India and Asian Geopolitics
-N K Tripathi
I read a book ‘ India and Asian Geopolitics- the Past and Present’ written by a distinguished diplomat and former NSA, Shivshankar Menon. This exhaustive book is a marvel of unmatched historical erudition, geographical comprehension, strategic knowledge and sparkling insight. Menon has given a panoramic view of the geography in which India sits and which affects its strategy. His historical grasp of the vast landmass of Asia and its sub-regions is remarkable. His historical references, interwoven in the book, give a clear insight into the history of China and other neighbouring countries.
He traces present Indian diplomacy from the time of Jawaharlal Nehru, who with the confidence of freedom struggle, followed the policy of non-alignment, though he suffered with his judgement towards China. Rajiv Gandhi and Narasimha Rao managed China very well. Rao’s reforms brought splendid results in the next 20 years during American unipolar world. The rise of China in 21st century is a big problem for India. China has brought a huge land mass of Eurasia under its influence. However in its coastline it is still hampered by American Navy and its closed sea. We live in a time when all the great power relationships, that we were accustomed to since the end of Cold War, are undergoing a reset. Nuclear deterrence is avoiding a major global conflict.
India’s interest and condition dictate that it remains domestically focused for a long time to come, using foreign and security policies for domestic transformation, avoiding the external entanglements. India has to work with its neighbours, including Pakistan and major military and economic powers of the world. Domestic policies impact the foreign policy and it requires a strong confidence and inclusive nationalism, which includes minority ( Muslims) to move forward. Like the world, Asia is also heading for multipolarity. India should not crave for world status at present. India should do what is most important, that is to strengthen our security and economy with social harmony.
I immensely enjoyed a slow reading of this remarkable book.
