Still Under Nehru's Shadow? The Absence of Foreign Policy Frameworks in India

This article is a reflection on three main themes. First, it argues that there is no single template which gives direction to Indian Foreign Policy Making. The usual motivations that drive big powers: balance of power or ideological motives have a weak foothold in Indian Foreign Policy thinking. Second, India has limited instruments to secure its foreign policy goals. It is reluctant to use force as an instrument, and its culture of diplomatic bargaining rests more on a sense of entitlement than hard bargaining. Third, India is likely to remain a very cautious power, more defensive and reactive than agenda setting. Its power is likely to be the power of its example. Despite some significant changes in its policies, there is also an underlying continuity to its foreign policy. This is best described as an attempt to secure great power agreement.