R2R SSB GD Topic Notes

Fresh SSB batches start around the 1st & 15th of every month.

🧾 GD Topic: In Your View, What Primarily Governs Indian Foreign Policy? 

Leads:

1. Trade
2. Strategic Relations
3. Energy Security

1) Trade Rising Economic Clout: India is the 5th largest economy globally (IMF 2024) and a growing export powerhouse. Foreign policy increasingly aligns with trade interests—example: Free Trade Agreements with UAE, Australia, and talks with UK & EU. 

Market Access & Supply Chains: India's stance in Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)—opting out in 2019—was driven by concerns over Chinese imports harming local industries. 

Make in India & FTAs: Trade diplomacy is used to attract investments and promote manufacturing, e.g., Apple shifting parts of its supply chain to India due to global trade realignments. 

Global South Leadership: India’s G20 Presidency theme "One Earth, One Family, One Future" also highlighted inclusive trade and sustainable development.

2) Strategic Relations Quad & Indo-Pacific Focus: India's participation in QUAD (India, US, Japan, Australia) counters China’s growing aggression in the Indo-Pacific. Foreign policy here is driven by maritime security, regional stability, and countering influence. 

Neighbourhood First & Act East: India emphasizes bilateral and regional ties (e.g., with Bangladesh, Nepal, ASEAN) to ensure a secure and cooperative South Asia. 

Border Tensions with China: India’s strategic alignments with the West—such as closer defence ties with the U.S. (BECA, LEMOA)—stem from growing military threats at its northern borders. 

Russia-India Legacy: Despite global pressures post-Ukraine war, India maintains its strategic autonomy with Russia due to defence dependency and historical trust.

3) Energy Security Dependence on Imports: India imports over 85% of its crude oil and nearly 50% of its gas needs. This makes stable energy supplies a core foreign policy concern. 

Diversification Strategy: India buys oil from Russia (even during sanctions), Gulf countries, and now Latin America—demonstrating a pragmatic foreign policy to manage rising fuel costs. 

International Energy Cooperation: India is a member of the International Solar Alliance and explores green hydrogen partnerships (e.g., with UAE, Australia). 

Maritime Routes Protection: Indian Navy’s role in securing Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) in the Indian Ocean—critical for energy imports—also shapes diplomatic and military outreach.

✅ Conclusion [Opinion] 

While trade and energy influence foreign policy, it is strategic relations that primarily govern India's diplomatic posture. In a multipolar world with shifting alliances, border threats, and emerging tech warfare, strategic autonomy, defence preparedness, and regional leadership define India's core foreign policy doctrine.