Ensuring National Security in an Age of Turbulence
Navigating National Security in a Turbulent World: India’s Foreign Policy Challenges
Ensuring National Security in an Age of Global Turbulence
By Amit Dasgupta, AM | CNSS Insights | Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences
In an era marked by geopolitical instability, economic uncertainty, and regional unrest, the question of how India can ensure its national security has never been more urgent. From the Russia-Ukraine war to tensions in the South China Sea, and from Bangladesh’s internal unrest to China’s strategic maneuvers, the global landscape is increasingly volatile.
Foreign Policy: A Tool for National Security
Foreign policy is no longer just a diplomatic exercise—it’s a strategic imperative. It must be dynamic, responsive, and rooted in risk assessment. India’s foreign policy must:
- Identify threats, challenges, and opportunities
- Employ early warning systems
- Enable rapid response mechanisms
For example, a natural disaster or refugee crisis can quickly escalate from a challenge to a threat if not managed effectively.
The Importance of Regional Stability
India’s neighbourhood diplomacy plays a critical role in its security calculus. The 2015 Nepal earthquake showcased India’s capacity for humanitarian leadership through Operation Maitri. However, the subsequent blockade imposed by India strained bilateral ties and pushed Nepal closer to China—a strategic misstep that underscores the need for sensitive diplomacy.
Strategic Miscalculations and Global Lessons
History is replete with examples of misjudged threats and failed interventions—from the U.S. in Vietnam and Afghanistan to India’s own regional missteps. The lesson? Muscle power and ego are poor substitutes for strategic foresight and diplomatic agility.
Diverging Threat Perceptions Among Allies
Even among strategic partners, threat perceptions vary. For instance:
- Australia views China as a trade partner despite strategic tensions.
- India, however, sees China as its primary threat due to border disputes and Beijing’s alliance with Pakistan.
This divergence highlights the complexity of maintaining strategic autonomy while engaging in multilateral diplomacy.
The Path Forward: Strategic Autonomy and Vigilance
In a world where global disorder looms large, India must:
- Maintain strategic autonomy
- Invest in economic and military resilience
- Prioritize trust-building with neighbors
- Avoid short-sighted policies that compromise long-term interest