Question 2: What are the challenges before India's foreign policy in the
context of Indo-US Relations?
While India and the United States have transformed their relationship into a dynamic strategic
and economic partnership, several challenges continue to require careful diplomatic navigation:
Trade Disputes and Protectionism: Trade negotiations between the two nations often face
hurdles due to rising protectionist tendencies and tariff disputes. The US frequently demands
lower tariffs on imported goods for better market access, which India resists to protect its
domestic small-scale industries and agricultural sector.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): India consistently clashes with the US over stringent IPR
protections. India strives to balance the demands of the US with its need to keep essential
goods, like generic pharmaceuticals, affordable for the developing world.
Balancing Relations with Russia and the Threat of Sanctions: India’s historic reliance on
Russia for military hardware complicates its ties with Washington. For instance, India’s
procurement of the Russian S-400 missile defense system exposes it to potential US sanctions
under the CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act). India must
maintain a delicate balancing act to ensure its strategic autonomy is not compromised.
Over-reliance on US Defense Technology: While foundational defense agreements (like
COMCASA and BECA) have deepened ties, there are concerns in India about becoming overly
dependent on the US for crucial defense technologies, which could impact its independent
decision-making.
Diverging Views on Global Governance and Human Rights: The two nations occasionally
clash over approaches to human rights and democracy. Western efforts to promote their specific
human rights agendas can provoke tensions with New Delhi, as India heavily emphasizes state
sovereignty and non-interference.
Geopolitical Balancing in the Indo-Pacific: While both nations cooperate through the QUAD
to counter China's assertiveness, India faces the challenge of balancing these QUAD
commitments with its engagement in ASEAN-centered frameworks, which prioritize regional
inclusivity.
Question 3: Is India a leader of the South Asia region? Describe.
Yes, India is the largest and most influential nation in South Asia, both geographically and
economically, giving it a natural leadership role. However, its leadership is characterized by a
mix of proactive regional initiatives and significant geopolitical challenges.
How India Asserts its Leadership
The "Neighbourhood First" Policy: India actively seeks close, cooperative relations with its
neighbours through this policy, prioritizing economic integration, trade, and cross-border
infrastructure.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): India uses its resources to act as a
first responder during crises. Swift relief efforts during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2015
Nepal earthquake, and economic aid to Sri Lanka have cemented India’s image as a
dependable regional leader.
Health and Vaccine Diplomacy: During the COVID-19 pandemic, India's *Vaccine Maitri*
initiative provided vaccines to neighbouring nations, showcasing its capacity to tackle global
challenges and lead in regional health security.
Driving Regional Organizations: India has historically led initiatives in the South Asian
Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) such as the SAARC Food Bank and regional
disaster management. Due to political stalemates in SAARC caused by Pakistan, India has
strategically shifted focus to BIMSTEC to bypass hostilities and successfully promote
connectivity, energy, and security across the Bay of Bengal.
Challenges to India's Leadership in South Asia
Countering China’s Influence: China's expanding footprint through its Belt and Road Initiative
(BRI) poses a massive challenge. With China funding major projects like the China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port, India faces fierce strategic
competition for influence in its own backyard.
Anti-India Sentiment: India's smaller neighbours sometimes perceive it as domineering or
interfering in their internal affairs. For example, political tensions with Nepal and Pakistan
frequently fuel anti-India narratives and regional mistrust.
Unresolved Border and Migration Disputes: Lingering territorial issues, such as the Kashmir
conflict with Pakistan and border disputes with Nepal (over Kalapani and Lipulekh), force India
to constantly balance its leadership aspirations with urgent national security concerns.