Book Review: ‘Friends’ by Sreeram Chaulia

Book Title: Friends: India’s Closest Strategic Partners
Author: Sreeram Chaulia
Publisher: Rupa Publications India
Number of Pages: 304
ISBN: 978-9361569876
Date Published: Oct. 7, 2024
Price: INR 625

Book Review

Sreeram Chaulia’s “Friends: India’s Closest Strategic Partners” is a profound exploration of India’s foreign policy and its strategic alliances. In this illuminating work, Chaulia delves into India’s ascent on the global stage through meticulous case studies of its key bilateral relationships. Sreeram Chaulia is the dean at Jindal School of International Affairs and director general of Jindal India Institute at O.P. Jindal Global University. He writes for Dainik Jagran and Hindustan Times, comments on international issues in media, and hosts the TV show ‘Indian Diplomacy’ on Doordarshan.

In the book, he effectively ties India’s rise as a global power with its strategic engagements, illustrating how the nation’s diplomacy has evolved in the face of complex international dynamics. This book offers a compelling analysis for those keen on understanding India’s position in global geopolitics and its efforts to balance multiple international relationships.

Chaulia’s examination of India’s foreign policy is particularly insightful as it navigates the country’s intricate alliances with major powers such as the USA, Russia, and China, as well as middle powers like Japan and Australia. The book addresses India’s multi-alignment strategy, highlighting how the nation skillfully manages relations with diverse partners while maintaining a stance of independence and strategic autonomy. This approach helps demystify India’s often perplexing diplomatic maneuvers, making the book a valuable resource for readers interested in international relations and strategic studies.

The author provides a nuanced view of India’s strategic partnerships, illustrating how these relationships contribute to India’s growing global influence. By presenting detailed case studies, Chaulia sheds light on how India’s friendships with various nations impact its security, economic interests, and geopolitical standing. The book underscores the significance of these alliances in bolstering India’s status as a leading power and explores the interplay between these partnerships and India’s broader foreign policy goals. There are seven chapters in total and what’s interesting apart from the contents are the titles given to each chapter. For example, chapter 1 – Feeding the Koi Fish: Japan and India in Broader Asia is about India – Japan ties, but the title is fascinating.

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“Friends: India’s Closest Strategic Partners” stands out for its thorough analysis of India’s strategic relationships and its role in the evolving global order. Chaulia’s work is not only a valuable contribution to the field of international relations but also a timely examination of India’s role in shaping the future of global diplomacy. For readers seeking to understand the complexities of India’s foreign policy and its strategic partnerships, this book provides an engaging and informative perspective.

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