Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, University of Delhi

BOOK REVIEW
The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World

Saurabh Singh
428
Indian National Security: Major Challenges And Strategic Thinking (DSE)

The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World, edited by S. Jaishankar, ed.
New Delhi, HarperCollins India, May 2022, Pp. 248, paperback edition

About the Author: Mr. Subramanian Jaishankar is currently appointed as the

Minister of External Affairs. He was a former Indian diplomat who has served as
the Foreign Secretary. Prior to this, he had served as an Indian ambassador in the
US, China, and the Czech Republic. In addition to holding this eminent portfolio,
he has also played a very crucial role in negotiating the Indo-US civilian nuclear
agreement.

INTRODUCTION

The world order is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditional power

structures are being challenged by the rise of new players like Asia, a resurgent
Russia, and Africa's economic potential. Additionally, the US's inward turn in the
21st century adds another layer of complexity. This shift extends beyond
traditional military and economic might. In today's interconnected world, power
encompasses technological advancements in cyber, digital, and physical domains,
along with research and development capabilities. India must navigate these
turbulent waters with both stability and dynamism. To address this challenge,
seasoned diplomat and India's External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam
Jaishankar, has written "The
 Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, University of Delhi

India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World." This well-researched and insightful
book analyzes the new global landscape and proposes strategies for India to
navigate the challenges and opportunities of this transformative era.
As the title suggests, The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World is just that;
an outline reflecting what guides the current and future direction in the conduct of
Indian foreign relations. It is a crisp commentary on India's engagement with the
world, a guiding outline on the expected direction of Indian foreign policy, and an
insight into what is being thought by the policy planners. But, most importantly, it
is a firm articulation of India's global interests and values. In the author's own
words, the book aims to "... develop an argumentation on contemporary politics.

SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS

S. Jaishankar's "The India Way" dives deep into India's foreign policy and its
strategic needs. The book brings together the past, present and future seamlessly.
It presents the big picture around India and Indian interests — the repositioning of
America, the rise of China and its implications on India, Europe after Brexit, where
is Japan heading, what’s happening in the Indian ocean and more. It is divided into
eight insightful chapters that explore India's historical background, current
challenges, and future ambitions as a global player.

The Lessons of Awadh: Jaishankar starts by examining strategic challenges, using

the takeover of Awadh as an example. He explores opportunities for India,
suggesting ways to leverage relationships with Russia, Japan, and neighboring
countries to strengthen its global position.

The Art of the Disruption: This chapter analyzes the current geopolitical
environment and India's place within it. Jaishankar discusses the rise of
multipolarity, the complexities of globalization, and the changing power dynamics,
acknowledging the dominance of the US and China. He emphasizes India's need to
adapt and assert its interests effectively.
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Krishna’s Choice: Jaishankar introduces a unique perspective on Indian foreign

policy, drawing inspiration from Krishna in the Mahabharata. Parallels are drawn
from Mahabharata in order to extract strategic guidance to navigate current foreign
policy challenges, as the epic bears a resemblance to the context in which Indian
foreign policy is operating. Several examples from Mahabharata are cited to
suggest that foreign-security policy dilemmas are to be resolved without getting
"discouraged by the collateral consequences of the action". This especially holds
for challenges such as terrorism, "violation of sovereignty", or "infringement of
borders". He highlights Krishna's strategic thinking, diplomatic approach, and
tactical wisdom as valuable lessons for navigating current challenges.

The Dogmas of Delhi: The author outlines the six stages of Indian foreign policy
since independence. He discusses the influence of immediate neighbors like
Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China, as well as key strategic partners like the US and
Russia, on India's approach.

Of Mandarins and Masses: This chapter focuses on India's complex relationship

with the United States, tracing its evolution from estrangement to partnership.
Jaishankar highlights converging interests and potential for collaboration in areas
such as defense, trade, and technology.

The Nimzo-Indian Defence : Jaishankar examines India's intricate relationship with

China, exploring both opportunities and challenges posed by its giant neighbor. He
discusses border disputes, economic competition, and the need for India to balance
engagement with Beijing while protecting its interests.

Critical Evaluation

"The India Way" offers a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of India's foreign
policy landscape. Jaishankar's extensive diplomatic experience provides valuable
insights into India's strategic needs in a rapidly changing world. The book excels at
examining complex geopolitical issues and proposes practical solutions and policy
recommendations.
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However, some readers might feel it leans more towards the personal reflections
than a comprehensive policy plan. This might be explained by the book's origin as
a series of lectures. While Jaishankar expresses confidence in India's rise, the book
doesn't fully address challenges like flawed trade agreements and social issues like
poverty and illiteracy. Additionally, it doesn't delve into China's growing influence
in Sri Lanka and Nepal, or the complexities of India's relationship with Iran.
There's also some room for deeper discussion on the uncertainties surrounding the
Chabahar port project.

CONCLUSION

Despite some shortcomings, "The India Way" is a significant contribution to the

discussion of Indian foreign policy This book offers a valuable perspective on
India's evolving foreign policy, shedding light on the South Block's worldview for
both international readers and Indian citizens. It provides valuable insights for
policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding India's role on the
world stage and offers a compelling narrative of India's journey and the principles
guiding its international interactions. The author makes a strong impression on his
audience by describing how India's strategy has been able to successfully elevate
its worldwide image as a prospective leader by creating a new model of foreign
policy that is inherently driven by realism.