India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy has become central to its foreign policy in 2025. As global power shifts and alliances change, India balances relations with the United States, China and Russia. This approach allows India to protect its interests while engaging with multiple powers independently. Strategic autonomy is not isolation but flexibility and sovereignty in decision-making.
Definition and Historical Roots
Strategic autonomy means a nation’s ability to make foreign policy and defence decisions without external constraints. It is distinct from neutrality or isolationism. For India, the concept has deep roots from colonial times. Post-independence, leaders like Nehru promoted non-alignment during the Cold War. Today, India follows multi-alignment, adapting to a complex global landscape while preserving freedom of action.
Global Context and Challenges
The unipolar world led by the U.S. has given way to a fragmented order. China’s assertiveness, Russia’s global stance and Western divisions create uncertainty. India recalibrates its partnerships to safeguard territorial integrity, economic growth, technology and regional stability. This demands diplomatic skill and strategic foresight.
India and the United States
India-U.S. ties have deepened through defence cooperation, intelligence sharing and joint exercises. The Quad, I2U2, and India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor strengthen this bond. However, trade tensions and U.S. pressure on India’s Russia ties test the relationship. India responds by engaging pragmatically, prioritising national interest over ideological alignment.
Relations with China
India faces a complex China challenge. Border clashes in 2020 raised tensions, yet China remains a major trade partner and regional player. India adopts cautious engagement with firm deterrence. It invests in border infrastructure, defence capabilities and Indo-Pacific partnerships. India also participates in forums like BRICS and SCO, balancing rivalry with diplomacy.
Engagement with Russia
India’s ties with Russia are historic and multifaceted. Despite Russia’s closeness to China and global isolation post-Ukraine conflict, India maintains defence and energy cooperation. It diversifies military imports and pursues indigenous production. Strategic autonomy here means resisting binary choices and crafting policy based on India’s unique needs.
India’s Global South Leadership
India positions itself as the voice of the Global South. It promotes democracy as a bouquet of hope and champions partnerships based on interest, not bias. This stance appeals to many rising powers seeking agency and stability amid great-power rivalries. India aims to be a sovereign pole, neither aligned blindly nor isolated.
Domestic and Technological Dimensions
Strategic autonomy requires economic strength, political coherence and technological capability. India invests in indigenous platforms, critical minerals and digital sovereignty. It recognises that autonomy must extend to cyber security, AI warfare and space competition. Domestic challenges like political polarisation can affect autonomous decision-making.
Strategic Autonomy as a Dynamic Strategy
Strategic autonomy is a practical strategy, not just rhetoric. India balances engagement with the U.S., deterrence of China and partnership with Russia. It builds capabilities, cultivates diverse partnerships and asserts its interests confidently. This approach reclaims Indian agency in a turbulent world, standing tall without standing alone.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the relevance of strategic autonomy in India’s foreign policy amid a multipolar world order.
- Examine the challenges and opportunities presented by India’s relations with the United States and China in maintaining strategic autonomy.
- Analyse the impact of technological advancements such as Artificial Intelligence and cyber warfare on the concept of strategic autonomy for emerging powers like India.
- Estimate the role of the Global South in shaping global governance and how India’s leadership influences this dynamic.
