India’s foreign policy stance reflects a complex balancing act among its key global relationships as it seeks to navigate an increasingly multipolar world. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar articulated this approach in his 2020 book, emphasizing engagement with multiple powers, including the U.S., China, Russia, and Japan. Despite these ambitions, India’s relations with the U.S. have faced challenges, particularly under the Trump administration, which criticized India for its oil purchases from Russia and imposed tariffs on Indian goods. This has led to questions about the sustainability of India’s strategy as it prepares for a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
India’s role is marked by being part of the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Quad alongside Japan, the U.S., and Australia, while also being a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a group with significant Chinese and Russian influence. Analysts argue that India’s strategic autonomy serves to enhance its international leverage but may also expose it to risks.
India’s economic and military capacities are significantly smaller compared to those of the U.S. and China. As the fifth-largest economy with a $4 trillion GDP, it is a considerable player but remains reliant on imports for much of its military technology. India’s ongoing reliance on discounted Russian oil raises further concerns about its international standing.
Recent diplomatic overtures from China, including calls for improved ties during high-level visits, have provoked questions regarding India’s motivations for dialogue now, especially following past conflicts such as the 2020 Galwan clashes. Analysts emphasize that future discussions among India, China, and Russia will significantly depend on U.S. foreign policy dynamics.
Amid this backdrop, India navigates a challenging geopolitical landscape. Strategic observers underscore that India must find a way to manage its relationships with major powers without succumbing to external pressures. The question remains: how can India effectively harmonize its foreign policy commitments while safeguarding its autonomy in a fracturing global order?
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c80d2nvzg72o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss