September 21, 2024 Bengaluru: The latest book of Samvada World, “India’s Strategic Vision: Crafting Foreign Policy in a Multipolar World,” was released at Mythic Society by Veteran Military Commander and War hero of India’s Armed Forces, Lt Gen P G Kamath (Retd), and Dr Anshuman Behera, Associate Professor of Strategic Studies at NIAS (National Institute of Advanced Studies).
Lt Gen PG Kamath believes that Nehru’s Foreign Policy was a significant strategic blunder as it lacked a clear strategic vision. He said that Pacifism in India’s foreign policy in the early years made India vulnerable and succumbed to conflicts. He goes on to say how the Indo-China border in the 1960s was surrendered, leading to an irreversible blunder in India’s strategic policy. Gen Kamath emphasised the importance of hard military power, which refers to using military force to achieve strategic objectives and economic might as tangible strategic assets. He argued that this combination would lead to more strategic growth and geopolitical dominance in the world order.
He also emphasised that war is the history of humanity, a perspective that suggests complex military interventions are necessary for safeguarding India’s national security. By ‘history of war ‘, he refers to the long-standing tradition of conflict and competition among nations and the lessons learned from these historical events that can guide India’s strategic decisions.
Prof Dr Anshuman Behara emphasised the critical role of the younger generation in shaping India’s assertive strategic vision. He mentioned that the Ramayana and Mahabharata are essential texts for understanding India’s strategic thinking. He highlighted the importance of philosophical insights in shaping India’s foreign policy narratives. According to him, India approaches its foreign and strategic policy from the perspective of pragmatic idealism.
Dr Nanda Kishore presented the book’s introduction and Prashant Vaidyaraj Introduced the dignitaries to the audience present.
About the Book:
The most recent publication by Samvada World, titled “India’s Strategic Vision: Crafting Foreign Policy in a Multipolar World,” presents the fresh perspectives of 20 young scholars reshaping India’s role in a multipolar world. This collection delves into crucial topics such as India’s G20 presidency and its global influence amidst geopolitical shifts. It also addresses challenges, including China’s deceptive diplomacy, cyber threats, and academic espionage, offering innovative solutions to safeguard India’s interests. These essays embody a blend of scholarly rigour and creative thinking, pushing the boundaries of conventional thought. The chapters in the book highlight the potential of young minds to shape the future of academic inquiry and policy formulation. This work captures the complexities and opportunities of a multipolar world from a distinctly Indian perspective, promising to enhance and inspire future research and dialogue on India’s strategic vision for the future.
India’s strategic outlook in a world with multiple centres of power is shaped by a deep understanding of its geopolitical context, historical background, and aspirations as an emerging global influencer. In response to a more fragmented global order, India has adeptly pursued a foreign policy of strategic realignment. This approach allows India to maintain its strategic independence while fostering diverse partnerships with influential players such as the United States, Russia, China, and the European Union. It reflects India’s commitment to acting as a stabilizing force that advocates for multilateralism, regional connectivity, and economic integration, all while prioritising its national interests and avoiding subservience to any single global power. At the same time, India has emerged as a champion for the Global South, advocating for fairness in global governance, climate justice, and sustainable development. This solidifies India’s position as a key player in shaping the norms governing the evolving global order. Additionally, India’s strategic efforts to counterbalance China’s Belt and Road Initiative through projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Quad underscore its ambition to influence the emerging global infrastructure narrative. At the core of this foreign policy is a normative dimension, where India seeks to present itself as a responsible global player dedicated to multilateralism, democracy, and the rule of law, while carefully balancing between competing power centres. In essence, India’s foreign policy in a multipolar world is not just about securing its immediate interests but also about shaping a global order that is more diverse, fair, and conducive to its vision of shared prosperity and peace.
In this light, the book “India’s Strategic Vision” is an important addition to the strategic and foreign policy literature, envisioning a newly augmented vision for India’s geopolitical strategy.
The book can be ordered online on Ayodhya Books, through the link below. It is priced at Rs 150/-.
https://www.ayodhyabooks.com/product/indias-strategic-vision-crafting-foreign-policy-in-a-multipolar-world/ “India’s Strategic Vision; Crafting Foreign Policy in a Multipolar World”. Edited by Dr Nanda Kishore and Prashant Vaidyaraj.
