Fourth Ramnath Goenka Lecture by Mr. Anand Goenka

Introduction

• Delivered by Mr. Anand Goenka, addressing the spirit of Ramnath Goenka.
• Reference to Albert Einstein's theory on political insanity and relevance in world politics.

Global Political Changes

• Profound transformation in the international order.
• Key examples: American nationalism, China's rise, Brexit, rebalancing of the global economy.
• Return of old empires: Russia, Iran, Turkey.
• Volatility in the Middle East and changes in Africa and South America.
• Shifts in power definition: technology, connectivity, and trade.
• Weakening of multilateralism and impact on climate change.

India's Changing Global Relationships

• Increased relevance of relationships with the US and China.
• Steady Russian relationship and rising importance of Japan.
• Rediscovery of Europe, particularly France as a strategic partner.
• Strengthened ties in the Gulf, ASEAN, and Australia.
• Expansion of outreach to Africa and South America.
• Unprecedented investment in India's neighborhood.

Strategic Adaptation and National Interest

• Importance of recognizing change to exploit opportunities.
• India's national strategy: expand space and options for prosperity, peace, and influence.
• Need for an unsentimental audit of Indian foreign policy.
• Hard-headed assessments of geopolitics lead to success.

Phases of Indian Foreign Policy

Phase 1: 1946-62

• Era of optimistic non-alignment during a bipolar world.
• Focus on resisting constraints and leading Asia and Africa.
• Ended with the 1962 conflict with China.

Phase 2: 1962-71

• Period of realism and recovery.
• Made pragmatic security and political choices.
• Dealt with external pressures on Kashmir.

Phase 3: 1971-1991

• Greater Indian regional assertion.
• Shift following the sino-us rapprochement.
• Complications due to the US-China-Pakistan axis.

Phase 4: Post-1991

• Unipolar world with a radical rethink.
• Focus on strategic autonomy and economic openness.

Phase 5: Post-1998

• India as a balancing power.
• India-U.S. nuclear deal and cooperation with China on global issues.

Phase 6: Post-2014

• China's growing momentum and new global realities.
• Multipolarity and the need for a proactive diplomatic approach.

Lessons from Past Foreign Policy

• Recognition of the need for realism and pragmatic assessments.
• Economic strategy: leveraging global opportunities and dealing with trade challenges.
• Engaging multiple players and ensuring strategic autonomy.
• Risk-taking in diplomacy for greater influence.
• Importance of reading global trends correctly.

Current Foreign Policy Direction

• Energetic diplomacy recognizing world changes.
• Focus on maritime geography and security challenges.
• India's greater role in global conversations and humanitarian efforts.
• Need for a multipolar Asia with India as a key player.
• Avoiding dogma and focusing on pragmatic goals.

Conclusion

• Emerging as a leading power requires putting dogmas behind.
• Importance of fresh thinking and a new consensus at home for a changing world order.

The lecture reflects on India's foreign policy journey and strategic adjustments necessary to navigate the evolving global landscape.