The Indian way of internationalism and enforcement of Interna-

tional Law.

I. Introduction
The concept of internationalism, defined as the promotion of global cooperation and mutual understanding
among nations, has been a significant concern for the international community. In recent years, there has
been a growing need to address global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and the protection
of human rights through collective action and the enforcement of international law. The Indian approach
to internationalism is characterized by its commitment to upholding the values of justice, equality, and
non-violence, which have been deeply rooted in Indian culture and history. As Indian diplomat Shashi
Tharoor (2003) argues, India has consistently advocated for a rules-based international order that respects
the sovereignty of nations while concurrently promoting multilateralism and the rule of law. This essay
examines the Indian way of internationalism and how India's commitment to enforcing international law
has contributed to global governance and the promotion of peace and stability in the international arena.

II. Historical Perspective: India's Approach to Internationalism

The historical perspective plays a crucial role in understanding India's approach to internationalism.
India's engagement with the international community can be traced back to ancient times, when it
established trade links with various civilizations. The Mauryan Empire, under the rule of Ashoka,
demonstrates one of the earliest instances of India's commitment to internationalism. Ashoka's policies
emphasized non-violence, religious tolerance, and the promotion of peace and justice,(Subramanian,
2015). This approach laid the foundation for India's future engagement with the world. Furthermore,
India's struggle for independence and its subsequent role as a leader of the non-aligned movement are
significant milestones in its international journey, illustrating India's commitment to principles of justice,
equality, and self-determination, (Dalal, 2011; Basu, 2011). These historical experiences have shaped
India's approach to internationalism and continue to influence its commitment to enforcing international
law.

III. India's Role in Promoting International Law

India has played a significant role in promoting international law on various platforms. One notable ex-
ample is its participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions, where it has consistently contributed
troops and resources to maintain peace and security. According to Armin Rosencranz and Michael H.
Davis (2006), India is the largest contributor of peacekeepers among the four major troop-contributing
countries, with more than 180,000 soldiers having served in various UN missions over the years. This
demonstrates India's commitment to upholding international norms and its willingness to actively engage
in enforcing international law. Additionally, India has been an active participant in global discussions and
negotiations on issues related to international law, such as climate change and sustainable development.
For instance, as highlighted by Rajesh Basrur (2018), India played a crucial role in the negotiation and
adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015. These actions not only exemplify India's proactive approach to
promoting international norms but also showcase its commitment to addressing global challenges through
the framework of international law.

IV. Challenges to India's Enforcement of International Law

There are several challenges that India faces in the enforcement of international law. First, India's size and
population make it difficult to effectively monitor and enforce compliance with international law within
its own borders. This is evident in the case of human rights violations, where India has been criticized
for its handling of issues such as religious freedom and the rights of marginalized communities. Second,
India's complex legal system and bureaucratic processes can often hinder the timely implementation of
international law obligations. For example, India's slow judicial process and the backlog of cases can
delay justice for victims and make it harder to hold perpetrators accountable. Additionally, there is a lack
of awareness and understanding of international law among the general public and even within the legal
community. This lack of awareness can lead to a disregard for international obligations and a limited
understanding of the importance of conforming to international norms. These challenges highlight the
need for greater education and capacity-building efforts to strengthen India's enforcement of international
law (Walker, 2017).

V. India's Contribution to Global Peace and Security

India's contribution to global peace and security is also evident in its consistent support for the enforce-
ment of international law. As a founding member of the United Nations, India has long emphasized
the importance of upholding international norms and ensuring the peaceful resolution of conflicts. For
instance, in 1971, India played a crucial role in resolving the Bangladesh Liberation War by demanding
the withdrawal of Pakistani forces and supporting Bangladesh's right to self-determination (Nandy,
2011). This intervention not only helped to bring an end to a violent conflict but also showcased
India's commitment to the principles of international law. Additionally, India actively participates in
United Nations peacekeeping missions and has consistently been among the top contributors of troops,
demonstrating its commitment to maintaining global peace and security (Cherian, 2017). Indeed, India's
adherence to international law and its active involvement in conflict resolution highlight its significant
role in promoting stability and upholding the principles of global peace.

VI. Conclusion
To conclude, the Indian approach to internationalism and the enforcement of international law is char-
acterized by a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and legal factors. India's history of colonialism
has shaped its approach to international relations, leading to a preference for non-alignment and the
promotion of principles such as sovereignty and self-determination. Additionally, India's strong cultural
traditions, rooted in concepts of dharma and ahimsa, have influenced its commitment to peaceful means of
conflict resolution and negotiation. Furthermore, India's legal framework, as reflected in its Constitution
and domestic legislation, provides a solid foundation for the enforcement of international law within
its jurisdiction. The Indian judiciary has played a key role in promoting the primacy of international
law, demonstrated through its decisions on issues such as human rights and environmental protection.
However, challenges remain in terms of the implementation and effectiveness of international law
within India, particularly in areas such as enforcement and compliance. Thus, while India's approach
to internationalism and the enforcement of international law is characterized by certain key principles
and legal mechanisms, there is a need for ongoing efforts to address the gaps and challenges that exist.
(Mahajan, 2016)
Bibliography
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- Bimal N. Patel. 'India and International Law: Introduction.' Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, 1/1/2008

- Michele L. Louro. 'Comrades against Imperialism.' Nehru, India, and Interwar Internationalism,
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This essay was written by Samwell AI.

https://samwell.ai