“Changing global power equations and the rise of new major powers are reshaping international relations. Examine how such shifts influence India’s foreign policy and discuss the measures needed to safeguard its strategic autonomy.

Question

PocketIAS · Accepted Answer

Changing Global Power Equations and India’s Foreign Policy

The post-Cold War unipolar order is transitioning towards multipolarity, marked by China’s rise, Russia’s resurgence, middle-power activism and relative recalibration of U.S. dominance. These transformations significantly influence India’s external engagements.

I. Influence on India’s Foreign Policy

1. Shift from Non-Alignment to Multi-Alignment

Engagement in Quad, I2U2 and Indo-Pacific frameworks.
Balancing China’s BRI expansion and assertiveness along the LAC.
Issue-based partnerships without formal alliances.

2. Rise of Geo-Economic Diplomacy

Supply-chain resilience initiatives.
FTAs with UAE and Australia to diversify trade.
Leadership in G20; articulation of Global South priorities.

3. Strategic and Defence Hedging

Foundational agreements with U.S. (LEMOA, COMCASA).
Continued defence cooperation with Russia for legacy platforms.
Emphasis on maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.

II. Risks to Strategic Autonomy

Sanctions regimes and technology denial frameworks.
Escalating Sino-Indian border tensions.
Instability in West Asia affecting energy security.

III. Measures to Safeguard Strategic Autonomy

Accelerate defence indigenisation under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Strengthen manufacturing and secure critical minerals.
Deepen neighbourhood diplomacy (SAGAR, Act East).
Invest in emerging technologies and diversified energy sources.
Pursue flexible, issue-based coalitions while avoiding bloc politics.

Thus, calibrated multi-alignment and internal capacity-building remain essential to preserving India’s strategic autonomy in a fluid global order.

✍️ Practice Mode

Write. Evaluate. Improve. Repeat.

The model answer is ready.

Comments (0)