The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World

Review by Banditarani Behera (November 29, 2024)Dr S. Jaishankar, India's current External Affairs Minister, exemplifies the rare combination of a seasoned diplomat and a thoughtful public intellectual. Over his distinguished career, he has served as India's ambassador to key nations, including the United States, China, the Czech Republic, and Singapore. His book, The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World (Harper Collins India, 2020), explores India's strategic choices and challenges. As a pivotal figure in shaping India's contemporary foreign policy, Jaishankar's insights make this work an essential resource for understanding the principles and priorities guiding India's engagement with the world.

Building on his extensive experience, the book compiles Jaishankar's presentations delivered over the past few years at think tanks, corporate forums, and academic institutions. The book offers a cohesive analysis of the evolving global landscape, structured into eight thematic chapters. These chapters delve into critical issues, including the strategies India should adopt to navigate the shifting contours of global politics and key international challenges. Jaishankar's expertise as a diplomat shines through in his incisive commentary, blending original ideas with profound observations about India's place in the world.

A central theme of the book is his assertion that India must chart its path—crafting indigenous narratives, methodologies, and solutions to global challenges—rather than relying on borrowed paradigms or succumbing to external pressures. Rather than purely descriptive, his conceptual approach adds depth and intellectual rigour, elevating the work as a guide to understanding India's foreign policy. Each chapter offers distinct perspectives and dimensions, enriching the reader's understanding of India's diplomatic strategies and global positioning in a rapidly transforming world.

In the first chapter, "The Lessons of Awadh: The Dangers of Strategic Complacency," Jaishankar examines a recurring flaw in Indian leadership throughout history—the tendency to focus on trivial pursuits while neglecting broader, transformative global trends. He draws on the historical example of the East India Company, which began as a commercial entity but eventually seized control of India by exploiting internal divisions and the shortsightedness of Indian rulers. Using Satyajit Ray's iconic film Shatranj Ke Khilari ((1977) as a metaphor, Jaishankar labels this mindset the "Awadh Syndrome," referencing the rulers of Awadh who were engrossed in petty indulgences as their kingdom fell into chaos. This historical reflection prompts the provocative question: "Will India now define itself, or will the world continue to define it?" Even today, he argues, elements of this syndrome persist, highlighting the urgent need for India to craft its destiny with a strategic vision.

The second chapter, "The Art of Disruption: The United States in a Flatter World," delves into the changing global order driven by China's rise as a challenger to the West's dominance and the relative decline of U.S. supremacy. This rebalancing, Jaishankar suggests, presents opportunities for nations like India to redefine their roles in the global hierarchy. He underscores the importance of leveraging convergences with other countries and forging modern, pragmatic partnerships that contribute to a multipolar world. Moving away from traditional notions of common security, he advocates for India to prioritize balance-of-power strategies and adapt creatively to the shifting dynamics. The chapter emphasizes the need for India to align with countries that share its values while innovating in its diplomatic engagements to secure its strategic interests.

The third chapter, "Krishna's Choice: The Strategic Culture of a Rising Power," offers a compelling exploration of India's strategic heritage through the lens of the Mahabharata. Drawing parallels between the epic's Great War and contemporary geopolitics, Jaishankar extracts valuable lessons on statecraft and strategy. The chapter counters Western critiques of India's supposed lack of a strategic tradition by highlighting the epic's emphasis on decision-making, moral dilemmas, and the pursuit of strategic clarity. Key lessons include the rule of law, its limitations, the importance of crafting narratives rooted in dharma (moral conduct), and the art of diplomacy—ranging from alliances to neutrality. The Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna imparts strategic wisdom to Arjun, and Yudhisthira's learning of statecraft from Bhishma are central examples. Jaishankar compares the multipolar world of the Mahabharata to today's shifting global order, stressing the need for India to embrace its traditions to navigate complexities. He underscores the importance of moral superiority, the prudent use of power, and clarity of purpose as essential tools for India's rise in a turbulent world.

Chapter 4, "The Dogmas of Delhi: Overcoming the Hesitations of History," encapsulates the book's core message. Jaishankar argues that India must shed its historical inhibitions and outdated doctrines to adapt to evolving global dynamics. This requires greater self-confidence, risk-taking, and a clear understanding of emerging trends—qualities often lacking. The 2005 Indo-U.S. nuclear agreement was pivotal in this transformation, which elevated India's international stature and unlocked significant opportunities. Since 2014, India's foreign policy has demonstrated a pragmatic and decisive shift, exemplified by actions such as the surgical strikes in Pakistan. These moves underscore a growing confidence and readiness to act assertively. The author emphasizes that for India to thrive, it must adopt a realistic approach, build economic strength, diversify its engagements, take calculated risks, and accurately interpret global trends. This strategic evolution, he argues, is crucial for securing India's place in a rapidly changing world order.

In Chapter 5, "Of Mandarins and Masses: Public Opinion and the West," Jaishankar examines the growing influence of public opinion on foreign policy, marking a shift away from the traditional dominance of elites. He highlights the global rise of nationalism, from the "America First" agenda to the "China Dream," and contrasts these trends with India's unique, inclusive nationalism. The author argues that Indian nationalism, not rooted in a sense of victimhood, can potentially bridge the gap between established powers and emerging players in the global order. Despite its minimal explicit role in foreign policy discussions, Indian nationalism, according to Jaishankar, instils self-confidence, essential for engaging effectively with the world.

He references the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the ancient Indian philosophy of viewing the world as one family—as a defining element of India's national ethos. This inclusive worldview, he suggests, strengthens India's capacity to navigate the complexities of global diplomacy.

Chapter 6, titled "The Nimzo-Indian Defence: Managing China's Rise," delves into strategies for navigating the challenges of China's ascent and examines the complexities of India-China relations. The chapter provides a concise overview of the historical and contemporary dynamics between the two nations. Jaishankar highlights that India and China are ancient civilizations with a long history of interactions, largely positive until the mid-20th century. However, nationalist policies in 1950s China introduced unresolved border disputes and territorial conflicts, which remain a primary source of tension. The author underscores China's growing influence in India's neighbourhood and its close ties with Pakistan as significant security concerns for India. While questioning whether bilateral relations can improve, he acknowledges the inherent limitations of this relationship. Both nations are rising powers with overlapping interests and footprints, making rivalry and competition inevitable.

Jaishankar expresses concern over the imbalance in comprehensive national power between India and China. He notes that while China has made substantial strides in economic development, infrastructure, and human development over the past four decades, India still lags in several areas. He critiques India's historical challenges in achieving growth-friendly conditions and building deep capabilities, which have hindered its progress. The chapter emphasizes India's urgency to strengthen its national power and effectively manage its competitive dynamics with China.

Chapter 7, titled "A Delayed Destiny: India, Japan, and the Asian Balance," explores the strategic potential of a deeper alliance between India and Japan in shaping the new Asian power dynamics. The two nations have historically enjoyed amicable relations, but this goodwill has not matured into a robust strategic partnership. A major setback in their relationship occurred when Japan strongly opposed India's nuclear tests in 1998. However, a turning point came with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori's visit to India in 2000, which marked the beginning of improved ties. While economic collaboration has grown significantly since then, political relations have yet to reach the same level of warmth and synergy.

Jaishankar highlights the mutual benefits of closer cooperation in the context of shifting power equations in Asia. Japan's technological prowess and potential to play a more prominent political role complement India's regional ambitions. However, he emphasizes that building stronger ties requires India to appreciate Japan's distinct cultural and strategic mindset, necessitating patience and sustained effort.

The chapter also underscores the critical role of ASEAN in India's foreign policy. Through initiatives like Look East and Act East, India has addressed a longstanding gap in its foreign policy by re-establishing historical ties with Asia. ASEAN has become a cornerstone of India's Indo-Pacific strategy, and developing strategic partnerships with its member states stands out as one of India's significant foreign policy achievements in recent years. India recognizes ASEAN's pivotal role in maintaining regional stability and fostering cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

The final chapter, "The Pacific Indian: A Re-emerging Maritime Outlook," provides a nuanced analysis of the Indo-Pacific concept, now central to Indian foreign policy. The author highlights India's comprehensive maritime strategy, integrating its Indian Ocean vision into the broader Indo-Pacific framework. This strategy emphasizes fostering a community among Indian Ocean littoral states and focuses on key areas such as maritime infrastructure, disaster relief collaboration, the blue economy, white shipping agreements, and revitalizing coastal shipping. Special attention is given to developing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, enhancing India's connectivity and regional influence. India's leadership in initiatives like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Project Mausam, SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), anti-piracy efforts, EEZ surveillance, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) reflects its commitment to regional cooperation and maritime security.

In the epilogue, the author reflects on a post-COVID world, critiquing "corona nationalism," where nations prioritize health goals with little regard for global well-being. He advocates for India to embrace self-reliance (Atmanirbharta), innovation, and 'Made in India' solutions to benefit the nation and the world. He envisions a harmony between Atmanirbhar Bharat and the inclusive philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, positioning India as a leader in a cooperative global future.

The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World is a compelling roadmap for India's foreign policy and diplomacy. Jaishankar offers profound insights into how India can engage more effectively with the contemporary world. Through a blend of historical analogies, such as lessons from the Mahabharata, and modern examples of statecraft, Jaishankar presents a unique perspective on India's evolving diplomatic strategies, particularly in its relations with China, the United States, and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

The book is an invaluable resource for international relations students, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the nuances of Indian diplomacy. It provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing India's foreign policy—from balancing power dynamics to fostering proactive and innovative global engagements. Dr S. Jaishankar's approach not only enhances our understanding of India's strategic trajectory but also underscores the intellectual depth behind its policies. This work is a significant contribution to the study of diplomacy, cementing its place as a definitive guide to India's vision in navigating an uncertain global order.

BANDITARANI BEHERA, Research Assistant, Society for the Study of Peace and Conflict, New Delhi. She is pursuing a PhD at the Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar. Her research interests include Foreign Policy, International Politics, and Political Science.