What are the major features of India’s foreign policy? Explain.

India's foreign policy is guided by a combination of principles, objectives, and strategies that reflect its historical experiences, geopolitical realities, and aspirations for global engagement. Several major features characterize India's foreign policy approach:

1. Non-Alignment: Non-alignment has been a cornerstone of India's foreign policy since its independence in 1947. Rooted in the principles of sovereignty, independence, and autonomy, non-alignment aims to maintain strategic autonomy and flexibility by avoiding formal alliances with major power blocs or military alliances. Instead, India seeks to pursue an independent foreign policy that promotes its national interests, advances peace and stability, and safeguards its territorial integrity and sovereignty. While the end of the Cold War led to a reevaluation of the non-alignment doctrine, India continues to prioritize strategic autonomy and multilateralism in its foreign relations.

2. Strategic Autonomy: India places a high premium on strategic autonomy and independence in its foreign policy decision-making. As a rising power with global ambitions, India seeks to pursue its national interests while balancing relationships with major powers and regional actors. India's commitment to strategic autonomy is reflected in its pursuit of diversified partnerships, multi-alignment, and pragmatic diplomacy that allows it to engage with multiple actors without becoming overly reliant on any single country or alliance.

3. Regional Leadership: India aspires to play a leading role in shaping regional dynamics and promoting stability and prosperity in its immediate neighborhood. The "Neighborhood First" policy emphasizes building strong and cooperative relations with neighboring countries through economic cooperation, connectivity initiatives, and capacity-building efforts. India's regional engagement aims to address common challenges, such as terrorism, extremism, and poverty, while fostering mutual understanding and trust among South Asian countries.

4. Economic Diplomacy: India's foreign policy increasingly prioritizes economic diplomacy as a key tool for promoting national development, growth, and prosperity. Economic engagement with major powers, emerging economies, and regional partners is central to India's efforts to attract investment, enhance trade, and access technology and expertise. Initiatives such as "Make in India," "Act East Policy," and "Connect Central Asia Policy" seek to leverage India's economic potential and geographical location to enhance connectivity, trade, and investment opportunities.

5. Multilateralism and Global Governance: India is committed to multilateralism, international cooperation, and a rules-based global order that promotes peace, security, and development. India actively participates in various multilateral forums, including the United Nations, G20, BRICS, and SCO, to advance its interests, advocate for global reforms, and contribute to collective efforts to address global challenges, such as climate change, terrorism, and pandemics. India's bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council reflects its aspirations for greater influence and responsibility in global governance.

6. Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy: India's rich cultural heritage, diversity, and soft power assets, such as yoga, Bollywood, and traditional medicine, play an increasingly important role in its foreign policy outreach. Cultural diplomacy initiatives aim to enhance India's global profile, build people-to-people ties, and foster mutual understanding and goodwill with other countries. India's emphasis on cultural diplomacy complements its efforts to promote its image as a vibrant democracy, tolerant society, and responsible global actor.

7. Security Challenges and Defense Diplomacy: India faces various security challenges, including cross-border terrorism, territorial disputes, and maritime security threats. Defense diplomacy plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges by enhancing defense cooperation, intelligence-sharing, and military-to-military exchanges with key partners. India's growing defense capabilities and security partnerships with major powers, such as the United States, Russia, and France, contribute to regional stability and deterrence.

In conclusion, India's foreign policy is characterized by a combination of principles, objectives, and strategies that reflect its aspirations for global leadership, regional stability, and economic development. While rooted in non-alignment and strategic autonomy, India's foreign policy priorities include regional leadership, economic diplomacy, multilateralism, soft power, and security cooperation. As India's role and influence continue to grow in the international arena, its foreign policy approach will evolve to adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing global landscape.