India is a member of many plurilateral groups on both sides of the “geo-strategic divide”, which presents contrasting dilemmas. Analyse.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Topic: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Q3. India is a member of many plurilateral groups on both sides of the “geo-strategic divide”, which presents contrasting dilemmas. Analyse. (10M)
- •*Difficulty level: Moderate
- •References: The Hindu, Insights on India *
* *Why the question: With India being the only country common to both Quad and BRICS and a founding member of both, it cannot afford to downplay one for the other. The question is based on the recent article published in The Hindu -“The importance of both Quad and BRICS”. Key Demand of the question: To analyse the contrasting dilemmas India faces as a member of plurilateral groups on both sides of the geo-strategic divide and the implications of such memberships. Directive: Analyse – This requires a detailed examination of the contrasting dilemmas and their implications, supported by relevant facts and examples. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Introduce India’s membership in key plurilateral groups such as Quad and BRICS. Body: First part: Contrasting Dilemmas Discuss the strategic and economic objectives of groups like Quad and BRICS. Highlight the conflicting interests and alignments of these groups. (e.g., aligning with Western powers in Quad vs. maintaining strategic autonomy in BRICS). Second part: Discuss the balancing act India needs to perform to leverage benefits from both groups without antagonising any side. Mention India’s diplomatic strategies to navigate these dilemmas effectively. Conclusion: Emphasise the need for a nuanced and balanced foreign policy approach to manage these contrasting dilemmas.
* *Why the question:
With India being the only country common to both Quad and BRICS and a founding member of both, it cannot afford to downplay one for the other. The question is based on the recent article published in The Hindu -“The importance of both Quad and BRICS”.
Key Demand of the question:
To analyse the contrasting dilemmas India faces as a member of plurilateral groups on both sides of the geo-strategic divide and the implications of such memberships.
Directive:
Analyse – This requires a detailed examination of the contrasting dilemmas and their implications, supported by relevant facts and examples.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Introduce India’s membership in key plurilateral groups such as Quad and BRICS.
First part: Contrasting Dilemmas
Discuss the strategic and economic objectives of groups like Quad and BRICS.
Highlight the conflicting interests and alignments of these groups. (e.g., aligning with Western powers in Quad vs. maintaining strategic autonomy in BRICS).
Second part: Discuss the balancing act India needs to perform to leverage benefits from both groups without antagonising any side.
Mention India’s diplomatic strategies to navigate these dilemmas effectively.
Conclusion:
Emphasise the need for a nuanced and balanced foreign policy approach to manage these contrasting dilemmas.