We love to judge Indian foreign policy: the Quad, nukes, non-alignment, Pakistan, Indo-Pacific etc.
But what about institutional capacity to engage with the world? What have been India's successful initiatives?
I woke up positive, listing here 12 since 2000s.
Thread 1/14 👇🏾
But what about institutional capacity to engage with the world? What have been India's successful initiatives?
I woke up positive, listing here 12 since 2000s.
Thread 1/14 👇🏾
Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)
India's diaspora green card (but better). An outcome of the High Level Committee on the Indian Diaspora (2001). Millions have benefited from the OCI's permanent residence and right to work in India. Incalculable value to the Indian economy!
India's diaspora green card (but better). An outcome of the High Level Committee on the Indian Diaspora (2001). Millions have benefited from the OCI's permanent residence and right to work in India. Incalculable value to the Indian economy!
External Publicity & Public Diplomacy
Since the new MEA website in 2004, diplomatic outreach has come a long way. In late 2000s, people like @navdeepsuri played a critical role in revamping diplomatic communication with the domestic/international public. risingpowersproject.com/quarterly/indi…
Since the new MEA website in 2004, diplomatic outreach has come a long way. In late 2000s, people like @navdeepsuri played a critical role in revamping diplomatic communication with the domestic/international public. risingpowersproject.com/quarterly/indi…
Declassification of MEA records
In the late 2000s, the MEA transferred an unprecedented number of files (70k +) to the @IN_Archives. A new generation of scholars can now analyze India's strategic debates + practice (not just speeches). We need more of this, esp. digitization pls!
In the late 2000s, the MEA transferred an unprecedented number of files (70k +) to the @IN_Archives. A new generation of scholars can now analyze India's strategic debates + practice (not just speeches). We need more of this, esp. digitization pls!
International fellowships @IDSAIndia
Revived in the 2000s, dozens of foreign govt officials and scholars benefitted from this opportunity to spend time in Delhi and interact with their Indian peers. This built many international bridges that last today! idsa.in/visitingfellow…
Revived in the 2000s, dozens of foreign govt officials and scholars benefitted from this opportunity to spend time in Delhi and interact with their Indian peers. This built many international bridges that last today! idsa.in/visitingfellow…
Development Partnership Administration (@dpa_mea )
Created in 2012, DPA runs India's international aid and technical cooperation (similar to USAID, DFID, JICA). DPA created a specialized, efficient approach with technical experts and streamlined processes. ris.org.in/pdf/Chaturvedi…
Created in 2012, DPA runs India's international aid and technical cooperation (similar to USAID, DFID, JICA). DPA created a specialized, efficient approach with technical experts and streamlined processes. ris.org.in/pdf/Chaturvedi…
Passport Seva
A revolution in public service delivery... making it easy to digitally apply/renew and get an Indian passport in virtually every corner of the country. There are now close to 100 million Indian passport holders who can easily travel abroad. economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-…
A revolution in public service delivery... making it easy to digitally apply/renew and get an Indian passport in virtually every corner of the country. There are now close to 100 million Indian passport holders who can easily travel abroad. economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-…
Diplomatic missions
In the 2000s India expanded its global diplomatic presence. Staffing by IFS/diplomats remains a problem, but there are now almost 200 missions abroad (12th largest network). 50% increase since the 1990s. 18 new embassies planned in Africa alone.
In the 2000s India expanded its global diplomatic presence. Staffing by IFS/diplomats remains a problem, but there are now almost 200 missions abroad (12th largest network). 50% increase since the 1990s. 18 new embassies planned in Africa alone.
@RaisinaDialogue RD
Driven by MEA, RD shaped a new/confident Indian narrative on global challenges. In Delhi we used to discuss India's place in the world. RD turned tables: it brings top officials + experts to Delhi to discuss the world in India. Kudos @orfonline @samirsaran
Driven by MEA, RD shaped a new/confident Indian narrative on global challenges. In Delhi we used to discuss India's place in the world. RD turned tables: it brings top officials + experts to Delhi to discuss the world in India. Kudos @orfonline @samirsaran
Research consultants
Following NSCS model, in 2015 MEA hired dozens of bright, young consultants to support research and analysis. Attached to various divisions, they bring in fresh perspectives, then leave with a practical, expert policy outlook. Huge impact to "bridge the gap".
Following NSCS model, in 2015 MEA hired dozens of bright, young consultants to support research and analysis. Attached to various divisions, they bring in fresh perspectives, then leave with a practical, expert policy outlook. Huge impact to "bridge the gap".
Military OSDs
As my colleague @Mukherjee_Anit points out, India's civil-military relations suffer from an "absent dialogue". But a growing number of mid-ranked Army, Navy, Air Force officers now deputed as Officers on Special Duty to MEA. Helped both efficiency, trust-building.
As my colleague @Mukherjee_Anit points out, India's civil-military relations suffer from an "absent dialogue". But a growing number of mid-ranked Army, Navy, Air Force officers now deputed as Officers on Special Duty to MEA. Helped both efficiency, trust-building.
Online visa
If you complain about getting a tourist visa to India... you have no idea about the pain it was 10-15 years ago! Nationals from 150+ countries can now apply on-line and get approval in a few hours... Kudos especially to Bureau of Immigration! indianvisaonline.gov.in
If you complain about getting a tourist visa to India... you have no idea about the pain it was 10-15 years ago! Nationals from 150+ countries can now apply on-line and get approval in a few hours... Kudos especially to Bureau of Immigration! indianvisaonline.gov.in
Centre of Contemporary China Studies (CCCS)
MEA/MoD have affiliated think tanks (ICWA, IDSA) but CCCS is a new "in-house" model, supporting policy-making with specific analysis on China. Led by ret. Lt. Gen. Narasimhan, it congregates China experts from across govt/mil etc.
MEA/MoD have affiliated think tanks (ICWA, IDSA) but CCCS is a new "in-house" model, supporting policy-making with specific analysis on China. Led by ret. Lt. Gen. Narasimhan, it congregates China experts from across govt/mil etc.
That's about it... we all love to be (and should stay) argumentative and critical. But I thought it would be useful to also share these positive, silent, small successes I observed in India's external engagements.
Let me know if you disagree or can think of other initiatives! 🙏🏾
Let me know if you disagree or can think of other initiatives! 🙏🏾
Correction: My apologies for the incorrect map googled in the morning rush... thanks all for pointing it out and your attention to detail!
Disregard and refer instead to this official map from the Survey of India. surveyofindia.gov.in/pages/display/…
Disregard and refer instead to this official map from the Survey of India. surveyofindia.gov.in/pages/display/…
