Classical Realism and Indian Foreign Policy: Some Cautionary Notes

Abstract

As a thought experiment, I ask how classical realism as a theoretical perspective could be applied to interpret Indian foreign policy. Focusing particularly on the last decade of Indian foreign policy (2014–2024), I sift through five key claims of classical realism and evaluate Indian foreign policy from that perspective. These include intersections of purpose and power, the role of history, domestic politics, national interest formulation and contending with uncertainty. I argue that classical realism offers us a fairly compelling set of categories to think theoretically about Indian foreign policy. The article also highlights two key values—humility and prudence when it comes to thinking about the ideational underpinnings and actual practice of foreign policy. Classical realism in my assessment provides us an excellent vantage point to better appreciate the strengths, constraints and dilemmas that confront the formulation and implementation of Indian foreign policy.