Describe briefly the ‘Realist’ view of Indian foreign policy.

The Realist view of Indian foreign policy emphasizes the primacy of national interest, security considerations, and power dynamics in shaping India's relations with other countries. Rooted in classical Realist principles of state-centricity, power politics, and strategic calculations, the Realist perspective provides insights into India's foreign policy behavior and strategic choices in the international arena. Here is a brief overview of the Realist view of Indian foreign policy:

1. National Security and Sovereignty:
   From a Realist perspective, national security and sovereignty are paramount concerns for India's foreign policy. Realists argue that the primary goal of foreign policy is to ensure the survival, integrity, and autonomy of the state in the face of external threats and challenges. India's historical experiences with colonialism, partition, and regional conflicts have reinforced the importance of safeguarding its territorial boundaries, maritime interests, and strategic assets. Realists advocate for a robust defense posture, deterrence capabilities, and strategic alliances to protect India's national security interests against potential adversaries and security challenges.

2. Balance of Power and Strategic Autonomy:
   Realists view the international system as characterized by a balance of power dynamics, where states pursue their interests through strategic interactions and alliances based on power capabilities and strategic calculations. In the context of India's foreign policy, Realists emphasize the importance of maintaining strategic autonomy and flexibility in navigating complex geopolitical rivalries and alliances. Realists argue that India should pursue a balanced approach in its relations with major powers, such as the United States, China, and Russia, to maximize its strategic advantages and minimize vulnerabilities in a multipolar world.

3. Regional Hegemony and Power Projection:
   Realists recognize the importance of regional hegemony and power projection in India's strategic calculations. India's aspiration for regional leadership in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region is seen as a natural extension of its geopolitical interests and historical influence. Realists argue that India should leverage its economic, military, and diplomatic capabilities to assert its dominance in its immediate neighborhood, counterbalance rival powers, and shape regional security dynamics in line with its national interests. Realists advocate for a proactive approach to managing regional conflicts, promoting stability, and preventing the emergence of hostile forces on India's periphery.

4. Strategic Partnerships and Alliances:
   Realists advocate for strategic partnerships and alliances as key instruments of India's foreign policy to enhance its power projection capabilities and safeguard its interests in a competitive international environment. Realists argue that India should forge closer security ties, military cooperation, and intelligence-sharing arrangements with like-minded countries, such as the United States, Japan, Australia, and France, to counterbalance China's growing influence and address common security threats. Realists emphasize the importance of pragmatic diplomacy, transactional negotiations, and power balancing strategies in building strategic alliances and coalitions to advance India's national interests.

5. Pragmatism and Power Politics:
   Realists emphasize pragmatism and realism in India's foreign policy decision-making, advocating for a clear-eyed assessment of national interests, power dynamics, and strategic calculations in international relations. Realists argue that moral considerations, ideological preferences, and sentimental attachments should be subordinated to strategic imperatives and national security interests. Realists advocate for a realistic appraisal of India's strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats, to craft a foreign policy that maximizes India's power and influence in a competitive global environment.

In conclusion, the Realist view of Indian foreign policy emphasizes the importance of national interest, power dynamics, and strategic calculations in shaping India's relations with other countries. Realists argue that India should prioritize national security, strategic autonomy, and power projection capabilities to safeguard its sovereignty, promote regional stability, and enhance its influence in the international arena. While Realism provides valuable insights into India's foreign policy behavior, it is important to recognize that India's foreign policy is also influenced by other factors such as domestic politics, economic considerations, and cultural values, which contribute to the complexity and nuance of India's engagement with the world.