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India now plays an important role on the global stage. Its political clout has increased, along with its economic and military growth. Considered a balancing power in the Asia-Pacific region, it is also seen as a democratic ally in the West, even as it challenges it on issues such as non-proliferation or global trade. India’s rise in global politics has confounded policy-makers and observers alike. However, while India is more confident of its capabilities than in the past, it remains unsure of its role in the world. This book presents an overview of Indian foreign policy today. It looks at the range of factors shaping India’s foreign policy, from domestic politics to material capabilities, as well as India’s relations with the world and neighbouring countries. Key global issues, such as India’s role in international and regional organizations, nuclear proliferation, democracy, or climate change, are also discussed. In addition, “snapshots” focus on important issues such as the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) grouping and terrorism. Written by an expert in the field, Indian Foreign Policy will be a key resource for scholars and students studying Indian politics, comparative international relations, Asian politics, as well as globalization.  

Contents: 1. Introduction. Snapshot 1: Indian Foreign and Security Policy Structures. I. India and Major Powers: 2. India and the US: An Emerging Partnership. 3. India and China: An Uneasy Relationship. 4. India and Russia: Convergence Across Time. 5. India and the European Union: A Relationship in Search of Meaning. Snapshot 2: The BRICS Fallacy. II. India and its Neighborhood: 6. India and Pakistan: A Road to Nowhere. 7. India and Bangladesh: A Difficult Partnership. 8. Nepal and Sri Lanka: India Struggles to Retain its Relevance. 9. India and Afghanistan: A Test Case for a Rising Power. Snapshot 3: India and Bhutan. III. India's Extra-Regional Outreach: 10. India in East and Southeast Asia: 'Acting' East with an Eye on China. 11. India in Africa and Central Asia: Part of the New 'Great Game'. 12. India and the Middle East: A Fine Balance. 13. India in the Indian Ocean: Colliding Ambitions with China. Snapshot 4: India and South America. IV. India and the Global Order: 14. India as a Regional Security Provider: From Activism to Forced Diffidence. 15. India and the global nuclear order: A Quiet Assimilation. 16. India and Multilateralism: From the Periphery to the Centre. Snapshot 5: India's Tryst with Terrorism.