NDA vs UPA
India’s foreign policy underwent notable transformations under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA)
and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) II regimes. Analyzing these periods highlights shifts in
strategic priorities and diplomatic approaches while maintaining certain foundational principles.
During the UPA regime, which lasted from 2004 to 2014 under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the
primary reorientation in foreign policy was the shift from a geostrategic focus to one emphasizing
economic goals. In a globalizing world, economic relations became central, reflecting in policies like the
‘Look East’ policy and India’s active participation in BRICS. The ‘Look East’ policy aimed to integrate India
into the economic growth of East Asian nations, while BRICS sought to reform global governance
structures by fostering collective efforts among emerging economies.
The UPA administration also made significant strides in accessing restrictive technology regimes and
institutionalizing foreign policy mechanisms. This period maintained continuity with previous
governments in managing relations with neighboring countries and major powers. For instance, India’s
relations with Pakistan saw efforts to ease tensions through confidence-building measures (CBMs) and
diplomatic engagements. Meetings between Prime Minister Singh and Pakistani leaders led to several
cooperative measures, including troop reductions and enhanced transport links. However, despite these
efforts, terrorist incidents and trust deficits hindered sustained progress.
Relations with China during the UPA period saw a focus on strengthening economic ties and trade
relations. High-level visits, such as those by Chinese leaders Wen Jiabao and Hu Jintao, underscored the
commitment to economic cooperation and mutual growth. The opening of trade routes and joint efforts
in energy security marked significant milestones.
With Russia, the UPA period continued the strategic alignment established earlier, including collaborative
efforts within BRICS. The convergence of viewpoints on global issues, like financial architecture reforms,
demonstrated the strategic depth of Indo-Russian relations.
The UPA period also witnessed a notable strengthening of India-US relations, particularly through the
Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP) and the landmark India-US Civil Nuclear Deal of 2005. This
deal marked a significant shift, recognizing India as a nuclear power and facilitating access to advanced
technologies, though the expected benefits, such as reactor purchases, were not fully realized.
In contrast, the NDA II regime, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 2014 onwards, emphasized a
vigorous and proactive foreign policy approach. Modi’s tenure has been characterized by extensive
global engagement, with frequent international visits and efforts to elevate India’s global stature. Modi’s
diplomatic strategy included leveraging soft power and mobilizing the Indian diaspora to garner
international support.
During the NDA II period, India’s foreign relations expanded significantly. The approach towards
countries like Japan shifted from routine interactions to strategic partnerships, and relations with China
saw both diplomatic engagement and strategic competition. Modi’s foreign policy also capitalized on
strengthening ties with various countries, demonstrating a strategic balance between engagement and
assertiveness.
Modi’s tenure has been marked by a focus on enhancing India’s global reputation and leveraging
economic and strategic partnerships to advance national interests. The proactive stance of the NDA II
regime contrasts with the more gradual and traditional approach of the UPA, reflecting a shift towards a
more assertive and globally integrated foreign policy.
In summary, while the UPA period was characterized by a blend of economic and strategic diplomacy
with continuity in key relationships, the NDA II period has seen a more dynamic and assertive approach,
with an emphasis on global engagement and strategic partnerships. Both regimes have maintained core
principles of India’s foreign policy while adapting their strategies to the changing international
landscape.
India-US relationship
The India-US relationship has undergone a significant transformation in the post-Cold War era, evolving
from "estranged democracies" to strategic partners. Several key factors have shaped this shift:
The end of the Cold War in 1991 removed many of the geopolitical constraints that had previously
limited India-US cooperation. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, India's non-aligned stance became
less relevant, allowing for a reset in relations with the US. Simultaneously, India's economic liberalization
opened up new avenues for trade and investment.
In the 1990s, both countries took initial steps to improve ties. Prime Minister Narasimha Rao's visit to
the US in 1994 and the signing of several MoUs marked the beginning of renewed engagement. Joint
naval exercises were held in 1992, signaling growing defense cooperation. However, irritants remained,
particularly around nuclear non-proliferation issues.
The turning point came with India's nuclear tests in 1998. While this initially led to US sanctions, it
ultimately paved the way for a more realistic appraisal of India's strategic imperatives. The Kargil conflict
in 1999 further shifted US perceptions, as it viewed Pakistan's actions objectively for the first time on the
Kashmir issue.
The landmark Civil Nuclear Agreement signed in 2005 (also known as the 123 Agreement) marked a
watershed moment. It effectively ended India's nuclear isolation and opened the door for greater
strategic convergence. The deal recognized India as a responsible nuclear power and facilitated its
integration into the global non-proliferation regime.
Defense ties have seen remarkable growth since the early 2000s. From virtually no defense trade, the
two countries have signed contracts worth over $15 billion since 2008. The US has emerged as one of
India's top defense suppliers. Bilateral and multilateral military exercises have increased in frequency and
complexity.
Economic relations have also flourished. Bilateral trade in goods and services crossed $126 billion in
2017, growing 119% since 2007. The US is now India's second-largest export market. While differences
remain on trade issues, both sides recognize the immense potential of the economic partnership.
In the strategic domain, there is growing alignment on key regional and global issues. The US has
supported India's bid for permanent membership of the UN Security Council. It has also backed India's
entry into multilateral export control regimes like the MTCR. Both countries share concerns about
China's assertive behavior and have articulated a common vision for a "free and open Indo-Pacific."
Climate change has emerged as another area of cooperation. India played a crucial role in the Paris
Climate Agreement negotiations, demonstrating its willingness to take on greater global responsibilities.
This shift in India's stance was welcomed by the US.
People-to-people ties form the bedrock of the relationship. The 4-million strong Indian-American
community and over 200,000 Indian students in the US act as a bridge between the two societies.
Cultural and educational exchanges have deepened mutual understanding.
The personal rapport between leaders has also played a role in elevating ties. Prime Minister Modi has
invested heavily in building strong relationships with Presidents Obama and Trump. His invitation to
Obama as chief guest for Republic Day in 2015 and the "Howdy Modi" rally with Trump in 2019 exemplify
this approach.
However, challenges remain. Differences persist on issues like trade, intellectual property rights, and
India's ties with Iran and Russia. The unpredictability of the Trump administration has introduced some
uncertainty in recent years.
In conclusion, India-US relations in the post-Cold War era have been characterized by a steady upward
trajectory despite occasional setbacks. From being "estranged democracies" during the Cold War, they
have evolved into "comprehensive global strategic partners." Shared democratic values, converging
strategic interests, and growing economic interdependence have been the key drivers of this
transformation. While differences remain on some issues, the overall trend points towards deeper
cooperation across a wide spectrum of areas. As both countries navigate an increasingly complex global
order, their partnership is likely to assume even greater significance in the coming years.
Russia - India
Russia holds immense strategic significance in India's foreign policy due to its consistent support on core
issues, defense cooperation, and global geopolitical positioning.
First, Russia has been a reliable ally for India regarding the Kashmir issue and terrorism. The Soviet Union
and the Russian Federation have consistently supported India's stance on Kashmir, using their veto
power at the UN Security Council in India’s favor. Russia has also recognized Pakistan’s role in the spread
of terrorism and extremism, aligning with India's security concerns in the region.
Second, Russia has been a vocal supporter of India's permanent membership in the UN Security Council.
Since the mid-1950s, Russia has acknowledged India as a leader in the Non-Aligned Movement and a
global power. Among the P-5 nations, Russia has been the most unwavering in its endorsement of India’s
candidacy for a permanent seat on the UNSC, reaffirming its commitment during high-level diplomatic
talks
Third, defense cooperation between India and Russia has been extensive. India relies heavily on Russian
military hardware, with Russia supplying over 70 percent of India’s defense imports across the army, air
force, and navy. This defense relationship includes not only arms supplies but also joint production,
research, and development, such as the BrahMos missile system and potential fifth-generation fighter
jets. The cooperation extends to the "Make in India" initiative, with projects like the Ka-226T helicopter
manufacturing.
Lastly, both countries share a common strategic goal of countering radical Islamist movements and
balancing China’s growing influence. Russia views India as a strategic partner in the region, making the
relationship crucial for India’s defense and geopolitical stance.
In summary, Russia’s strategic support has been integral to India’s defense, security, and aspirations for
global leadership.
Tibet issue
The Tibet issue has been a significant factor in shaping India-China relations. After the People's Republic
of China (PRC) was established in 1949, China reasserted control over Tibet in 1950, viewing it as an
integral part of its territory. Chairman Mao Zedong saw India's concern over Tibet as interference in
China's internal affairs. Despite this, India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, chose not to
antagonize China, making it clear that India had no territorial ambitions in Tibet except for continuing
traditional trading rights. In 1951, Tibetan delegates, with Indian support, signed an agreement
recognizing Chinese sovereignty while ensuring that Tibet’s political and social systems would remain
intact.
The situation escalated in 1959 when the Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual and temporal leader, fled to India
and established a government-in-exile in Dharamsala. Thousands of Tibetan refugees followed him. This
event strained India-China relations, as China accused India of expansionism in the region. Furthermore,
the 1954 publication of Indian maps, which included the Aksai Chin region, added to the tension. China
had already built a road through Aksai Chin, which led to border disputes.
China refused to recognize the McMahon Line, which was drawn in the 1914 Simla Convention as the
eastern section of the border between India and Tibet. The PRC further demanded rectification of the
entire border, claiming 104,000 square kilometers of territory over which India asserted sovereignty.
Tibet's strategic location and the differing perceptions of territorial boundaries made it a persistent
source of discord between India and China, influencing both political and military relations between the
two countries.
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
India has significant reservations about China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), primarily due to the China-
Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK). This
territorial dispute is a major concern for India, as it views POK as its own territory, making participation
in the BRI politically sensitive.
Furthermore, India is wary of China using the BRI to expand its influence in the region and fears
economic dominance, particularly through the dumping of Chinese goods. This concern also influenced
India’s decision to abstain from joining other initiatives like the proposed trilateral economic corridor
with Nepal and China. Similarly, India hesitated to sign the Regional Comprehensive Economic
Partnership (RCEP) trade treaty, fearing that Chinese imports could overwhelm its domestic market. In
essence, India’s stance on the BRI reflects its strategic concerns about sovereignty and economic
vulnerability in the face of growing Chinese influence.
Non-Proliferation Treaty
India did not sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) due to its perception of the treaty as a
discriminatory regime. India views the NPT and other technology-controlled frameworks as attempts by
developed countries to deny advanced technologies to developing nations. The treaty essentially allows
countries like China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a recognized nuclear power,
to participate on more favorable terms, while restricting nations like India from accessing nuclear
technology.
India also cited the strategic environment in its neighborhood, where one of its neighbors possesses
nuclear weapons, as a reason for refusing to sign the treaty. India believes such regimes unfairly deny it
access to peaceful technologies, which it considers crucial for its security and development. Thus, India’s
foreign policy has long advocated for non-discriminatory technology transfer regimes that allow
equitable access to advanced technologies for peaceful purposes.
India and G20
India plays a significant role in the G20, a group of the world’s largest advanced and emerging
economies, representing a substantial portion of global population, GDP, and trade. As an important
member, India is committed to reshaping the global economic and financial order. It pursues an
ambitious agenda focused on sustainable global growth, poverty eradication, and financial stability.
India's priorities in the G20 include infrastructure development, energy efficiency, addressing terrorism,
and reforming the global financial architecture.
At the 2019 G20 summit in Osaka, Japan, India emphasized climate change as a critical issue, advocating
for clean and renewable energy solutions. India also worked on curbing tax evasion, addressing
economic offenses, and promoting financial transparency. The country’s efforts in labor reforms,
boosting female workforce participation, and encouraging start-ups for innovation and business
development were recognized as positive contributions in a G20 status report. Through these initiatives,
India remains a key player in advancing global economic cooperation and sustainability.
Act East policy
India's Act East policy is an extension of the Look East policy, aimed at enhancing India's engagement
with East Asia, driven by India's growing economic and strategic interests. The policy focuses on
deepening economic relations, particularly addressing weak trade links with East Asia. Notably, Japan
and China have committed significant investments in India's infrastructure, reflecting economic
cooperation. Connectivity is another priority, with efforts to improve physical, institutional, and people-
to-people ties, such as the Tri-Nation Highway and port modernization.
Additionally, the Act East policy emphasizes engaging the Indian diaspora in East Asia to strengthen
economic and cultural bonds. The promotion of India's soft power, including historical and cultural
connections with East Asia, forms a key aspect of the policy. Moreover, India's growing defence
diplomacy in the region signifies its increasing role in promoting peace and stability in East Asia. The
policy thus seeks to integrate India more effectively into the region's economic and security dynamics.