International Relations (India's extended neighborhood) by Viraj C. Rane

Model Answer

Question #1. In recent years India’s relation with West Asia has seen expansion on the horizon. A major role in this has been played by India’s diaspora in the region. Comment. 10 marks (150 words)

Approach

1. Question requires the analysis of the India's expanding relations with the West Asia in recent years and the role played by Indian diaspora.
2. The tone of the question is straight forward.
3. Start with contextualizing the strategic, economic importance of the region for India's interests. Subsequently outline the recent initiatives aiming to take the relation to next level.
4. Then, highlight the role of Indian diaspora in the recent developments.
5. Conclude, by reemphasizing the importance of the region for India's bilateral, multilateral and global objectives adding some way forward.

Hints:

Indias relations with West Asia, which it regards as its extended neighbourhood, have undergone a significant change in the last few decades. From resting solely on the energy cooperation, the relations have acquired political, defence, and economic, technological aspects as well. 9mn strong Indian diaspora plays a crucial role in strengthening the ties between the regions.

Expansion of India-West Asia relations in recent years:

1) Growing investment and trade: There is increased two-way investment between India and West Asian countries in the last few years. Signing of India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership

Agreement (CEPA) will further boost the trade.

2) Convergence of strategic interests: Geopolitical realignment in the region forced by US withdrawal from Afghanistan and divergence of Pakistans relations with major West Asian countries like Saudi Arabia.

3) Intelligence cooperation: There has been increased information sharing in areas related to terrorism, money laundering, narcotics trade etc.

4) Attempt to diversify economies: West Asian countries are attempting to reduce the dominance of energy in their economies which provided India an opportunity to increase its cooperation in areas like education, healthcare, space etc.

5) Strategic realignment in West Asia: Abraham Accords has opened a window for India to increase cooperation with Israel on one hand and Arabian nations on the other without walking a tight rope.

Role of Indian diaspora:

1) Economic ties: Indian expatriates work in various sectors in the region including energy, construction, healthcare etc. Further, they are one of the major remittance sending population. With presence of such large diaspora it also acts as major consideration w.r.t West Asian region engagement with India.

2) Cultural exchange: Large India diaspora celebrates various festivals and share their culture with local population thus fostering the spirit of cultural cooperation enrich cultural dynamism of the region.

3) Soft power projection: Indian diaspora helps promote Indias image as a responsible power in global affairs. Our emphasis on broader acceptance of rules regulating international relations, peaceful resolution of disputes. Though posturing of soft power takes time to achieve desired outcomes, but it is an effective tool for attaining goals. West Asia has immense importance for India to achieve its economic and strategic objectives and the rapid growth in past few years will be beneficial for India and West Asia. Despite the increased pace of cooperation, some challenges exist including competition from China, Shia-Sunni gulf in the region, instability etc. India and West Asia need to work closely to overcome these challenges and realize the full potential.

Question #2. The importance of Central Asia to India is not merely civilizational and historical, but also geopolitical and economic. Elaborate. Also, highlight the potential of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in helping India to secure its foothold in the region. 15 marks (250 words)

Approach

1. The question demands the detailed examination of India's links with the Central Asia region.
2. It is suggesting that the region has immense importance for India not only in historical terms but also contemporary terms and priorities serving geopolitical and economic interests.
3. Start with giving a brief background about the India's historical link with the region.
4. Next, list the geopolitical importance of the region for India. Subsequently mention the SCO and role of India.
5. Conclude, by reemphasizing the significance of the region for India.

Hints:

Central Asia consists of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan and India has enjoyed historical and civilizational linkages with the region through the Silk Route from 3rd century BC to 15th century AD. In the contemporary times, the region has acquired significance because of economic, security, defence and geopolitical reasons.

In the past few years, India has taken several steps like Connect Central Asia Policy to enhance collaboration with the countries. Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) gives India additional platform to achieve its objectives vis-à-vis Central Asia.

Geopolitical importance of Central Asia for India:

1) Strategic location: The region is located in near Europe and Asia and between Russia and China making it strategic transit point for trade. India sees the region as essential for its connectivity projects to Russia and Europe.

2) Security: The region borders unstable Afghanistan which is a security threat for both India and Central Asia. Threat of terrorism, radicalization, and drug trafficking from the country makes the region essential for India’s security.

3) Countering influence of China: As China is increasing its influence in India’s neighbourhood, India can counter that with increasing defense cooperation with Central Asian countries.

Economic importance:

1) Energy security: Kazakhstan has the world’s second largest reserves of uranium and is the world’s largest producer. Turkmenistan has fourth largest reserves of natural gas. Hence, making the region essential for India’s energy security which is the third largest consumer globally.

2) Trade: There is immense potential of enhancing the trade level between India and Central Asia. The countries in the region are looking to break the current dominance of China and India can be a reliable partner.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO):

1) SCO is an intergovernmental organization comprising China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It focuses on political, economic, international security and defense related challenges in the region.

Importance of SCO for India to secure its foothold in the region:

1) Connectivity: India has made progress in concluding a trilateral agreement for renovation of Chabahar port, development of the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

2) Economic opportunities: There is considerable scope of participation in infrastructure projects, energy sector, IT, pharma agriculture etc. SCO may serve as a guarantor for the projects.

3) Balancing China in the region: Central Asian countries are trying to reduce the economic monopoly of China and India provides the ideal alternative.

4) Increased soft power in the region: As India shares historical links, the region can be ideal destination for India’s soft power projection.

Hence, the SCO has become an indispensable forum for India for economic and security concerns beyond its immediate neighbourhood. Although there are some challenges like emerging China-RussiaPakistan axis, lack of physical connectivity, capacity deficit among other, India can leverage its historic and cultural ties, market size, people-to-people cooperation to enhance its foothold in the region.