Model Answer

Regional multilateralism enables countries to pursue shared security, economic and connectivity interests through institutional cooperation. India’s engagement with the SCO, BIMSTEC, ASEAN-led forums and other groupings reflects its preference for strategic autonomy and issue-based partnerships.

Why regional multilateralism matters for India

1. It diversifies India’s diplomatic partnerships amid growing great-power competition.
2. Regional platforms strengthen strategic autonomy by avoiding excessive dependence on any single bloc.
3. They provide access to strategically important regions. e.g: SCO strengthens India’s engagement with Central Asia.
4. Security cooperation helps address terrorism, extremism and organised crime.
5. Regional groupings support economic and connectivity interests. e.g: BIMSTEC links India with Southeast Asia.
6. They facilitate cooperation in emerging areas. e.g: Critical minerals, digital infrastructure and energy security.
7. Multiple platforms strengthen India’s voice in shaping a multipolar international order.

Challenges in forging consensus

1. Members often possess competing geopolitical interests. e.g: India-China differences within SCO.
2. Bilateral disputes can constrain multilateral cooperation. e.g: India-Pakistan tensions.
3. Different approaches towards terrorism weaken collective security.
4. Connectivity initiatives can raise sovereignty concerns. e.g: India’s objections to CPEC.
5. Great-power rivalries increasingly influence regional organisations.
6. Consensus-based decision-making can produce limited outcomes.

Way Forward

1. Pursue issue-based coalitions on connectivity, counter-terrorism, technology and climate resilience.
2. Deepen engagement with Central Asia, BIMSTEC and ASEAN alongside major global forums.
3. Combine principled positions on sovereignty and terrorism with pragmatic diplomatic engagement.

For India, regional multilateralism need not imply strategic alignment. Broad and sustained engagement across competing platforms can expand diplomatic space, protect national interests and strengthen India’s role as an independent pole in a multipolar world.