In order to maintain neutrality and strategic independence during the Cold War, in a world dominated by the US and the USSR, India’s foreign policy reached its zenith during the Cold War with the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM). In 1961, India was one of the founding members of NAM, led by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. In order to allow India to concentrate on its domestic issues, maintain its sovereignty, and demonstrate leadership among recently decolonized countries, the goal was to conduct an independent foreign policy that did not align with either superpower. With a focus on strategic autonomy and adaptation to a multipolar world, India’s 21st century approach to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) demonstrates a sophisticated grand strategy.
It Is well known that NAM’s primary goal was to keep its members away from politics throughout the Cold War. The Cold War ended in the 1990s, Thus, some academics believe that NAM has fulfilled its mission and is no longer relevant. On the other hand, a large number of academics believe that, “In light of the growing gulf between the rich and poor countries, NAM’s mission remains more relevant than ever.”
Historical Context and Evolution
India’s non-alignment was initially a reaction to the conditions of the Cold War, enabling it to preserve its independence from the superpowers. But a revaluation of this position was brought about by the conclusion of the Cold War. The notion of “Nonalignment 2.0” surfaced, promoting a more practical strategy in line with India’s expanding economic might and geopolitical goals. This new approach acknowledges the value of interacting with other global powers, including the United States and China, while emphasizing strategic autonomy.
The world’s geopolitical environment has drastically changed in the 21st century, moving from the bipolarity of the Cold War to a more multipolar and interdependent global community. India is currently confronted with a geopolitical environment that includes developing regional problems in South Asia and a still very relevant multipolar rivalry. In this regard, the Non-Alignment Movement has evolved significantly even though its tenets are still applicable.
Strategic Framework
A key component of India’s grand strategy for the twenty-first century is multi-alignment, or cultivating relationships with multiple blocs without siding with a specific group. This approach aims to maximize India’s influence in international affairs by working with several partners to strengthen its national interest. India’s foreign policy has changed from being neutral ideologically to being more interest-based and pragmatic, with an emphasis on technological developments, economic growth, and defence capabilities
But that doesn’t mean that India has completely abandoned it’s NAM policy, rather it just modified or in other words upgraded it according to the changing paradigms in the International Arena.
Challenges and Relevance
NAM continues to draw criticism for its applicability in modern geopolitics, despite its evolution. Some contend that it is no longer necessary because more and more member states are siding with powerful nations for security and economic reasons. Some western scholars regard it as ‘senseless’ and ‘irrelevant’ today. However, India’s leadership in NAM can still be very important in accelerating a multipolar world order and standing up for the interests of less developed countries. Redefining NAM’s mission to address contemporary global concerns while upholding its core values of non-alignment and sovereignty is a challenge.
In contrast to the 20th century, when non-alignment frequently resulted in economic isolation from international organizations headed by the West, India has actively participated in global economic integration in the 21st century. It has joined several regional economic forums and is a founding member of global entities such as the BRICS and G20.
In conclusion, India’s policy on non-alignment in the 21st century has developed into a “multi-alignment” or “strategic autonomy” approach. India is able to participate in specific collaborations through this modified type of non-alignment, avoiding formal alliances that could restrict its flexibility or sovereignty. As it forges closer ties with powerful nations like the United States, Russia, and Japan, India keeps up its position as the leader of the Global South. However, as the U.S. and China’s global competitiveness heats up, India’s capacity to maintain a balance between these partnerships will come under pressure. In the end, the 21stcentury non-alignment is more about preserving India’s independence to pursue its own national interests in a more intricate international system than it is about being equally far from all powers.
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3 “Non-Allied Forever: India’s Grand Strategy According to Subrahmanyam Jaishankar”, Carniege Endownment, “https://carnegieendowment.org/posts/2021/03/non-allied-forever-indias-grand-strategy-according-to-subrahmanyam-jaishankar?lang=en, (Erişim Tarihi: 16.09.2024).
4 MUNRO, A. (2024). “NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT”, ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Non-Aligned-Movement, (Erişim Tarihi: 16.09.2024).
Rasool-Pulwama, a.g.e. 64-70.
