https://youtu.be/a23lYjnmjBw?feature=shared
Recently Preeti Sharma discussed upon "India’s Foreign Policy and Minilateralism in South Asia" on 27th December 2024, an aspect to be understood looking at the geopolitical climate around India in South Asia to formulate a proactive foreign policy. Special thanks to MAHENDRA GAUR sir who is working great in bringing out the essence of foreign policy of India through FPRC for upcoming scholars.
Under this discussion Dr Sharma elaborated that India’s shift toward minilateralism in South Asia reflects its pragmatic approach to overcoming the inefficiencies of traditional multilateral platforms like SAARC. Minilateralism emphasizes smaller, focused coalitions that address specific regional challenges, offering India greater flexibility, speed, and influence in achieving its strategic objectives. This approach allows India to enhance connectivity, trade, and energy cooperation while countering challenges like terrorism, climate change, and China’s growing influence.
It was also shared that through initiatives like BIMSTEC, BBIN, and the Quad, India engages with like-minded partners to address regional concerns. Projects such as the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement, and hydropower collaborations with Bhutan and Nepal exemplify India’s efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and economic integration. These platforms also allow India to promote shared goals, such as maritime security, digital integration, and sustainable development, while bypassing the geopolitical stalemates often seen in multilateral forums.
However, India faces challenges in implementing minilateralism, including diverging partner interests, resource constraints, and external interference, particularly from China. Platforms like the Quad often encounter differing priorities among members, while initiatives like BIMSTEC and BBIN suffer from slow implementation due to financial and logistical hurdles. Additionally, China’s Belt and Road Initiative poses a direct challenge to India’s regional leadership.
To overcome these obstacles, India must align partner objectives, streamline overlapping initiatives, enhance domestic coordination, and build institutional capacity. Expanding regional inclusivity and fostering trust among smaller neighbors is also crucial for strengthening India’s leadership.
In the current geopolitical climate, minilateralism serves as a vital tool for India to assert its influence, foster regional integration, and address pressing challenges, positioning itself as a key player in South Asia’s development and a counterweight to external pressures.
She concluded that Minilateralism is a vital tool in India's foreign policy, enabling targeted regional cooperation, addressing inefficiencies in multilateral platforms, and countering external pressures like China's influence. By enhancing connectivity, fostering inclusivity, and streamlining initiatives, India strengthens its regional leadership, advancing its strategic objectives while promoting stability, growth, and collaboration in South Asia.