India's doctrine of strategic autonomy is tested not only by great power rivalry but also by its silence on coercive unilateralism against smaller nations. Examine how India should balance its deepening U.S. partnership with its commitment to sovereign equality and Global South solidarity, with reference to the Cuba crisis.

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Introduction:

The Cuba crisis, marked by coercive unilateral sanctions, tests India’s ability to balance its deepening U.S. partnership with its long-standing commitment to sovereign equality and Global South solidarity.

Body:

India’s ties with the U.S. have strengthened across defence (COMCASA, BECA), technology, and the Indo-Pacific strategy, making Washington a key partner in countering China and enabling economic growth. This necessitates a degree of diplomatic calibration, often reflected in muted responses to U.S. actions such as the Cuba blockade or secondary sanctions. However, such silence risks diluting India’s normative position rooted in Panchsheel, non-interference, and support for a rules-based international order based on sovereign equality. Historically, India has opposed unilateral sanctions lacking UN backing, viewing them as violations of international law.

Balancing these imperatives requires a nuanced approach. India can maintain strategic convergence with the U.S. while articulating principled opposition to coercive unilateralism in multilateral forums like the UN. It can align with Global South concerns by advocating reform of global governance, greater voice for developing countries, and adherence to international law. At the same time, India must avoid binary alignments, leveraging its multi-alignment strategy to retain policy flexibility. Selective issue-based cooperation with the U.S. need not preclude independent positions on sanctions regimes affecting third countries.

Conclusion:

India’s path lies in “principled pragmatism”—deepening strategic partnerships while consistently upholding sovereignty and multilateral norms, thereby reinforcing both its credibility and leadership in the Global South.

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