Exam = UPSC IES / ISS 2023
Question = Write an essay on “India as an emerging leader in new world order”
answer
India is a country with a rich history, culture, and diversity. It is also a country with a large population, a fast-growing economy, and a vibrant democracy. India has been playing an active role in the international arena, especially in the post-Covid-19 world, where the existing order is being challenged by various factors. India has the potential and the aspiration to become an emerging leader in the new world order, based on its strengths and values.
One of the main strengths of India is its soft power, which refers to its ability to influence others through its culture, values, ideas, and diplomacy. India has a unique civilisational heritage that encompasses various religions, languages, arts, and philosophies. India is also home to the world’s largest film industry, Bollywood, which has a global appeal and reach. India’s soft power is also reflected in its contributions to global peace and development through its participation in UN peacekeeping missions, humanitarian assistance, development cooperation, and capacity building initiatives. India has also been promoting its vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) and Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah (may all be happy) as guiding principles for global harmony and cooperation.
Another strength of India is its hard power, which refers to its military and economic capabilities. India has the world’s second-largest standing army, the fourth-largest air force, and the fifth-largest navy. India also possesses nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, making it a credible deterrence against any aggression. India has also been developing its space and cyber capabilities, enhancing its strategic and technological edge. Economically, India is the world’s fifth-largest economy by nominal GDP and the third-largest by purchasing power parity. India is also one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, with an average growth rate of 6.8% from 2000 to 2019. India has also been diversifying its trade and investment partners, expanding its markets and opportunities.
A third strength of India is its democratic power, which refers to its political system and values. India is the world’s largest democracy, with over 1.3 billion people and 900 million voters. India has a robust constitutional framework that guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to all citizens. India also has a vibrant civil society that engages in various social and political issues. India’s democratic power is also evident in its role as a champion of democracy and human rights in the region and beyond. India has been supporting democratic transitions and reforms in countries like Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan, etc. India has also been advocating for reforms in global institutions like the UN Security Council and the World Trade Organization to make them more representative and responsive.
India’s strengths as a soft power, hard power, and democratic power enable it to play a constructive role in shaping the new world order. India has been pursuing a proactive foreign policy that reflects its interests and values. India has been engaging with various countries and regions through bilateral, regional, and multilateral platforms. Some of the key initiatives of India’s foreign policy include:
The Act East Policy: This policy aims to deepen India’s relations with Southeast Asia and East Asia, which are vital for India’s security and prosperity. India has been enhancing its strategic partnership with countries like Japan, South Korea, Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia, etc. India has also been participating in regional forums like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the East Asia Summit (EAS), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), etc.
The Neighbourhood First Policy: This policy aims to strengthen India’s ties with its immediate neighbours in South Asia, which are crucial for India’s stability and development. India has been providing development assistance, connectivity projects, energy cooperation, cultural exchanges, etc., to countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, etc. India has also been leading the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
The Indo-Pacific Vision: This vision aims to promote a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. India has been collaborating with countries like the US, Japan, Australia (the Quad), France, Germany, UK etc., to ensure maritime security, freedom of navigation, peaceful resolution of disputes, counter-terrorism, non-proliferation, climate change, etc., in the Indo-Pacific region.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA): This alliance aims to harness solar energy for sustainable development and climate action. India has been co-leading this initiative with France since 2015. The ISA has 121 member countries from across the world that have committed to increase their solar power capacity and share best practices and technologies.
The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): This coalition aims to build resilient infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters and reduce their impact. India has been spearheading this initiative since 2019. The CDRI has 26 member countries and 18 partner organisations that have pledged to enhance their disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
These initiatives demonstrate India’s willingness and ability to contribute to the global common good and assume greater responsibility in the new world order. India has also been articulating its vision of a multi-polar, multilateral, and democratic world order that respects diversity and dialogue. India has also been upholding its values of peace, non-violence, tolerance, and pluralism as universal ideals for humanity.
In conclusion, India is an emerging leader in the new world order, with its strengths and values. India has been playing an active and constructive role in the international arena, especially in the post-Covid-19 world, where the existing order is being challenged by various factors. India has the potential and the aspiration to become a global power that can shape the future of the world in a positive and progressive manner.