NAM Baku Summit Indias Participation And Evolving Foreign Policy

Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu represented India at the 18th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit held in Baku, Azerbaijan, with the theme focusing on "Upholding the Bandung Principles to ensure a concerted and adequate response to the challenges of the contemporary world." Notably, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not attend this summit for the second consecutive time. Established during the Cold War to promote sovereignty and independence among developing nations, NAM continues to serve as a platform for cooperation among 120 member states across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. India's participation underscores its ongoing engagement with NAM principles and the global South, even as the absence of the Prime Minister raises questions about shifting foreign policy priorities.

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Introduction to NAM and Its Historical Roots

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is a significant international organization founded during the Cold War era, representing the collective voice of developing countries seeking to maintain independence from Cold War superpower blocs. Its origins trace back to the Bandung Conference of 1955 in Indonesia, where leaders from Asia and Africa articulated principles emphasizing sovereignty, non-interference, and peaceful coexistence. This conference laid the foundation for what would become NAM, officially established in 1961 at the Belgrade Conference, with prominent founding leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, and Sukarno of Indonesia.

The Bandung Principles, adopted at the 1955 conference, form the ideological core of NAM, emphasizing respect for sovereignty, non-aggression, and anti-colonialism. They aimed to create an alternative to the Cold War bipolar system, fostering cooperation among developing nations that shared common struggles against colonialism, imperialism, and economic exploitation.

The Evolution of NAM: From Cold War to Contemporary Relevance

Initially, NAM served as a diplomatic platform during the Cold War, providing a unified voice for emerging nations seeking independence and economic development. Its principles of non-alignment allowed member states to avoid becoming pawns in superpower rivalries, instead prioritizing their national sovereignty and development agendas.

Over the decades, NAM has faced numerous challenges, including internal disagreements, varying economic and political systems among members, and diminishing geopolitical relevance with the end of the Cold War. Nonetheless, it remains a symbol of solidarity among the Global South, emphasizing multilateralism, South-South cooperation, and the pursuit of equitable development.

In recent years, the movement has sought to adapt to new global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and economic inequality, reaffirming its relevance as a collective voice for developing nations.

India’s Historical Role in NAM

India has historically been a leading member of NAM, underpinning its foreign policy philosophy rooted in non-alignment, anti-colonialism, and multilateral diplomacy. Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, was a founding figure, emphasizing the importance of independence, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence. India’s participation in NAM summits and initiatives has reinforced its position as a leader among developing countries, advocating for their common interests on global platforms.

Throughout the Cold War, India balanced relations with both superpowers while promoting the principles of NAM. Post-1990, despite shifts toward a more flexible foreign policy and engagement with major powers like the United States and China, India has continued to uphold NAM’s core values, often emphasizing the importance of South-South cooperation and multilateralism.

The 18th NAM Summit in Baku: Context and Highlights

Held in Baku, Azerbaijan, the 18th NAM summit took place amidst a changing global landscape, characterized by rising geopolitical tensions, economic inequalities, and environmental crises. The summit’s theme, "Upholding the Bandung Principles to ensure a concerted and adequate response to the challenges of the contemporary world," sought to reaffirm the collective commitment of member states to these foundational ideas.

The summit was attended by several heads of state and government, with Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu representing India. Notably, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not participate, marking his second consecutive absence from NAM summits. This absence has drawn attention, raising questions about India’s current foreign policy priorities and its engagement with multilateral forums.

The summit’s proceedings included discussions on issues such as climate change, sustainable development, economic cooperation, and regional conflicts. Member states expressed solidarity in addressing global challenges, emphasizing the importance of the principles enshrined in the Bandung Declaration.

Significance of India’s Participation Through Vice-President Naidu

India’s decision to send Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu to the summit signifies continuity in its engagement with NAM’s core ideals. Naidu’s participation underscores India’s recognition of NAM’s relevance in advocating for the interests of developing countries and promoting South-South cooperation.

However, the absence of Prime Minister Modi indicates a possible shift in India’s diplomatic focus. It may reflect a prioritization of bilateral relations, regional issues, or a recalibration of multilateral engagement strategies. Some analysts interpret this as an indication of India’s desire to pursue a more selective approach to international forums, aligning with its broader foreign policy objectives.

India’s Foreign Policy Realignment

In recent years, India’s foreign policy has undergone significant shifts, balancing its traditional commitment to multilateralism with pragmatic bilateral strategies. The “Act East” policy, growing engagement with major powers, and regional security concerns have led to a more nuanced approach to multilateral organizations like NAM.

While India remains committed to the principles of sovereignty and non-interference, it is also increasingly attentive to regional geopolitics, economic interests, and security considerations, especially vis-à-vis China, Pakistan, and its neighborhood.

NAM’s Contemporary Relevance

Despite criticism over its limited institutional authority and internal divisions, NAM continues to serve as a vital forum for voice amplification among developing nations. It provides a platform for collective bargaining on issues like climate change, trade, and global governance reforms.

However, the movement’s relevance is challenged by geopolitical shifts, the rise of regional organizations, and the emergence of new multilateral frameworks. Nonetheless, for countries like India, NAM remains a symbol of collective sovereignty and resistance against domination by major powers.

India and South-South Cooperation

India’s engagement with NAM aligns with its broader strategy of South-South cooperation, which emphasizes solidarity, shared development goals, and mutual support among developing countries. Initiatives like the India-Africa Forum Summit and participation in BRICS exemplify this approach.

India’s active role in NAM, even if selective, signals its commitment to shaping global discourse from the perspective of the Global South. It seeks to leverage NAM and other platforms to advocate for reform of international institutions like the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and International Monetary Fund to better represent developing countries’ interests.

Regional and Global Geopolitics

India’s position in NAM also intersects with regional dynamics, including its relationship with Azerbaijan, the host country, and broader Eurasian geopolitics. Azerbaijan’s strategic location and energy resources make it a valuable partner, and India’s outreach reflects its interest in diversifying its energy sources and strengthening regional ties.

Moreover, India’s engagement with NAM can be viewed through the lens of balancing relations with superpowers, asserting its independent foreign policy, and fostering multipolarity in global affairs.

Future Outlook and Strategic Considerations

Moving forward, India’s participation in NAM is likely to remain selective, aligning with its strategic interests. While it may continue to attend summits and support core principles, the absence of the Prime Minister from recent events suggests a potential shift towards more targeted multilateral diplomacy.

Simultaneously, NAM’s future relevance depends on its ability to adapt to contemporary challenges, foster unity among diverse member states, and effectively advocate for the interests of the Global South. India’s leadership role within NAM, whether active or selective, will influence its capacity to shape the agenda and promote a more equitable international order.

Broader Issues in Indian Foreign Relations

India’s approach to NAM reflects broader themes in its foreign policy: balancing multilateralism with national interests, promoting regional stability, and asserting a leadership role among developing nations. It also underscores India’s desire to diversify its diplomatic engagements and avoid over-reliance on any single forum.

The summit's focus on Bandung Principles and South-South cooperation aligns with India’s efforts to build a multipolar global order, challenge Western dominance, and push for reforms in global governance structures. At the same time, it navigates complex regional geopolitics, including tensions with China, Pakistan, and evolving relations with Central Asian states.

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Conclusion

The 18th Non-Aligned Movement summit in Baku exemplifies India’s nuanced engagement with a historical movement that continues to symbolize resistance, sovereignty, and cooperation among developing countries. While the absence of Prime Minister Modi signals a shift in diplomatic priorities, India’s participation through Vice-President Naidu reaffirms its commitment to NAM’s foundational principles. As the global landscape evolves, NAM’s role and relevance will depend on its ability to address contemporary challenges and maintain cohesion among its diverse membership, with India poised to shape its future trajectory through strategic engagement and leadership within the movement.