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India and a Case for Strategic Autonomy
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Context
India's recent diplomatic maneuvers, including Prime Minister Modi's visit to Moscow amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict, have sparked a debate on the concept of strategic autonomy. This debate highlights the challenges and imperatives for India to maintain its independent foreign policy in a rapidly changing global order.
Stress Points in India-U.S. Relations:
- Discrepancies over Russia: India's neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, characterized by continued energy cooperation with Moscow, has created friction with the U.S. and its allies, who view this as support for Russia.
- Public Criticisms: Recent public comments by U.S. officials, including the National Security Adviser and the U.S. Ambassador to India, have highlighted the perceived inconsistencies in India's strategic partnership with the West.
- Historical Context: India's strategic autonomy, rooted in its non-aligned movement post-independence, has always aimed at balancing relations with major powers to serve national interests.
Great Power Rivalry and India's Position:
- Evolving Global Order: The unipolar world led by the U.S. is shifting towards a multipolar one, with China's rise and Russia's assertive military actions challenging the Western-dominated global order.
- Strategic Balancing: India seeks to navigate this complex landscape by maintaining its strategic autonomy, ensuring it is not drawn into any single alliance system while engaging with multiple power centers.
- Russia's Role: Despite Russia's closer ties with China, India's defense and energy partnerships with Russia remain crucial. This relationship is seen as an opportunity to reframe the bilateral ties on more equal terms.
Positive-Sum Approach to Strategic Autonomy:
- Multilateralism: India advocates for a multilateral global order that reflects contemporary geopolitical realities, aiming for a more representative international system.
- Engagement and Independence: Strategic autonomy does not imply isolationism but promotes active engagement with various power centers based on informed national interests.
- Broader Benefits: India's energy trade with Russia helps stabilize global oil markets, and its balanced foreign policy can moderate Russia-China relations, contributing to global stability.
UPSC Mains Questions:
Q. Discuss the concept of strategic autonomy in the context of India's foreign policy. How has this principle influenced India's international relations since independence?
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