (e.g., West Bengal with Bangladesh, Tamil Nadu with Sri Lanka, and Punjab with Pakistan) influence foreign policy through cross-border trade, migration policies, and cultural ties.
3. Cultural and Educational Exchanges:
– States promote their languages, traditions, and educational institutions globally, fostering people-to-people diplomacy.
4. Diaspora Engagement:
– Some Indian states with large overseas populations, such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab, engage in diplomatic efforts for their welfare.
Challenges in Federal Influence on Foreign Policy
– Lack of Constitutional Mandate: States have no direct role in decision-making.
– Conflicts with Central Policies: States sometimes oppose central government foreign policies (e.g., Tamil Nadu’s objections to India-Sri Lanka relations over Tamil issues).
Despite these challenges, cooperative federalism is increasingly shaping India’s diplomatic engagements, particularly in trade, border cooperation, and diaspora relations.
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(b) India’s ‘SAGAR’ Policy
India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy was launched in 2015 as a strategic vision for maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The policy underscores India’s commitment to ensuring maritime safety, promoting regional stability, and enhancing economic and security cooperation with IOR nations.
Objectives of the SAGAR Policy
1. Maritime Security:
– Strengthening India’s naval presence in the Indian Ocean to counter threats like piracy, terrorism, and illegal fishing.
2. Economic and Trade Partnerships:
– Enhancing maritime trade, port infrastructure, and connectivity with IOR countries.
3. Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Assistance:
– Assisting neighboring countries during natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
4. Environmental Protection:
– Collaborating on climate resilience and marine biodiversity conservation.
5. Defense and Strategic Partnerships:
– Strengthening naval cooperation with Seychelles, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and other IOR countries to counter China’s growing influence.
Implementation and Challenges
– India has expanded naval cooperation and defense ties under SAGAR, including joint maritime exercises and logistics agreements.
– However, China’s assertiveness in the Indian Ocean, through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and military presence, poses a strategic challenge.
SAGAR remains a key pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific strategy, aligning with initiatives like QUAD (India, US, Japan, Australia) and reinforcing India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean.
