India's foreign policy-making process is a complex and dynamic one, involving several key
structures and agencies. While the Prime Minister (PM) holds the ultimate authority and sets
the overarching vision, various institutions contribute to the formulation, articulation, and
implementation of foreign policy.
Here's a breakdown of the key players:
1. Prime Minister's Office (PMO)
● Central Role: The PMO plays a crucial and increasingly dominant role in foreign policy.
The Prime Minister, as the head of government, is the chief architect and ultimate
decision-maker in foreign affairs.
● Coordination and Oversight: The PMO acts as a central coordinating agency, ensuring
synergy among various government departments and ministries involved in foreign policy.
It vets policy proposals from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and other agencies,
often providing the final stamp of approval.
● Direct Engagement: The Prime Minister often engages directly in high-level diplomacy,
bilateral visits, and participation in international forums, shaping India's image and
strategic partnerships.
● Advisers: The PMO houses key advisors, including the National Security Advisor (NSA),
who provide independent channels of information and policy recommendations to the
Prime Minister, supplementing those from the MEA.
2. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
● Primary Institution: The MEA is the principal institution responsible for the formulation
and implementation of India's foreign policy. It is headed by the Minister of External
Affairs (Foreign Minister), a cabinet member.
● Diplomatic Network: The MEA manages India's extensive network of diplomatic
missions abroad (embassies, high commissions, consulates), which are the frontlines of
India's foreign policy implementation.
● Policy Formulation: It gathers intelligence, conducts research, analyzes international
developments, and prepares policy briefs and recommendations for the government.
● Negotiations and Treaties: The MEA is responsible for conducting bilateral and
multilateral negotiations, signing treaties, and representing India in international
organizations like the United Nations.
● Public Diplomacy and Diaspora: It also engages in public diplomacy, promoting India's
image and values, and looks after the welfare of the Indian diaspora abroad.
● Indian Foreign Service (IFS): The MEA is the cadre-controlling authority for the Indian
Foreign Service, whose officers form the backbone of India's diplomatic machinery.
3. National Security Council (NSC)
● Advisory Body: The NSC is an executive government body tasked with advising the
Prime Minister on matters of national security and foreign policy.
● Strategic Planning: It plays a crucial role in formulating and implementing India's
national security strategy, which has significant implications for foreign policy.
● Coordination: The NSC serves as a central hub for coordinating the activities of various
government ministries and departments involved in national security, including Defence,
Home Affairs, and Finance, ensuring a comprehensive approach to external challenges.
● Three-Tiered Structure: The NSC operates through a three-tiered structure:
○ Strategic Policy Group: Provides long-term strategic assessments.
○ National Security Advisory Board (NSAB): Comprises eminent national security
experts from outside the government, offering independent perspectives.
○ National Security Council Secretariat: Provides administrative and analytical
support.
● National Security Advisor (NSA): The NSA is a senior official in the executive branch
and serves as the chief advisor to the Prime Minister on national security and strategic
affairs, often holding significant influence in foreign policy matters.
4. Parliament
● Oversight and Scrutiny: While the executive (government) primarily initiates foreign
policy, Parliament plays an important role in its oversight and scrutiny.
● Debates and Discussions: Members of Parliament (MPs) can raise questions, initiate
debates, and discuss foreign policy issues, holding the government accountable.
● Parliamentary Committees: Specialized parliamentary committees, such as the
Standing Committee on External Affairs, examine foreign policy issues in detail, review
government actions, and make recommendations.
● Treaty Ratification (Indirectly): Although the executive typically signs treaties,
Parliament is vested with the power to make laws for implementing any treaty, agreement,
or convention, thereby indirectly influencing their adoption.
● Budgetary Control: Parliament has budgetary control, which affects the resources
allocated to foreign policy initiatives and diplomatic missions.
● Public Support: The government often presents foreign policy proposals before
Parliament to garner wider public support or address potential opposition.
5. Political Parties
● Manifestos and Ideologies: Major political parties often articulate their foreign policy
visions and priorities in their election manifestos. These ideologies can influence the
government's foreign policy orientation once they come to power.
● Public Discourse: Political parties contribute to public discourse on foreign policy,
shaping public opinion and sometimes challenging the government's stance.
● Coalition Governments: In coalition governments, regional parties can exert significant
influence on foreign policy decisions, especially concerning issues that directly affect their
state's interests (e.g., relations with neighboring countries).
● Opposition Role: Opposition parties play a crucial role in critiquing the government's
foreign policy, proposing alternative approaches, and ensuring accountability.
6. Media
● Information Dissemination: The media acts as a crucial channel for disseminating
information about foreign policy developments to the public, both domestically and
internationally.
● Agenda Setting: Media coverage can set the agenda for foreign policy discussions,
highlighting certain issues and influencing public and policymaker attention.
● Public Opinion Formation: The media significantly shapes public opinion on foreign
policy issues, which can, in turn, influence government decisions.
● "CNN Effect": In a globalized world, real-time media coverage of international crises can
sometimes pressure governments to respond quickly or alter their foreign policy stances.
● Framing and Perception: The way media frames international events and issues can
influence how they are perceived by the public and, consequently, by policymakers.
● Soft Power and Image Building: Media platforms are increasingly used for public
diplomacy, projecting a nation's image and soft power abroad.
In conclusion, while the Prime Minister and the MEA are the primary drivers of India's foreign
policy, the process is shaped by inputs and oversight from the NSC, Parliament, political
parties, and the media, reflecting India's democratic framework and its engagement with
domestic and international complexities.
