India's security alliances, like the concept of Raksha Bandhan, symbolize mutual protection and care, embodying principles of global support, trust, and safety.
By Vipul Tamhane
The tradition of Raksha Bandhan has ancient roots, with references in sacred texts like the Atharvaveda, Agniveshya Grihyasutra, and the Narada Purana. Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a Hindu festival celebrated in late summer in India, symbolizing the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a Rakhi, a string bracelet or amulet, on their brothers' wrists, representing their love, prayers, and wishes for their well-being. Brothers offer gifts and pledge to protect their sisters.
Legends associated with Raksha Bandhan include King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi. As the story goes, Lord Vishnu, who took on the Vamana avatar, became the ruler of the Patal Lok (underworld) after being granted three paces of land by King Bali. Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu's wife, was distressed when Vishnu went to the underworld with Bali, and she planned to bring him back by tying a Raksha Sutra around Bali's wrist.
Raksha Bandhan symbolizes the bond between siblings, and can also be extended to friends and even allies as in the legend of Maharani Karnavati of Mewar tying a symbolic Rakhi as an alliance when under attack by Bahadur Shah of Gujarat after Maharana Sanga passing away, where Humayun came to aid and restored Mewar to Karnavati’s son, Vikramjit. This poignant tale exemplifies the sacred bond symbolized by the Rakhi, and Humayun’s commitment to honoring it, where the act of tying a Rakhi signified mutual assistance and protection, highlighting the festival's role in reinforcing alliances.
Historical precedents like these relations demonstrate how these alliances are rooted in traditional practices and reflect the principles of unity, protection, and mutual support. It is a symbol of global relations and security alliances, which are formed to strengthen collective defense against common threats. India has a variety of strategic partnerships, treaties, and alliances that contribute to its
national security framework. The country has historically relied on alliances and partnerships to navigate national security threats.
During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation provided India with crucial Soviet support, including a naval presence in the Indian Ocean. This support deterred potential US and Chinese intervention and bolstered India's confidence in engaging militarily with
Pakistan, leading to the creation of Bangladesh and a historic victory for India. In the 1999 Kargil Conflict, India secured diplomatic backing from the United States, which played a key role in pressuring Pakistan to withdraw its forces, thereby preventing escalation into a full-scale war.
Similarly, after the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, India received significant international counterterrorism support, particularly from the US and Israel, in terms of intelligence sharing and forensic expertise. During the 2017 Doklam standoff with China, India received diplomatic support from Japan and the US, strengthening its position in negotiations and contributing to the peaceful resolution of the dispute.
Following the 2019 Pulwama attack, India garnered global diplomatic backing, particularly from the US, France, and the UK, which condemned the terrorist attack and pressured Pakistan to take action against terrorism. These instances demonstrate India's effective use of alliances and partnerships to secure strategic and diplomatic support during critical security challenges.
India faces multifaceted security challenges rooted in historical legacies, territorial disputes, and complex geopolitical dynamics. Sharing over 15,000 kilometers of land borders with seven countries, including nuclear-armed neighbors Pakistan and China, India grapples with potential regional instability and escalation threats. Adding to it, now without Sheikh Hasina’s alliance, cross-border terrorism and illegal migration from Bangladesh is an added strain on India's security, impacting resources and cultural dynamics.
India faces diverse security challenges from neighboring countries, impacting regional stability and strategic interests. Myanmar's porous border has allowed insurgent groups to operate, leading to cross-border attacks and arms trafficking, while ethnic conflicts risk spilling over into India. Nepal's border disputes and growing Chinese influence, particularly in infrastructure and military cooperation, pose strategic challenges. Bhutan faces Chinese pressure over territorial disputes, especially in Doklam, potentially altering the regional balance. In Sri Lanka, China's influence through the Belt and Road Initiative and internal ethnic tensions create additional security concerns for India, particularly regarding terrorism and regional instability.
Cooperation with neighbors and prudent diplomacy are crucial for maintaining regional equilibrium and safeguarding India's interests. As India rises geopolitically, particularly in the Indo-Pacific with growing ties with global like-minded nations, we must navigate the strategic adjustments of rival nations. India's international relationships are diverse, involving defense cooperation, intelligence sharing, joint military exercises, and technology transfers across various strategic partners.
India has a strong defense relationship with the United States, supported by agreements like the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), and Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA). India also participates in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) with the US, Japan, and Australia, focusing on regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
India-Russia defense cooperation is longstanding, including arms trade and joint military exercises. India engages in political and economic cooperation through BRICS, focusing on security and counterterrorism. India's strategic partnership with France includes defense cooperation, acquisition of military technology, and joint naval and air force exercises. India-Israel defense ties are significant, with Israel providing advanced technology in drones, missile systems, and cyber defense.
India has strengthened defense ties with Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, ASEAN, and Central Asia, and Russia-India-China (RIC) on security issues, particularly Afghanistan and counterterrorism. The country's security alliances, like the concept of Raksha Bandhan, symbolize mutual protection and care, embodying principles of global support, trust, and safety. These alliances, with nations like the US, Russia, Israel, Australia, and Japan, are built on the foundation of safeguarding each other’s security interests. By fostering unity and solidarity, these partnerships reflect a shared commitment to ensuring collective security and stability in an interconnected world, just like global Raksha Bandhan.
(The writer is a counter-terrorism expert and a visiting faculty with Pune University (SPPU) at the Department of Defense and Strategic Studies (DDSS). He is also the founder & editor-in-chief at Diplomacy Direct, a public interest think-tank.)
