Introduction
India’s security has been concerned due to constant instigation and incursions by neighbouring rogue states. The most significant threats to Indian security come from the Himalayan region and across the border from Kashmir and Punjab. The foreign powers behind these incursions aim to destabilize the world’s largest democracy and the federal statehood of India.
The primary source of Indian security concerns is Pakistan, which has been involved in cross-border terrorism for decades. Pakistan’s intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), provides support to terrorist groups operating in India, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), among others. These groups have carried out numerous attacks in India, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2008 Mumbai attacks. These attacks have caused immense damage to India’s security and have resulted in significant loss of life.
Sources of Eminating Threats : Another significant source of security threats for India is China, which has been in a territorial dispute with India for several decades. The two countries have had several military standoffs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in recent years, including the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which resulted in the deaths of several Indian soldiers. China has also been involved in infrastructure development in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which India considers its sovereign territory. China’s support for Pakistan and its increasing influence in the region significantly threaten India’s security.
Security Issues
Apart from Pakistan and China, India also faces security threats from neighbouring countries. Nepal, for instance, has been involved in a territorial dispute with India over the Kalapani area. Sri Lanka’s relationship with India has been strained due to its ties with China, which has invested heavily in infrastructure development in Sri Lanka.
To counter these security threats, India has adopted a multi-pronged approach. The country has invested heavily in modernizing its armed forces and enhancing its intelligence capabilities. It has also strengthened its border infrastructure and established a dedicated organization, the Border Security Force (BSF), to manage its borders. India has also engaged in diplomatic efforts to isolate Pakistan from the international community and has worked to improve its relationship with neighbouring countries.
The Pressure : India’s security is under constant pressure from neighbouring rogue states, foreign powers, and other sources. The country faces significant challenges, such as cross-border terrorism, territorial disputes, and increasing Chinese influence in the region. However, India has adopted a multi-faceted approach to address these challenges and is working towards enhancing its security capabilities.
Foreign Policy
Although India’s foreign policy is aimed at promoting peace, stability, and economic growth in the region and beyond, India has sought to establish itself as a reliable strategic partner to other major countries and international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU). India has played an active role in promoting global security and has been actively involved in peacekeeping missions worldwide. India’s foreign policy is based on the principles of non-alignment, peaceful coexistence, and the promotion of regional and global cooperation.
World Stage
India’s standing as a reliable strategic partner on the world stage has grown significantly in recent years. India has established strategic partnerships with several major powers, including the United States, Japan, and Australia. The strategic alliance with the US has grown stronger in recent years, with the two countries working together on defence, security, and economic cooperation issues. India has also established strong partnerships with Japan, Australia, and other countries in the Indo-Pacific region to promote regional security and economic growth.
India’s engagement with the UN has been significant, with India being one of the organization’s founding members. India has actively participated in the UN’s peacekeeping missions and has contributed significantly to the organization’s efforts to promote global peace and security. India has also played a leading role in the UN’s efforts to address global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and poverty eradication.
Partnership
India has also worked to establish itself as a reliable partner to the EU. The EU is India’s largest trading partner, and India has sought to deepen its economic and strategic partnership with the bloc. India has also worked closely with the EU on climate change, security, and counter-terrorism issues.
Summary
In conclusion, India’s foreign policy promotes peace, stability, and economic growth in the region and beyond. India has established itself as a reliable strategic partner to other major countries and international organizations such as the UN and the EU. India’s engagement with the world has been significant, with India actively promoting global peace and security. India’s strategic partnerships with other major powers have grown stronger in recent years, highlighting India’s increasing importance on the world stage.
