Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
5) Strategic ambivalence is not an answer to the situation that India’ faces with US and Russia today. Critically analyze.(250 words)
Why this question
India has recently signed a huge defence deal with Russia, which has alienated US from India to some extent. In this context it is essential to analyze why strategic ambivalence is not an answer to the situation that India’ faces today.
Directive word
Critically analyze- here we have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts, and present them as a whole in a summary. based on our discussion we have to form a concluding opinion on the issue.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to analyze the Indian foreign relations with US and Russia in the present times. It wants us to bring out as to why strategic ambivalence is not an answer to the situation that India’ faces with US and Russia today. Based on our discussion we have to form our personal opinion on the issue.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about the recent India-Russia defence deal despite clear expression of resentment against the deal by US.
Body-
- Discuss the main outcomes of the recent defence deal e.g S-400 missiles; signing of to a document to expand civil nuclear energy cooperation and agreed on a second site for Russian nuclear reactors; memorandum of understanding on a joint programme in the field of human space-flight; The two countries also agreed on the virtues of a regional security architecture to provide security to all countries in Asia and in the regions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. This seemed to demonstrate a clear ‘mutuality of interests’ etc.
- Discuss the relationship with US in terms of defence. E.g The 2+2 Dialogue; COMCASA etc.
- Mention the other important facets of the relationship between the three countries. E.g The underlying theme of the 2+2 Dialogue, notwithstanding all this, seems however, aimed at forging a possible containment of China strategy, with India partnering the U.S. in this effort; Russia is essentially seeking to cement a relationship with India that has existed for several years. It was not insisting on any exclusivity as far as relationships go. The U.S. wants India to view foreign policy perspectives largely through a U.S. prism, and thereafter make a choice etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue. E.g India should not reject, without due consideration, what is in its best interest. Its decision needs to be dictated by the cold logic of circumstances. Strategic integrity and autonomy, and mature strategic judgment are required in a world where disruption is the order of the day.
