Diplomacy IN Defence
(Relevant for General Studies Paper Prelims/Mains)
Defence diplomacy has emerged as a widely adopted strategy employed by nations to advance their national interests. It encompasses a range of military-to-military engagements, initiatives, and strategies aimed at establishing and preserving national security.
Increasing Defence Diplomacy OF India
- The introduction of the SAGAR (security and growth for all in the region) doctrine by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 during a speech in Mauritius aimed to strengthen India’s commitment and presence in the strategically important Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The doctrine envisioned the Indian Navy actively assuming the role of a potential security provider and contributor to regional security.
- The Indian Navy stands as one of the largest naval forces globally, boasting a formidable arsenal comprising over 120 ships, including stealth frigates, destroyers, submarines (both conventional and nuclear-powered), and coastal vessels.
- One of the driving factors behind India’s defence diplomacy has been China’s persistent assertiveness in the region, particularly in the South China Sea. In response, India has intensified its cooperation with numerous Southeast Asian countries, which are equally eager to enhance their security ties with India to counterbalance China’s influence and reinforce their maritime security.
- With a target of achieving USD 5 billion in defence exports by 2024, India has ramped up its efforts to sell weapons to Southeast Asian and African nations, where Chinese defence companies currently dominate the market.
- In addition to expanding the domestic defence industry and boosting exports, the Indian government has strengthened the role of defence attaches stationed in Indian embassies abroad. These Defence Attaches (DAs), who represent their country’s defence establishment, enjoy diplomatic status and immunity while serving in an embassy.
- India has also assisted its neighboring countries in developing their naval capabilities by donating and transferring equipment. This includes providing offshore patrol vessels to Mauritius (2015), Sri Lanka (2018), Maldives (2019), and Seychelles (2021), as well as donating two Dornier aircraft to Seychelles (2013 & 2018).
- A crucial aspect of being a “net security provider” is the ability to conduct Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the region. India has long been at the forefront of HADR operations, as demonstrated during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, 2015 Nepal earthquake, and 2020 floods in Madagascar.
- In a time of significant shifts in the region, such as the Abraham Accords and China’s growing influence, India has elevated its security cooperation by placing emphasis on naval engagement.
In response to the evolving security dynamics in Afghanistan and the escalating assertiveness of China in the Indo-Pacific region, India has strategically utilized its defence forces to influence regional diplomacy and mitigate any potential negative consequences. By placing emphasis on addressing the regional implications stemming from the unfolding security situation in Afghanistan, as well as countering China’s assertive actions in the maritime domain of the Indo-Pacific, India has actively employed its defence capabilities as a tool for shaping regional diplomacy.
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Defence Diplomacy, Indian Defence Strategy, SAGAR Doctrine, Indian Navy, South China Sea, Defence Exports, Defence Attaches, Net Security Provider, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Regional Diplomacy, China’s Influence, Indian Ocean Region, Afghanistan, Best Sociology Optional Teacher, Best Sociology Optional Coaching, Sociology Optional Syllabus.
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