The changing paradigm of India’s soft power
The recent standoff between India and Pakistan has marked a change in the paradigm of India Pakistan relations. Specifically, it raises the question of what has changed in the Indo-Pak equation, which has allowed India to radically alter its previously benevolent approach to its neighbor.
Broadly, it can be broken down into three parts:
- India’s economic strength as the fastest growing large economy in the world
- Development of military tech and preparedness against various foreign states (Pakistan included)
- Pakistan’s isolated position not only in NATO, but also in OIC
Let us look at each of these in detail.
India’s economic growth and future potential have led to a situation where it is impossible for any country looking to build export revenue to do so without trading with India. With an import expenditure of USD 41.09 billion in January of 2019, major economies have a huge disincentive against sour relations with India.
The next factor is the development of India’s long-range strike capabilities. With the Agni series of Inter Continental Ballistic Missiles. There have been speculations that the Agni V can have ranges in the ballpark of 8000 km. This gives India first strike capability not only over most of Asia, including the entire territory of Pakistan and even crucial Chinese centers such as Shanghai and Beijing.
Another facet of strike capability is the Brahmos cruise missile. The Mach 4 cruising speed makes Brahmos the most lethal cruise missile to date. Currently, there are no missile defense systems with the stated capability of being able to intercept the Brahmos. This, combined with a range in excess of 400 km allows Indian Navy a very lethal striking capability. The combination of long range and medium range strike capabilities means that Pakistan’s now proven bluff of low Nuclear threshold and the threat of a Chinese first strike are effectively neutralized, giving India a much larger arm room for exercising it right to defend itself.
The final component has been an outreach to countries world over, which has led to India enjoying tactical support of major NATO powers including US. This was apparent in the UN Security Council, post-Indian air strike at Balakot when US, UK and France moved the Security Council to designate Masood Azhar as a terrorist, and China too had to vote in favor of the motion.
Moreover, India has finally begun exercising its clout in the Middle East, a region with which India has had historical ties. As far as Pakistan is concerned, Indian clout in the Middle East is a game-changer, since Pakistan from its inception has tried its best to suppress its Indian roots and present itself as a ‘genuine’ part of the Muslim World. While Pakistan is a founding member of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the recent cold-reception of Pakistan’s protests to India being a guest at the February summit — at the height of Indo-Pak tensions — are an indicator that there is a changing dynamic between India and non-Pak OIC members.
