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20 January 2026|The Hindu
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International RelationsEconomyScience & TechnologyEDITORIAL

India's Diplomatic Strategy: Prioritizing Coalitions and Global Public Goods

India should focus on diplomatic white spaces to shape rules and deliver global public goods.

Background Context

The concept of 'global public goods' gained prominence in the 1990s, driven by the increasing interconnectedness of the world and the realization that certain challenges transcended national borders. Economists like Paul Samuelson laid the theoretical groundwork, defining public goods as non-excludable and non-rivalrous. Early discussions focused on issues like infectious disease control and environmental protection. The UN system, particularly the UNDP, played a key role in advocating for global public goods. The end of the Cold War also created a window of opportunity for international cooperation on these issues. However, debates continue on how to finance and govern the provision of global public goods, especially in a world with diverse national interests and priorities.

The article discusses India's diplomatic strategy in 2026, suggesting that while bilateral diplomacy and relationships with major powers like the U.S. and China will remain important, India's best opportunities lie in diplomatic "white spaces." These are areas where global leadership is lacking, and India can work through coalitions to shape rules and deliver global public goods. The author highlights Europe, BRICS, and the Quad as key areas for India to focus on. With Europe, India should pursue the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. As chair of BRICS in 2026, India can steer the group towards practical action. In the Quad, India can turn capabilities into services that other countries can access. The author also notes the limitations of large forums like the UN and G-20, arguing that outcomes are shifting to coalitions that can move even when the center cannot. The AI Impact Summit in Delhi is mentioned as an opportunity for India to bridge differences and shape the future of AI governance.

Key Facts

1

Republic Day 2026: EU leadership as chief guests

2

India-EU FTA: Aims to strengthen access to Europe

3

India BRICS chair: Opportunity to steer group

4

Quad: India can turn capabilities into services

5

AI Impact Summit: Delhi, February 2026

Latest Developments

In recent years, the focus on global public goods has expanded to include digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and climate change mitigation. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need for international cooperation in developing and distributing vaccines, a clear example of a global public good. Debates are ongoing about the role of international organizations versus individual nations in providing these goods. The rise of geopolitical tensions and protectionist policies poses a challenge to effective cooperation. Looking ahead, there is a growing recognition that addressing global challenges requires innovative financing mechanisms and more inclusive governance structures. The concept of 'club goods,' where benefits are limited to members of a specific group or coalition, is also gaining traction as a pragmatic approach to providing certain public goods.

Editorial Analysis

The author advocates for India to prioritize diplomatic white spaces and multilateral engagements to advance its interests and contribute to global governance.

Main Arguments:

  1. Bilateral diplomacy with major powers will remain important, but India's best opportunities lie in areas where global leadership is lacking.
  2. India can work through coalitions like BRICS and Quad to shape rules and deliver global public goods.
  3. The India-EU Free Trade Agreement is a key opportunity for India to strengthen its access to Europe and diversify its trade relationships.
  4. As chair of BRICS in 2026, India can steer the group towards practical action and address the demands of the Global South.
  5. India can make the Quad useful by turning capabilities into services that other countries can access.

Conclusion

The editorial concludes that India's success in 2026 will depend on its ability to turn diplomatic white spaces into working arrangements and make the tables that it chooses work.

3 Key Concepts to Understand

This article covers important concepts like Bilateral Diplomacy, Global Public Goods and 1 more. Understanding these will help you answer exam questions better.

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