Minilateralism is in the news for its rising prominence in global governance and India's strategic use of such frameworks.
Introduction
Minilateralism represents a transformative approach to global governance, focusing on smaller, focused coalitions to address specific challenges. Unlike the often cumbersome multilateral frameworks, minilateralism facilitates quicker decision-making and targeted solutions, reflecting a shift in the global order toward pragmatic alliances. India, leveraging its strategic geography and growing influence, plays a pivotal role in advancing minilateral initiatives, balancing its aspirations for multipolarity and addressing domestic and global challenges.
What is Minilateralism?
Minilateralism involves small coalitions of like-minded nations targeting specific regional or global challenges.
These frameworks are designed for agility, faster decision-making, and effective solutions.
Unlike multilateralism, they focus on shared goals among a limited number of countries.
Example: The Quad (India, USA, Japan, and Australia) addresses Indo-Pacific security and ensures freedom of navigation.
Other notable examples include AUKUS (Australia-UK-US pact) and the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (India-Australia-Japan).
Why is the Global Order Shifting Towards Minilateralism?
1. Fragmentation of Global Consensus
Multilateral bodies struggle with consensus due to diverging national interests, as seen in the WTO’s stalled Doha Development Agenda.
Countries increasingly opt for smaller coalitions like the CPTPP to bypass such inefficiencies.
2. Geopolitical Rivalries and Power Asymmetry
Major powers dominate traditional multilateral institutions, sidelining smaller nations.
Examples: China's BRI bypassing World Bank frameworks; G7 countering Chinese economic coercion.
3. Efficiency in Crisis Management
Minilateral groups enable faster responses, unlike the WHO’s criticized delays during COVID-19.
Example: The Quad facilitated the delivery of 1.2 billion vaccine doses globally.
4. Tailored Solutions for Regional Challenges
Minilateralism allows targeted approaches, such as AUKUS addressing Indo-Pacific security.
These bypass the inefficiencies of broader agreements like UN Security Council resolutions.
5. Structural Shifts in Global Power
Emerging powers like India and China are creating regional coalitions such as RCEP to assert autonomy from Western-dominated multilateral systems.
India’s Role in the Rise of Minilateralism
1. Leadership in Regional Security
India leads initiatives like the Quad for maritime security and countering illegal fishing in the Indo-Pacific.
It also engages in SAARC to address regional stability and terrorism.
2. Economic Partnerships
India-UAE CEPA aims to double trade in non-petroleum goods to $100 billion by 2030.
India leverages economic minilateralism to enhance regional supply chains and reduce dependence on China.
3. Technology Collaborations
Under the Quad, India partners with the USA and Japan to advance semiconductor manufacturing.
Example: A semiconductor fabrication unit is being set up in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh.
4. Climate Leadership
Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Global Biofuels Alliance highlight India’s climate-focused minilateralism.
These frameworks provide scalable solutions for developing nations.
5. Promoting South-South Cooperation
India leads the IBSA Dialogue Forum for sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
The Voice of the Global South Summit hosted by India emphasizes reforms in multilateral systems.
Challenges for India in Navigating Minilateralism
1. Balancing Strategic Autonomy
India’s non-alignment policy conflicts with the deeper alignments required in frameworks like the Quad.
Example: Balancing ties with Russia (defense imports) and Quad allies creates diplomatic challenges.
2. Diverging Partner Interests
Partners in minilateral frameworks may have conflicting priorities.
Example: The US's anti-China stance contrasts with India’s economic interdependence on China.
3. Narrow Focus of Minilateral Platforms
Many frameworks emphasize limited objectives, ignoring broader concerns like climate finance or WTO reforms.
India requires an estimated $2.5 trillion for climate change mitigation by 2030, underscoring the need for diversified cooperation.
4. Resource Constraints
India’s diplomatic and financial capacity is stretched thin, impacting participation in multiple platforms like the Quad and BRICS.
The defense budget ($72.6 billion in 2023) limits additional commitments.
5. Overlapping Agendas
Participation in multiple frameworks risks duplication of efforts.
Example: Both the Quad and I2U2 overlap in technology and infrastructure goals, complicating coherence.
Measures for Balancing Minilateralism with Multilateralism
1. Champion Reforms in Multilateral Institutions
India should advocate for inclusive reforms in the UN, WTO, and IMF to enhance legitimacy.
Collaborating with IBSA nations can generate momentum for UN Security Council reforms.
2. Strengthen Regional Multilateralism
Revitalizing SAARC and BIMSTEC can complement minilateral initiatives like the Quad.
Example: Linking Quad maritime initiatives with BIMSTEC’s blue economy projects.
3. Develop a Hybrid Diplomacy Model
Minilateralism can complement multilateral goals, ensuring synergy.
Example: Expanding ISA’s membership while using Quad platforms for technological transfers.
4. Align Minilateral Goals with Global Objectives
Quad technology-sharing initiatives can support UN SDG 9 (industry and innovation).
India’s renewable energy targets align with ISA’s global solar goals.
5. Promote Regional Connectivity
Cross-border energy trade projects with Bangladesh and Nepal can scale to BIMSTEC countries.
India’s energy exports showcase its potential as a regional hub.
Conclusion
Minilateralism is reshaping global governance by fostering agile, issue-specific partnerships, with India emerging as a key player. While these coalitions enhance regional security and economic integration, their narrow focus limits the resolution of broader global challenges. By championing multilateral reforms, adopting hybrid diplomacy, and aligning minilateral goals with global priorities, India can effectively balance its strategic interests with broader global responsibilities, ensuring sustainable and inclusive cooperation.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
