| UPSC Relevance GS Paper II: International Relations – India’s Foreign Policy, Strategic Autonomy, Multi-Alignment, Relations with U.S./China/Russia. Essay Paper: Themes on multipolarity, India as voice of Global South. Ethics/IR: Balancing autonomy with responsibility in global governance. |
Why in News?
India’s foreign policy has increasingly centred on the principle of strategic autonomy amid shifting global power dynamics. The deepening U.S.–China rivalry, Russia’s Ukraine conflict, energy insecurity, and emerging domains like cyberspace and AI have made it imperative for India to carefully balance partnerships without compromising sovereignty. During the G-20 Presidency (2023) and in forums like BRICS and QUAD, India projected itself as a voice of the Global South, reflecting the evolving practice of strategic autonomy.
Background;What is Strategic Autonomy?
Definition: Strategic autonomy refers to a nation’s ability to take independent decisions in foreign policy and defence without succumbing to external pressure or rigid alliance systems. It does not mean isolation but the flexibility to partner with multiple players on its own terms.
Historical Roots: Strategic autonomy is rooted in India’s colonial past and Nehru’s Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) during the Cold War, when India resisted joining either bloc.
Evolution:
- Cold War era: Non-alignment, Afro-Asian solidarity, balancing Soviet ties with Western engagement.
- Post-1991: Economic reforms increased interdependence; autonomy became about flexibility.
- 21st Century: “Multi-alignment” — simultaneously engaging U.S., Russia, China, EU, and the Global South.
Core Idea: It does not mean isolationism or neutrality, but the ability to engage all powers on India’s own terms.
Strategic Autonomy in India’s Foreign Policy Today
1. India–U.S. Partnership
- Strengths: Defence agreements (LEMOA, COMCASA, BECA), QUAD cooperation, semiconductor and AI partnerships, and shared concerns about China.
- Challenges: U.S. pressure to cut Russian oil imports post-Ukraine war, past tariff disputes, and expectations of closer alignment with Western policies.
- Example: India purchased S-400 missile systems from Russia despite U.S. objections, showing independent decision-making.
2. India–China Engagement
- Security Challenge: The 2020 Galwan clashes shattered border stability. India responded with enhanced border infrastructure and Indo-Pacific partnerships.
- Economic Reality: Despite security tensions, bilateral trade crossed $136 billion in 2024.
- Example: India banned Chinese apps citing security risks, while continuing to import APIs (pharma inputs), balancing sovereignty and economic need.
3. India–Russia Relations
- Legacy Ties: Around 60–70% of India’s defence equipment is Russian-origin.
- Energy Security: India became Russia’s largest crude oil buyer after Western sanctions.
- Diplomatic Stance: India abstained from UN votes condemning Russia but engaged in peace dialogues.
- Example: At the G-20 Summit (New Delhi, 2023), India ensured the declaration avoided direct condemnation of Russia, balancing interests.
4. Leadership in the Global South
- India positions itself as a bridge between developed and developing nations.
- Advocated African Union’s inclusion in the G-20 and championed debt relief, digital inclusion, and climate finance.
- This reflects autonomy beyond great-power rivalry — promoting global equity.
Challenges to Strategic Autonomy
- Economic Dependence: 85% of crude oil is imported, making India vulnerable to global disruptions.
- Technology Gaps: U.S. and China dominate AI, 5G, and semiconductors, reducing India’s bargaining power.
- China Factor: Persistent border disputes and China’s economic leverage challenge India’s autonomy.
- Balancing Rivals: Simultaneous ties with U.S. and Russia create friction.
- Domestic Vulnerabilities: Political polarisation, fiscal constraints, and weak R&D reduce resilience.
- New Security Arenas: Cyber threats, data governance, and space militarisation demand fresh strategies.
Way Forward
- Economic Resilience: Strengthen Atmanirbhar Bharat in technology, manufacturing, and clean energy.Example: Micron’s semiconductor plant in Gujarat enhances tech sovereignty.
- Diversified Partnerships: Focus on mini-laterals like QUAD, I2U2, BRICS, and IMEC.Example: India’s proactive role in the India–Middle East–Europe Corridor (IMEC) expands strategic options.
- Defence Modernisation: Boost indigenous defence industries to reduce dependence on Russia.Example: Tejas fighter jets and BrahMos missile exports improve autonomy and global stature.
- Digital & Data Sovereignty: Develop indigenous digital platforms, AI ecosystems, and 6G technology to avoid reliance on Chinese/U.S. systems.
- Climate & Global Leadership: Use platforms like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to shape climate governance and amplify India’s soft power.
- Institutional Strengthening: Build bipartisan consensus and enhance diplomatic capacity to sustain autonomy over the long term.
Conclusion
India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy is both principled and pragmatic. It reflects the desire to avoid rigid bloc politics while asserting sovereignty in an interconnected world. In practice, this means:
- Partnering with the U.S. without becoming a vassal,
- Engaging Russia without sharing its isolation,
- Deterring China without provoking open war.
Strategic autonomy, therefore, is not isolation but resilience and adaptability. It positions India as a sovereign pole in a multipolar order, capable of shaping global rules while safeguarding national interests.
As India aspires for Viksit Bharat @2047, strategic autonomy will be the compass guiding its rise as a responsible, independent, and influential global power.
UPSC Mains Practice Question
GS Paper II – International Relations
Q. “Strategic autonomy remains central to India’s foreign policy in a multipolar world. However, growing economic interdependence, security challenges, and technological dependencies are testing its limits.”
Critically examine this statement with suitable examples. (250 words)
SOURCE- THE HINDU
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