Paradiplomacy in India

The globalization of the Indian economy and the federalization and regionalization of Indian politics since the 1990s have led states to pursue foreign investments, trade partnerships, and cultural exchanges. There is fierce competition among states to attract investments from overseas. However, the central government started facilitating states’ international engagement by recognizing the importance of paradiplomatic initiatives. The institutionalization of paradiplomacy later followed this. The paper argues that this new approach acknowledges the important contributions that states may make in advancing the nation's economic interests and international relations, thereby demonstrating cooperative federalism. Despite limited capability, big cities in India also engage in paradiplomacy, especially in cultural, educational, and climate change.