500: Celebrating Freedom: Voices for a Holistic and Inclusive India

 

On 15 Aug 2024, India celebrated its 78th Independence Day.  Santosh Kumar (podcaster), on his forum “Between Us: Every Conversation Counts”, traces the trajectory of Free India in the past 77 years and the way ahead.

 

In the Geo-political Section, we talked about the applicability of the ancient Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family) in modern diplomacy and global engagements.

 

1. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in Modern Diplomacy: “How can the ancient Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family) be applied in modern geopolitical strategies to foster global peace and cooperation?”

 

2. India’s Role on the Global Stage: “In the context of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ how can India position itself as a global leader in promoting inclusive development and mutual respect among nations?”

 

3. Defense and Diplomacy: “How can India’s defense policies align with the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ ensuring that our military strength is used as a force for peace and stability in the region and beyond?”

 

4. Global Partnerships: “What role can India play in building global partnerships that reflect the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ particularly in addressing shared challenges like climate change, terrorism, and pandemics?”

 

5. People-to-People Diplomacy: “How can citizen-led diplomacy and cultural exchanges strengthen India’s global relationships, embodying the idea of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ at the grassroots level?”

 

6. Strategic Autonomy with Global Responsibility: “How can India balance its strategic autonomy with a sense of global responsibility, ensuring that our actions contribute to the well-being of the global family?”

 

7. Humanitarian Efforts and Global Leadership: “In what ways can India’s humanitarian efforts, such as disaster relief and peacekeeping missions, be seen as expressions of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’?”

 

8. India’s Vision for a Multipolar World: “How does the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ influence India’s vision for a multipolar world, where power is balanced and shared among various global players?”

 

9. Promoting Global Security: “How can India contribute to global security frameworks that are inclusive and reflective of the ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ philosophy, ensuring that no nation feels left out?”

 

10. Future of Global Governance: “As global governance evolves, how can India advocate for systems and institutions that embody the values of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ promoting fairness and equity for all?”

 

First 22 Minutes were dedicated to these issues:-

 

Suggestions and value additions are most welcome.

 

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Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.

 

India & Quad: Effect on Indo – Russian Relations


Pic Courtesy: World Map Poster

The Quad, officially the ‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue’, is a strategic forum between the four nations (US, India, Australia and Japan) for exchanging strategic intelligence and conducting joint military exercises. Officially, the grouping was conceived as a space to cooperate for safeguarding joint security and other interests in the Indo-Pacific region. So far, Quad meetings have semi-regularly happened only at the foreign ministers’ level.

There is much more to Quad but this article is about effect of Quad on Indo – Russia relations.

Russian View. Russia views India’s ties with Quad unfavourably. It considers the Quad to be a US led grouping hostile to the interests of Russia and China.  It feels that India is getting into the “trap” of the Indo-Pacific. Being US led grouping it feels that Quad would have an anti-Russia charter in some form or the other.  Russia also shares it fears with China that the Quad may turn into a military alliance in future, calling it a potential Asian NATO. Their combined stand is that military alliances of any form in Asia is inadvisable and counterproductive. Russia along with China is very vocal about it and they keep cautioning / threatening India not to covertly or overtly get involved in it.

Indian Compulsions. There is a global rebalancing of geopolitical alliances taking place. The rapid progress made by China in economic, technological and military fields, its belligerent attitude and aggressive policy towards its neighbours and India in particular is resetting the relationships among the major powers. India has no choice but to seek closer ties with likeminded countries to address its asymmetry and security challenges with China and Pakistan. My personal view is that India should keep an open mind even for a military alliance if need so arises in future.

 

Pic Courtesy: The Asian Age

 

Maintaining Balance. While maintaining a balance between Indo – Russian and Indo – US relations, Indian Compulsions and views need to be conveyed forcefully that association with Quad is a necessity pushed due to Chinese attitude and behaviour. The policy is not aimed against Russia in any way and is open to all including even Russia. While doing so Russia also needs to be reminded about its increased friendship and enhanced relationship with Pakistan and China.

 

This article when read with the previous two articles, provides more comprehensive picture of Indo – Russian relations

लाल टोपी रुसी – दिल हिन्दुस्तानी: Indo – Russian Relations

INDO-RUSSIAN RELATIONS: US-Pak-China Factors

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References:

  1. https://warontherocks.com/2017/11/rise-fall-rebirth-quad/
  2. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/explained-what-is-quad-summit-meeting-narendra-modi-joe-biden-india-us-australia-japan-6637191.html
  3. https://thediplomat.com/2021/03/the-quad-what-it-is-and-what-it-is-not/
  4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadrilateral_Security_Dialogue