There are a minimum of three reasons for India to contemplate increasing its financial support for CIMMYT, which is based in Mexico
- India’s policy of being the “first responder” in crises marks a significant shift from its traditional non-aligned posture to that of a proactive and responsible stakeholder in global stability.
- Neighborhood First: By providing timely financial, material, and technical aid to nations like Sri Lanka during its economic crisis, Nepal after its earthquake, or Afghanistan facing a humanitarian disaster, India consolidates its influence in its immediate neighbourhood. This goodwill acts as a powerful counterweight to the influence of other powers, particularly China’s debt-trap diplomacy.
- Net Security Provider: Initiatives like SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) are not limited to maritime security but extend to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). Operations like ‘Operation Dost’ in Türkiye demonstrated India’s capacity for rapid, large-scale international rescue and relief, enhancing its credibility as a reliable partner.
- From Aid to Partnership: Unlike traditional donors, India focuses on capacity building through Lines of Credit (LoCs), technical consultancy, and sharing its developmental model (e.g., the “India Stack” of digital public goods). This fosters self-reliance in partner countries rather than dependency.
- Market Creation: By helping build infrastructure and stabilising economies in developing countries, India creates future markets for its goods, services, and investments. A prosperous and stable neighbourhood is a direct prerequisite for India’s own sustained economic growth.
- Upholding Civilisational Values: The principle of Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah (may all be happy) is manifested through initiatives like the Vaccine Maitri program. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s role as the “pharmacy of the world” earned it immense global goodwill and moral authority.
- Human-Centric Model: India’s approach is fundamentally human-centric and demand-driven, standing in contrast to the state-centric, top-down models of authoritarian regimes. This resonates strongly with developing nations in the Global South, positioning India as their natural leader.
- Balancing Domestic Needs: As a developing country, India faces the critical challenge of balancing its international commitments with pressing domestic needs in health, education, and poverty alleviation. A robust public discourse is needed to build consensus that these external engagements serve India’s long-term interests.
- Ensuring Efficacy: The last-mile delivery and effective utilisation of aid in recipient countries, often plagued by corruption and weak governance, remain a concern. India must strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure its assistance achieves its intended purpose.
- Resource Constraints: India cannot compete with the deep pockets of nations like China in chequebook diplomacy. Therefore, its strategy must continue to play to its strengths: providing low-cost, innovative solutions, sharing relevant developmental experience, and focusing on human resource development.
