MULTILATERALISM

This chapter focuses on India’s evolving role in multilateral diplomacy, tracing

its journey from a principled, idealistic stance to a more pragmatic and
influential position on the global stage. The summary highlights key points that
would make for a comprehensive and insightful response that is suitable for
academic or analytical purposes.
Key Points:
1. Historical Context of Indian Multilateralism:
o India’s early multilateral engagement was rooted in its post-
independence foreign policy, particularly under Jawaharlal Nehru.
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was a cornerstone, positioning
India as a leader of newly independent nations resisting Cold War
bloc politics.
o During this period, India emphasized moral authority, advocating
for decolonization, sovereignty, and global equity. Its rhetoric
focused on principles like anti-imperialism and economic justice,
often prioritizing ideological stances over practical gains.
o Malone notes that India’s moral standing in the early years gave it
a voice but limited its influence due to the constraints of Cold War
geopolitics, which restricted the effectiveness of NAM.
Shift from Idealism to Pragmatism:
 The chapter traces India’s gradual move toward pragmatism, particularly
after the Cold War. The disintegration of the Soviet Union and India’s
economic liberalization in the 1990s marked a turning point, as India
began leveraging its economic growth to enhance its global influence.
 This shift is evident in India’s engagement with institutions like the
United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization (WTO), and emerging
groupings like the G20. India moved from a defensive posture to actively
seeking roles that reflect its rising power.
  Malone highlights India’s pursuit of a permanent seat on the UN Security
Council as a key indicator of its ambition to transition from a peripheral
to a central player in global governance.

India’s Role in Key Multilateral Institutions:

 United Nations: India has been an active participant in UN peacekeeping
and has pushed for reforms to make the UN more representative.
However, Malone notes that India’s influence has been limited by its
reluctance to take bold positions outside South Asia and its focus on
sovereignty.

 World Trade Organization: India has emerged as a significant voice in

global trade negotiations, advocating for the interests of developing
nations while balancing its own economic priorities. Its role in the Doha
Round negotiations exemplifies this shift toward strategic engagement.
 G20 and Other Forums: India’s participation in the G20 reflects its
growing economic weight and its ability to influence global economic
policies. Malone emphasizes that India’s active role in such forums
signals its intent to shape global norms rather than merely follow them.

Challenges to India’s Multilateral Ambitions:

 Malone discusses internal and external constraints that limit India’s
multilateral influence. Domestically, political fragmentation and
bureaucratic inefficiencies hamper cohesive policy-making. Externally,
competition with China and tensions with neighbors in South Asia
complicate India’s regional and global leadership aspirations.

 India’s historical commitment to sovereignty and non-interference

sometimes conflicts with the interventionist tendencies of Western-
dominated institutions, creating tensions in its multilateral strategy.
 The chapter also notes India’s cautious approach to regional
multilateralism, particularly in South Asia, where institutions like SAARC
 (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) have been
undermined by India-Pakistan tensions.

Soft Power and Multilateral Diplomacy:

 India’s cultural influence and diaspora play a role in its multilateral
strategy, enhancing its “soft power.” Malone highlights how India
leverages its cultural heritage and democratic credentials to build
goodwill in global forums.
 However, India’s soft power is underutilized in multilateral settings
compared to its bilateral engagements, and Malone suggests that India
could do more to project its cultural influence strategically.

Future Prospects and Policy Recommendations:

 Malone argues that for India to secure a place at the “high table” of
global governance, it must address internal challenges like economic
disparities and political fragmentation. Externally, improving relations
with South Asian neighbors and managing its rivalry with China are
critical.

 The chapter concludes with a call for India to develop a more coherent
multilateral strategy, moving beyond ad hoc responses to global issues.
Malone suggests that India’s foreign policy lacks an overarching
framework, which could hinder its ability to fully capitalize on its rising
global stature.

Analytical Insights:

 Malone’s analysis is notable for its balanced perspective, drawing on his

experience as a Canadian diplomat and his interactions with Indian
policymakers. His outsider perspective allows for a critical yet
sympathetic view of India’s challenges and aspirations.
 The chapter emphasizes the interplay between India’s domestic context
and its multilateral ambitions, highlighting how internal factors like
economic reforms and security concerns shape its global strategy.
 The title “From High Ground to High Table” encapsulates India’s journey
from moral posturing to strategic engagement, reflecting a broader theme
of the book: India’s emergence as a global power despite significant
constraints.

Critical Observations:

 While Malone provides a comprehensive overview, some reviews note

that the chapter (and book) prioritizes descriptive accounts over deep
theoretical analysis, which may leave readers seeking more conceptual
depth wanting.

 The chapter’s focus on India’s multilateral evolution is forward-looking

but acknowledges that India’s influence remains limited by its cautious
approach and regional entanglements.