Foreign Policy Initiatives and Developments
India's former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj (May 2014 to May 2019) left a lasting impact on the functioning of India’s diplomacy through her dynamic and proactive policies. Her tenure was marked by immaculate initiatives that reconfigured India's global stature. These policies encompassed a range of strategies that navigated and defined India's foreign policy directions in the 21st century.
Globally
Among these was the "Neighbourhood First" policy, which aimed at fostering deeper ties with India's immediate neighbors. She ensured that India was seen as a reliable partner rather than a threat in the region. She also sought to strengthen relations with major global powers. For instance, the resumption of the Defence Framework Agreement in 2015 and the signing of the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 were significant for Indo-US relations. On the other hand, she maintained a robust defense partnership with Russia amidst global geopolitical shifts (such as Russia being removed from the G-8, thus forming the G7 in 2014), thereby displaying strategic autonomy. Additionally, she understood the rising importance of China and showcased diplomatic deftness while dealing with China in de-escalating the Doklam standoff in 2017.
Multilateral Diplomacy
She participated in United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) sessions, emboldening India's positions on various global issues, mainly focusing on terrorism, climate change, and advocating for wider reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and India's permanent membership.
Diaspora
She restructured the way the Ministry engaged with Indian citizens abroad, for instance, launching the "Know India Programme" to connect the new generation of the diaspora with their roots. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrated the contributions of the Indian diaspora. She also stressed the importance of cultural and soft power diplomacy. She led numerous rescue operations for Indians stranded in conflict zones; the evacuation of over 4,640 Indians from Yemen during Operation Rahat in 2015 demonstrated her commitment to the safety and security of Indian citizens.
Economic Diplomacy
Economic diplomacy was a preeminent aspect of her foreign policy. The MEA worked closely with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to advance initiatives like "Make in India" and "Startup India." These efforts contributed to an increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) and enhanced India's economic footprint globally.
Authored By
Ms. Arzoo Kachhawa
Researcher at The Geojuristoday
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