Aruni
Regular Member
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2010
- Messages
- 47
- Likes
- 37
I feel that the non-aligned movement is absolutely useless in serving India's foreign policy, geopolitical and diplomatic interests. As a largely poor country (sorry to break this so brutally to the mypoic chest thumpers amongst us), India needs strong alliances in order to punch above its weight in global matters. In a way the G20 has helped us, but it is largely a talking shop. We are not part of any major security framework that could, for instance, deter adventure seekers in Beijing to try something funny in Arunachal in 15 years' time.
I believe that India belongs in the league of the world's free nations and has nothing to fear to align itself whole-heartedly with the United States, the European Union, Japan and other like-minded countries. It does not mean breaking off old relationships (e.g. with Russia), but we have to undertake a cost-benefit analysis of being in (as opposed to being out) of a security umbrella. With 1 million soldiers, 800 combat aircraft, a blue water navy, a nuclear arsenal and most importantly, the world's largest democracy, India is a strong candidate for joining NATO.
The thought may give heart-attacks to people who can't think out of the box, but I say it is a good organisation to be part of. In return for committing troops to NATO operations and defending attacks on other NATO member states, it would in an instance put the armies of America, Britain, France, Japan, among others, between our sovereignty and the intentions of a certain rogue neighbour in the north.
It may mean India has to allow NATO military bases in some strategic spots (e.g. the Andamans) and I say why not? Contrary to the xenophoebia quite often present in India, we have nothing to fear from the West. In fact we have a lot to learn and gain from them. So let's stop dithering and throw our lot in with the world's civilised and free nations.
I believe that India belongs in the league of the world's free nations and has nothing to fear to align itself whole-heartedly with the United States, the European Union, Japan and other like-minded countries. It does not mean breaking off old relationships (e.g. with Russia), but we have to undertake a cost-benefit analysis of being in (as opposed to being out) of a security umbrella. With 1 million soldiers, 800 combat aircraft, a blue water navy, a nuclear arsenal and most importantly, the world's largest democracy, India is a strong candidate for joining NATO.
The thought may give heart-attacks to people who can't think out of the box, but I say it is a good organisation to be part of. In return for committing troops to NATO operations and defending attacks on other NATO member states, it would in an instance put the armies of America, Britain, France, Japan, among others, between our sovereignty and the intentions of a certain rogue neighbour in the north.
It may mean India has to allow NATO military bases in some strategic spots (e.g. the Andamans) and I say why not? Contrary to the xenophoebia quite often present in India, we have nothing to fear from the West. In fact we have a lot to learn and gain from them. So let's stop dithering and throw our lot in with the world's civilised and free nations.