Regional Party Dynamics and their Influence in Indian Foreign Policy

Nihar Kanti Baidya

doi:10.55544/ijrah.5.2.23

Authors

Nihar Kanti Baidya Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Chakdaha College, Chakdaha, Nadia, West Bengal - 741222, INDIA. | Ph.D. Scholar of Adamas University, Kolkata-700126, West Bengal, INDIA. https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5350-9731

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55544/ijrah.5.2.23

Keywords:

Regional Party, Foreign Policy, Domestic Politics, Coalition Politics

Abstract

Indian foreign policy is frequently influenced by a multifaceted interaction of regional and national interests, wherein state-level political entities play an instrumental role in shaping pivotal diplomatic determinations. This paper investigates the manner in which regional party dynamics affect India’s foreign policy, utilizing two case studies: the Teesta Water Sharing Agreement with Bangladesh and the involvement of Dravidian parties in the formulation of Indo-Sri Lankan relations.

The Teesta water agreement exemplifies the impact of West Bengal’s ruling entity, particularly the Trinamool Congress (TMC), in hindering a significant bilateral accord between India and Bangladesh. Notwithstanding the diplomatic endeavors by the central administration, apprehensions regarding water allocation and electoral considerations in West Bengal culminated in the deal’s indefinite deferral, thereby illustrating the influence of regional interests on international negotiations.

In a related context, the Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu have influenced India's stance on Sri Lanka considerably, especially in terms of Tamil rights and the situation of Tamil minorities. Their political advocacy has prompted alterations in India’s engagement with Sri Lanka, thereby affecting decisions related to economic relations, military collaboration, and diplomatic resolutions within international arenas.

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