Internal Cohesion Vital for India's Strategic Autonomy: Manish Tewari
Manish Tewari emphasizes internal cohesion for India's strategic autonomy amid global challenges.
Photo by Radomir Moysia
Congress MP Manish Tewari stated on 12 January 2026, that internal cohesion is crucial for India to preserve its strategic autonomy. Speaking at the launch of his book, *A World Adrift*, he highlighted that pluralism should not be taken for granted and India's cohesion is its best defense against external challenges.
Tewari expressed concern over religious polarization weakening the social fabric. Former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha, who unveiled the book, emphasized the need for India to navigate the changing world order with dexterity.
Key Facts
Manish Tewari: Internal cohesion key for strategic autonomy
Book: A World Adrift
Yashwant Sinha: India needs to navigate choppy waters
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Issues relating to social justice and governance
GS Paper IV: Ethics - Role of ethics in promoting social cohesion
Potential question types: Analytical questions on the challenges to India's internal cohesion and strategies to address them
Visual Insights
Internal Cohesion and Strategic Autonomy
Mind map showing the relationship between internal cohesion, strategic autonomy, and related factors as highlighted by Manish Tewari.
Internal Cohesion
- ●Strategic Autonomy
- ●Pluralism
- ●Social Harmony
- ●Challenges
More Information
Background
The concept of internal cohesion in India has deep historical roots, intertwined with the nation's struggle for independence and the subsequent framing of its Constitution. The Indian National Congress, during the freedom movement, strived to unite diverse communities under a common national identity, emphasizing secularism and social justice. The Constituent Assembly debates reflected a conscious effort to address regional, linguistic, and religious diversities while forging a unified nation.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's role in integrating princely states was crucial in consolidating India's territorial integrity. However, challenges to internal cohesion have persisted, including communal tensions, caste-based discrimination, and regional disparities. The Nehruvian era saw an emphasis on planned development and socialist policies to address economic inequalities, aiming to strengthen social cohesion.
Over the decades, various commissions and committees have been formed to address specific issues affecting social harmony and national integration.
Latest Developments
In recent years, India has witnessed increasing debates surrounding issues of social polarization, freedom of expression, and the role of civil society. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) have sparked widespread protests and discussions about inclusivity and secularism. The rise of social media has amplified both positive and negative narratives, contributing to the fragmentation of public discourse.
The government has been focusing on initiatives like 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' to promote cultural exchange and understanding among different states. Furthermore, the emphasis on 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' aims to reduce economic disparities and create a more self-reliant and equitable society. The ongoing efforts to reform labor laws and agricultural policies also have implications for social cohesion and economic justice.
The future outlook involves navigating these complex challenges while upholding constitutional values and promoting inclusive growth.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the concept of 'Strategic Autonomy' in the context of India's foreign policy: 1. It implies complete isolation from global alliances and partnerships. 2. It emphasizes independent decision-making based on national interests. 3. It advocates for non-alignment with any major power bloc. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: C
Strategic autonomy emphasizes independent decision-making and non-alignment, but not complete isolation. Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.
2. In the context of internal cohesion, which of the following constitutional provisions directly promotes social harmony and equality? 1. Article 14: Equality before law 2. Article 17: Abolition of Untouchability 3. Article 25: Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three articles directly promote social harmony and equality. Article 14 ensures equality before the law, Article 17 abolishes untouchability, and Article 25 guarantees freedom of religion, all contributing to a more inclusive and cohesive society.
3. Assertion (A): Religious polarization can weaken the social fabric and hinder India's strategic autonomy. Reason (R): Internal cohesion is essential for a nation to effectively navigate external challenges and maintain its independent foreign policy. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
- C.A is true, but R is false.
- D.A is false, but R is true.
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why religious polarization can weaken strategic autonomy. Internal cohesion is indeed vital for a nation to maintain its independent foreign policy.