Sanctions against India
India has had a complex history with international sanctions, both as a sender and a recipient. One of the earliest instances of India's imposition of sanctions occurred between 1946 and 1993 when it became the first nation to impose economic sanctions on South Africa to oppose its apartheid regime. This action showcased India's commitment to human rights and positioned it as a leader in the global fight against racial discrimination.
During the period from 1989 to 1999, India imposed a trade embargo against Fiji. This move was a response to deteriorating diplomatic relations, primarily triggered by political instability within Fiji. Following a military coup in 1987, India's government expressed concern over the treatment of its Indian-origin citizens and the erosion of democratic norms in Fiji, prompting the embargo as a means of protest.
India has also found itself on the receiving end of sanctions from several countries over the years. In 1974, following India's first nuclear test, Canada imposed sanctions that restricted the supply of nuclear expertise and equipment. This was particularly significant as it marked the beginning of international concerns regarding India's nuclear capabilities. The most notable sanctions period for India occurred after its nuclear tests in 1998, when the United States, Japan, and approximately 14 other countries imposed various sanctions. The United States followed its legislative requirements by imposing sanctions, which were somewhat softened through exemptions, and eventually lifted within a year. Similarly, Japan's sanctions included suspending loan aid, highlighting a concerted effort by multiple nations to respond to India’s nuclear developments. Despite these collective actions, many sanctions had marginal effects and were not as impactful as the sanctioning nations' governments had intended.
Additionally, the United States again imposed sanctions from 1992 to 2011 specifically targeting the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) due to certain segments of its space program viewed as contributing to missile technology proliferation. Such sanctions reflected ongoing concerns over military applications of India's peaceful space initiatives.
Another significant instance of sanctions occurred in 2019 when Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian aircraft following the Balakot airstrike. This move was part of a broader set of sanctions that heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors and has had lasting effects on regional stability and aviation routes.
India's experience with sanctions illustrates a complex interplay of diplomatic relations, national security interests, and global strategic concerns. The sanctions imposed and the responses to them highlight the challenges India faces as it navigates its role on the world stage while asserting its sovereign interests and regional influence.