The current geopolitical landscape highlights the need for India to navigate its identity crisis between its ancient civilizational roots and a modern bureaucratic system that struggles with strategic clarity.
India is currently facing a dilemma that cuts deeper than its foreign policy challenges or economic setbacks. This issue stems from a confusion between India’s identity as an ancient civilization and its contemporary governance, which is seemingly more focused on optics than substance.
The Government of India, often perceived as an extension of the historical Indian identity, operates through a post-colonial framework that’s become entrenched over decades. This structure has led to a situation where bureaucracy overshadows national interest, leaving India’s civilizational spirit obscured behind a facade of surface-level changes and grandiose proclamations.
India’s foreign policy, once robust and influential, now seems reduced to spectacle and public relations exercises. High-profile events like summit meetings and cultural celebrations are prioritized, often overshadowing the lack of effective strategic engagement, especially as neighboring countries align closer with China. Myanmar, the Maldives, and even long-time ally Bhutan are re-evaluating their diplomatic relations, which poses significant challenges to India’s regional influence.
The heart of the issue lies within India’s bureaucratic system, characterized as the “steel frame” for its rigidity and enduring nature since colonial times. Originally established to serve the British Raj, it has transitioned post-independence to ostensibly serve the Indian Constitution, yet lacks accountability and resists change. This bureaucracy has become a dominant force, determining policy continuity and effectiveness with little oversight or intention to adapt to modern challenges.
Despite attempts to project power on the global stage, India’s ambitions often overshadow its capabilities. Aspirations to counter China, establish itself as a pivotal democratic force in the Indo-Pacific, and emerge as a technology and economic powerhouse are hindered by limited foundational strength. Public diplomacy has overshadowed strategic patience, with grand programs like “Make in India” remaining largely unfollowed by actionable policy or self-reliance in defense sectors.
A distinct separation between India’s cultural and historical identity and the contemporary functions of its government is necessary. India’s civilization encompasses profound wisdom, resilience, and a rich history that has overcome numerous external and internal adversities. In contrast, the Government of India operates as an administrative mechanism within a democratic framework, tasked with governance rather than embodying the nation’s spirit.
Recent diplomatic developments, including the positive reception of Pakistan’s Army Chief in Washington, have underscored the need for strategic coherence from India. While India navigates complex relationships with Moscow, Tehran, and a divided domestic context, perceptions abroad indicate India’s decreasing reliability and predictability as a strategic partner. Pakistan’s ability to fulfill strategic promises serves as a diplomatic testament to actionable clarity.
Domestically, India’s economic status as the world’s third-largest economy by purchasing power parity (PPP) is often touted as a source of national pride. However, it belies the reality of low per capita income, weak manufacturing infrastructure, and inadequate industrial depth. The emphasis on GDP rankings overshadows fundamental deficits in innovation and manufacturing, crucial for maintaining and expanding geopolitical influence.
The collective Indian spirit is not in jeopardy, but the same cannot be said for India’s current governmental approach. The master—India’s civilizational identity—must distinguish itself from the servant—its administrative machinations. Clarity between these roles is vital for India to reclaim its place in the global order, emboldened by its rich legacy and poised for future growth.
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