13 May 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis
1. Three’s a Crowd
(Source: Page 10, The Indian Express)
| Topic: GS2: India and Its Neighbourhood, GS2: International Relations |
| Context |
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Background
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Recent calls by foreign leaders for U.S. or international mediation in resolving India-Pakistan issues (especially on Kashmir) have been firmly rejected by India. This echoes India’s long-held position since the Shimla Agreement (1972) and its aversion to external involvement in sovereign matters.
India’s Sovereign Approach
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India views bilateral resolution as central to its diplomatic identity.
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Third-party mediation is seen as interference and a dilution of sovereignty.
Historical Precedents
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Past experiences like the UN intervention during the first Kashmir war and Cold War-era interference have fostered skepticism.
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The Shimla Agreement and Lahore Declaration reaffirm bilateralism as the path forward.
Strategic Consistency
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India believes international forums are often influenced by power politics.
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Maintains that peace must be built on mutual understanding, not external imposition.
Global Perception and Policy Autonomy
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Despite international pressure, India has gained credibility for adhering to self-reliant diplomacy.
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Supports multipolarity but guards against externalizing internal or regional issues.
Way Forward
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Continue engaging neighbors through bilateral dialogue frameworks.
- Use global forums (e.g., G20, SCO) for strategic visibility without compromising autonomy.
- Reaffirm bilateralism as a principle in all foreign policy declarations.
| Practice Question: India has consistently rejected third-party mediation in its bilateral disputes. Examine the rationale behind this policy and its implications for India’s foreign relations. (GS2 – 10 Marks – 150 Words) |
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