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Global order is shifting due to geopolitical changes, new threats, and rising powers. India, a key "new peacemaker," is actively shaping a stable, equitable international peace architecture, reflecting its growing global stature and commitment to a multi-polar world.
Rise of Multipolarity
The post-WWII, Western-centric peace architecture is challenged by a complex multipolar 21st-century world, replacing a unipolar moment with diverse power centers leading to both competition and cooperation.
Evolving Nature of Conflicts
Modern conflicts, now involving non-state actors, hybrid warfare, and transnational terrorism, require comprehensive peace interventions.
Transnational Threats
Global security faces threats like climate change, pandemics, and cyber warfare, demanding collective action.
The 2024 World Climate and Security Report highlights climate change's growing impact on military operations and global security, stressing the need for broad, non-military solutions.
Challenges to Multilateralism
Existing multilateral institutions, especially the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), face challenges in representation and effectiveness due to outdated geopolitical realities, necessitating urgent reforms.
Philosophical and Cultural Foundations
India's foreign policy is rooted in 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family), promoting universal brotherhood and collective well-being in global cooperation, conflict resolution, and humanitarian efforts.
Strategic Autonomy and Non-Alignment 2.0
India practices strategic autonomy, engaging globally without bloc alignment. This independence enables bridge-building and impartial conflict mediation.
Democratic Credentials and Soft Power
India, the world's largest democracy, uses its rich cultural heritage—Yoga, Bollywood, and diverse cuisine—as soft power for global understanding. International Yoga Day (June 21st) highlights this cultural diplomacy.
Economic Growth and Development Partnerships
India's strong economic growth enables greater contributions to global development. Through South-South cooperation, India aids developing nations, promoting shared prosperity and peace.
Responsible Stakeholder
India, guided by "Bharat First" and "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," seeks to reform global governance for stronger, more representative multilateralism, aiming to be a "Vishwa Bandhu" (friend of the world).
United Nations Peacekeeping Operations
Since the 1950s, India has sent over 290,000 peacekeepers to more than 50 missions worldwide, making it the largest contributor to UN peacekeeping efforts.
Currently, Over 5,000 Indian troops serve in nine of eleven active missions, in dangerous regions, upholding global peace. Nearly 180 Indian peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): India has consistently demonstrated its "first responder" capability during crises.
Proactive Diplomacy and Mediation
India promotes dialogue and diplomacy for conflict resolution. PM Modi, regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, called for an immediate end to hostilities and a peaceful settlement, stating, "this is not an era for war."
Promoting Global Public Goods and Multilateralism
G20 Presidency (2023): India's G20 presidency advanced climate financing, digital transformation, and Sustainable Development Goals, prioritizing the Global South and a fairer future.
International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): India founded these initiatives to address critical global challenges like climate change and disaster resilience, promoting international cooperation.
Maritime Security: The Indian Navy secures maritime borders and the Indian Ocean Region. Since 2008, anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden have protected over 3,400 vessels. India hosted MILAN 2024, a naval exercise with over 50 nations, boosting regional trust. (Source: PIB)
Advocacy for Global Governance Reform: India supports comprehensive UN reforms, including expanding UNSC permanent and non-permanent seats for credibility and to reflect current geopolitics. India advocates for regional, not religion-based, UNSC representation.
Regional Security Dynamics
Border disputes with China and Pakistan, and geopolitical rivalries, divert resources and attention, challenging the practical application of Panchsheel for peaceful coexistence.
Balancing Great Power Rivalries
Dealing with major powers such as the US, Russia, and China requires careful diplomacy to maintain strategic autonomy, a skill that can sometimes be mistaken for indecisiveness.
Resource Constraints
India's aspirations for global influence are hindered by its domestic development needs, which limit the impact of its increasing economic and military power.
Veto Power at UNSC
UNSC's current structure, with permanent members' veto power, hinders reform and limits India's direct influence in global peace and security.
Strengthen Multilateralism and Global Governance Reform
India should continue pushing for a more representative and effective UN, especially the UNSC, by working with G4 nations (India, Japan, Germany, Brazil) to demand timed negotiations.
Enhance Capacity for HADR and Peacekeeping
India needs to enhance its HADR capabilities—early warning, rapid response, and logistics—to remain a reliable global first responder. Increased female participation in peacekeeping will boost effectiveness and inclusivity.
Deepen Strategic Partnerships
India should broaden its strategic partnerships, bilaterally and multilaterally (e.g., QUAD, BRICS), to promote collective approaches to peace and security.
Promote Inclusive Development and Digital Public Infrastructure
India can bridge developmental gaps and address instability by sharing its digital public infrastructure (e.g. UPI) expertise and promoting South-South cooperation.
Champion Climate Security
India should lead efforts via ISA and CDRI to integrate climate action into peace and security agendas, recognizing climate change as a critical threat multiplier.
Sustain Principled Diplomacy
India should prioritize sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful dispute resolution, maintaining a balanced global voice and emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy, as demonstrated in its Russia-Ukraine position.
India's journey as a "new peacemaker" is crucial for a world grappling with complex, interconnected challenges. By combining its civilizational values with pragmatic diplomacy and growing capabilities, India offers a compelling vision for a peaceful and prosperous global order.
Source: INDIANEXPRESS
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Critically Analyze the limitations faced by India in its ambition to become a credible global peacemaker. 150 words |
India is one of the largest and most consistent contributors of troops to UN peacekeeping operations, having sent over 290,000 peacekeepers to more than 50 missions since the 1950s. Indian peacekeepers have earned international recognition for their professionalism and courage in regions like the Middle East, Cyprus, the Congo, and South Sudan.
This approach, which includes Samman (Respect), Samvaad (Dialogue), Sahyog (Cooperation), Shanti (Peace), and Samriddhi (Prosperity), shapes India's foreign policy and positions it as a potential global mediator. It highlights India's commitment to diplomatic engagement and peaceful resolution of disputes.
India's foreign policy prioritizes strategic autonomy, allowing it to make independent international decisions based on national interests, not alignment with power blocs. This enables neutral mediation in peacemaking, evident in its Cold War efforts and diplomatic balancing during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
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