Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and or affecting India’s interests
Historical Background
India’s relations with the world have evolved since the British Raj (1857–1947), when the British Empire monopolised external and defence relations. When India gained independence in 1947, few Indians had experience in making or conducting Foreign Policy. However, the country’s oldest political party, the Indian National Congress, had established a small foreign department in 1925 to make overseas contacts and to publicise its independence struggle. India’s international influence varied over the years after independence. Indian prestige and moral authority were high in the 1950s and facilitated the acquisition of developmental assistance from both East and West. Although the prestige stemmed from India’s nonaligned stance, the nation was unable to prevent Cold War politics from becoming intertwined with interstate relations in South Asia.
In the 1960s and 1970s India’s international position among developed and developing countries faded in the course of wars with China and Pakistan, disputes with other countries in South Asia, and India’s attempt to balance Pakistan’s support from the United States and China by signing the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in August 1971. Although India obtained substantial Soviet military and economic aid, which helped to strengthen the nation, India’s influence was undercut regionally and internationally by the perception that its friendship with the Soviet Union prevented a more forthright condemnation of the Soviet presence in Afghanistan. In the late 1980s, India improved relations with the United States, other developed countries, and China while continuing close ties with the Soviet Union. Relations with its South Asian neighbours, especially Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, occupied much of the energies of the Ministry of External Affairs.
After September 11 attacks in 2001, Indian intelligence agencies provided the US with significant information on Al-Qaeda and related groups’ activities in Pakistan and Afghanistan. India’s extensive contribution to the War on Terror, coupled with a surge in its economy, has helped India’s diplomatic relations with several countries. Over the past three years, India has held numerous joint military exercises with US and European nations that have resulted in a strengthened US-India and EU-India bilateral relationship. India’s bilateral trade with Europe and United States has more than doubled in the last five years.
India has contributed soldiers to peacekeeping missions in Korea, Egypt, Congo, Somalia, Lebanon, Rwanda, and South Sudan
Part of G4 (Brazil, India, Japan, Germany- primary motive is to gain a UNCS permanent seat), G77 (loose coalition of developing countries for better bargaining; now has 134 members, not 77)
India was amongst the most outspoken critics of apartheid and racial discrimination in South Africa, being the first country to have raised the issue in the UN (in 1946)
In 1953, Vijaylakshmi Pandit was elected the first woman President of the GA
Kashmir issue: In 1948, the United Kingdom, which was hoping to avoid being seen as unfriendly to a Muslim state after the creation of Israel, used pressure tactics on its allies France, Canada and the US to support the Pakistani viewpoint that Kashmir’s accession to India was disputable and had to be put to the test of a plebiscite. To this day, Indian strategic commentators and critics of Nehru bemoan his cardinal mistake of taking the Kashmir dispute to a UN that was packed with pro-Pakistani partisan powers. Nehru did not appreciate that the UN was an institution of power politics, not an impartial police force
Security Council members the US, United Kingdom and France tried to prevent India from forcibly absorbing The Portuguese colony of Goa in 1961. But for the Soviet Union veto in favour of India, Goa would’ve become a disputed territory like Kashmir
Following the 1962 conflict with China, India became involved in two wars with Pakistan and entered a period of political instability, economic stagnation, food shortages and near-famine conditions. India’s role diminished in the UN which came both as a result of its image and a deliberate decision by the post-Nehru political Leadership to adopt a low profile at the UN and speak only on vital Indian interests
Demand for a permanent seat on the SC (described in SC section above)
India and the IMF
India hasn’t taken any funding from the IMF since1993, and all repayments for past loans were completed in the year 2000
India has about 2.75% shareholdings, and ranks 17th in voting rights amongst 24 voting constituencies (India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka form a single constituency)
India is member of IBRD, IDA, IFC, and MIGA, but not of ICSID.
Main assistance by IBRD has been provided for roads and highways, energy, urban Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE (including WATSAN), rural credit, Disaster Management, and financial Services.
A key feature of the current strategy of the World Bank in India is its focus on supporting low-income and special category states, where many of India’s poor and disadvantaged live.
The new strategy proposes a lending program of $3 billion to $5 billion each year over 2013-17. 60% of the financing will go to State Government-backed projects. Half of this, or 30% of total lending, will go to low-income or special category states.
India represents IFC’s single-largest country exposure, and has a portfolio of about $3.6 billion in India.
The idea of co-operation in South Asia was discussed in at least three conferences: the Asian Relations Conference held in New Delhi on April 1947, the Baguio Conference in the Philippines on May 1950 and the Colombo Powers Conference held in Sri Lanka in April 1954.
Then in 1983, the international conference held by Indian Minister of External Affairs P.V. Narasimha Rao in New Delhi, the foreign ministers of the inner seven countries adopted the Declaration on South Asian Association Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and formally launched the Integrated Programme of Action (IPA) initially in five agreed areas of cooperation namely-
Officially, the union was established in Dhaka with Kathmandu being union’s secretariat-general. The first SAARC summit was held in Dhaka on 7–8 December 1985 and hosted by the President of Bangladesh Hussain Ershad. The declaration signed by King of Bhutan Jigme Singye, President of Pakistan Zia-ul-Haq, Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi, King of Nepal Birendra Shah, President of Sri Lanka JR Jayewardene, and President of Maldives Maumoon Gayoom.
Objectives
The objectives of the association as defined in the SAARC Charter are:
To promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia,
To contribute to develop mutual trust, understanding and appreciation of one another’s problem,
To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in the economic, social, cultural, technical and∙ scientific fields,
To strengthen cooperation with other developing countries,
To strengthen cooperation among themselves in international forums on matters of common interest,
India being the world’s 3rd & 7th largest Economy of world in GPP(PPP) & GDP(Nominal) terms respectively as well as world’s fastest growing major Economy, plays an important role in functioning of SAARC. India makes up over 70% of the area and population among these eight nations.
India’s apprehensions:
India is prepared for an intensive economic engagement with China at the bilateral level but is not ready or willing to open its strategic space in the region for Chinese presence and influence.
It is not too happy to admit China as a SAARC member or even elevate its observer status in the regional organisation. India is resisting pressure from its SAARC neighbours on China under the argument that SAARC has still to achieve internal cohesion and consolidation.
India’s unexpressed fears are on two counts. As a full member, China will get a veto in SAARC affairs as SAARC decisions are taken unanimously. China may therefore block projects that may offer strategic and economic advantage to India. After all, China did restrain both the Asian Development Bank and lately even Japan, from supporting projects in India’s north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. China is also opposing Indian oil exploration projects in what it considers disputed waters off Vietnam in the South China Sea.
India is also concerned that even as a dialogue partner, China could breach SAARC solidarity if it conflicts with its perceived economic and strategic interests, as it did with ASEAN in 2012. India seems to be gearing to integrate its neighbours even in the face of the Chinese challenge and the Pakistani resistance.
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India is a member of a number of bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements. These groupings and agreements cover a wide range of issues, including trade, security, and development.
India’s membership in these groupings and agreements helps to promote its interests and to shape the global order. For example, India’s membership in the United Nations Security Council gives it a voice in international decision-making on issues such as peace and security. India’s membership in the G20 gives it a platform to engage with other major economies on issues such as trade and finance.
India’s membership in these groupings and agreements also helps to promote its Economic Development. For example, India’s membership in the World Trade Organization gives it access to global markets. India’s membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gives it access to a large and growing market.
India’s membership in these groupings and agreements also helps to promote its security. For example, India’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization gives it a forum to cooperate with other countries on issues such as terrorism and border security. India’s membership in the Non-Aligned Movement gives it a voice in international efforts to promote peace and security.
India’s membership in these groupings and agreements is an important part of its foreign policy. These groupings and agreements help to promote India’s interests and to shape the global order.
Bilateral Agreements
India has a number of bilateral agreements with other countries. These agreements cover a wide range of issues, including trade, security, and development.
One of the most important bilateral agreements for India is the India-US Strategic PARTNERSHIP. This agreement was signed in 2005 and it has helped to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. The agreement covers a wide range of issues, including trade, security, and energy.
Another important bilateral agreement for India is the India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. This agreement was signed in 2011 and it has helped to boost trade between the two countries. The agreement covers a wide range of goods and services, and it has also helped to improve Investment flows between the two countries.
India also has a number of bilateral agreements with its neighbors. These agreements cover a wide range of issues, including trade, security, and water.
One of the most important bilateral agreements for India is the India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement. This agreement was signed in 1974 and it helped to resolve the long-standing border dispute between the two countries. The agreement has helped to improve relations between the two countries and it has also helped to boost trade and investment.
Another important bilateral agreement for India is the India-China Border Agreement. This agreement was signed in 1993 and it helped to delimit the border between the two countries. The agreement has helped to reduce tensions between the two countries and it has also helped to boost trade and investment.
Regional Agreements
India is a member of a number of regional groupings. These groupings cover a wide range of issues, including trade, security, and development.
One of the most important regional groupings for India is the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). SAARC was founded in 1985 and it is a forum for cooperation between the countries of South Asia. SAARC has helped to promote trade and investment between the countries of South Asia. It has also helped to improve relations between the countries of South Asia.
Another important regional grouping for India is the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). BIMSTEC was founded in 1997 and it is a forum for cooperation between the countries of the Bay of Bengal region. BIMSTEC has helped to promote trade and investment between the countries of the Bay of Bengal region. It has also helped to improve relations between the countries of the Bay of Bengal region.
Global Agreements
India is a member of a number of global groupings. These groupings cover a wide range of issues, including trade, security, and development.
One of the most important global groupings for India is the United Nations (UN). The UN was founded in 1945 and it is an international organization that promotes peace and security, Human Rights, and development. India is a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Another important global grouping for India is the World Trade Organization (WTO). The WTO was founded in 1995 and it is an international organization that promotes trade between countries. India is a member of the WTO and it has played an active role in the organization.
India is also a member of a number of other global groupings, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the International Labour Organization (ILO). These organizations play an important role in the global economy and India is committed to working with them to promote economic development.
Here are some frequently asked questions about bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and or affecting India’s interests:
What are some of the bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India?
Some of the bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India include the following:
The BRICS grouping, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
The G20, which is a forum for the world’s 20 largest economies.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which is a regional security organization that includes China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which is a regional organization that includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which is a group of 120 countries that are not aligned with any major power bloc.
The Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC), which is a regional organization that includes 21 countries that border the Indian Ocean.
What are some of the benefits of India’s participation in these groupings and agreements?
India’s participation in these groupings and agreements provides a number of benefits, including the following:
Increased trade and investment opportunities.
Access to new markets.
Cooperation on security and other issues.
Enhanced diplomatic influence.
What are some of the challenges of India’s participation in these groupings and agreements?
India’s participation in these groupings and agreements also presents a number of challenges, including the following:
The need to coordinate its policies with other members.
The need to address differences with other members.
The need to ensure that its interests are not compromised.
What is the future of India’s participation in these groupings and agreements?
India’s participation in these groupings and agreements is likely to continue to grow in the future. This is due to a number of factors, including the following:
India’s growing economic and political clout.
The increasing importance of regional and global cooperation.
The need to address common challenges, such as terrorism and Climate change.
Question 1
India is a member of which of the following international organizations?
(A) The United Nations (B) The Non-Aligned Movement (C) The G20 (D) All of the above
Answer
(D) All of the above
India is a member of the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the G20. The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after the Second World War by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights. The Non-Aligned Movement is a group of developing countries that are not formally aligned with any major power bloc. The G20 is an international forum for the governments and central bank governors of 20 major economies.
Question 2
India’s relations with the United States have been characterized by which of the following?
(A) Cooperation on a range of issues, including trade, security, and Climate Change (B) Disagreements on some issues, such as India’s nuclear program and human rights (C) A growing strategic partnership (D) All of the above
Answer
(D) All of the above
India’s relations with the United States have been characterized by cooperation on a range of issues, including trade, security, and climate change. There have also been disagreements on some issues, such as India’s nuclear program and human rights. However, the overall relationship has been one of growing strategic partnership.
Question 3
India’s relations with China have been characterized by which of the following?
(A) Cooperation on a range of issues, including trade and investment (B) Competition for influence in Asia (C) Suspicion and mistrust (D) All of the above
Answer
(D) All of the above
India’s relations with China have been characterized by cooperation on a range of issues, including trade and investment. However, there is also competition for influence in Asia, and suspicion and mistrust between the two countries.
Question 4
India’s relations with Pakistan have been characterized by which of the following?
(A) Cooperation on a range of issues, including trade and water management (B) Conflict and tension (C) Terrorism (D) All of the above
Answer
(D) All of the above
India’s relations with Pakistan have been characterized by cooperation on a range of issues, including trade and water management. However, the relationship has also been marked by conflict and tension, and terrorism.
Question 5
India’s relations with Russia have been characterized by which of the following?
(A) A close strategic partnership (B) Cooperation on defense and energy issues (C) Disagreements on some issues, such as Ukraine (D) All of the above
Answer
(D) All of the above
India’s relations with Russia have been characterized by a close strategic partnership. The two countries cooperate on defense and energy issues. However, there have also been disagreements on some issues, such as Ukraine.
Question 6
India’s relations with Japan have been characterized by which of the following?
(A) A growing strategic partnership (B) Cooperation on economic issues (C) Disagreements on some issues, such as India’s nuclear program (D) All of the above
Answer
(D) All of the above
India’s relations with Japan have been characterized by a growing strategic partnership. The two countries cooperate on economic issues. However, there have also been disagreements on some issues, such as India’s nuclear program.
Question 7
India’s relations with the European Union have been characterized by which of the following?
(A) A close economic relationship (B) Cooperation on a range of issues, including climate change and trade (C) Disagreements on some issues, such as India’s human rights record (D) All of the above
Answer
(D) All of the above
India’s relations with the European Union have been characterized by a close economic relationship. The two sides cooperate on a range of issues, including climate change and trade. However, there have also been disagreements on some issues, such as India’s human rights record.
Question 8
India’s relations with the Gulf countries have been characterized by which of the following?
(A) A close economic relationship (B) Cooperation on energy issues (C) Disagreements on some issues,