Pursuing strategic autonomy, India seeks to navigate the complexities of a multipolar world by leveraging global contradictions to advance its national interests. This approach involves cultivating diverse relationships, extracting benefits from multiple partnerships, and reconciling commitments to various allies. By maintaining a delicate balance between convergence and divergence, India can optimize its gains while avoiding over-reliance on any one partner. 

This ‘multi-alignment’ strategy requires political dexterity to manage the intricate web of relationships with major powers, including the United States, China, Europe, Russia, and Japan, while also engaging with its neighbors and expanding its established alliances. As India continues to reform its economy and grow rapidly in a vibrant democracy, it must seize opportunities to address bilateral imbalances and reinforce its autonomy in a global order characterized by enduring cleavages. 

Introduction

Strategic autonomy is a critical concept in foreign policy that refers to a nation’s ability to make independent decisions and take actions that align with its national interests, without being influenced by external pressures or constraints. In the context of India, strategic autonomy has often been misunderstood and misinterpreted as a passive concept, implying a reluctance to take bold decisions or engage with the world. However, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has redefined strategic autonomy as a “choice of action” rather than a “choice of inaction,” emphasizing India’s proactive approach to global affairs.

Historical Instances of India’s Strategic Autonomy

There have been several historical instances of India’s strategic autonomy, which reflect its ability to take bold decisions and assert its independence in the face of international pressure. For example, Indira Gandhi’s role in the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971, PV Narasimha Rao’s economic reforms in the 1990s, Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s nuclear tests in 1998, and Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Indo-US nuclear deal in 2008 are all examples of India’s strategic autonomy in action.

One of the most significant examples of India’s strategic autonomy is its decision to conduct nuclear tests in 1998, despite international pressure and sanctions. This decision reflected India’s commitment to its national security and its refusal to be bound by international norms and treaties. Similarly, India’s decision to sign the Indo-US nuclear deal in 2008, despite opposition from the Left parties and other domestic stakeholders, reflected its commitment to strategic autonomy and its ability to take bold decisions in the face of international pressure.

India’s Strategic Autonomy in a Changing Global Landscape

The current global strategic landscape is characterized by the rise of China, the US-China rivalry, and increasing competition among great powers. These developments have created opportunities for India to assert its strategic autonomy and play a more significant role in global affairs. India’s growing economic and military capabilities have enabled it to take bold decisions and engage with the world on its own terms. For instance, India’s GDP has grown from $1.8 trillion in 2013 to over $3.2 trillion in 2022, making it the third-largest economy in the world in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP). Its military expenditure has also increased, with India becoming the third-largest military spender in the world in 2020, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

India has been successfully balancing its relationships with major powers, including the US, China, Russia, and the European Union, while maintaining its strategic autonomy. For example, India has participated in the Quad, a grouping of like-minded democracies that aims to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region. At the same time, India has engaged with the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), a regional economic organization led by Russia, to promote economic cooperation and connectivity in the Eurasian region. India has also strengthened its relationships with Middle Eastern countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, to promote energy security and economic cooperation.

One of the most significant examples of India’s balancing act is its relationship with the US and Russia. Despite being a key partner of the US in the Indo-Pacific region, India has continued to engage with Russia on defense and energy issues. For instance, India has purchased the S-400 missile defense system from Russia, despite US sanctions, and has also engaged in joint military exercises with Russia. This balancing act reflects India’s commitment to strategic autonomy and its ability to navigate complex relationships with major powers.

India’s Stance on Key Global Issues

India’s stance on key global issues reflects its strategic autonomy and commitment to its core values and principles. For instance, India has maintained its neutrality on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, despite pressure from the US and its allies to take a more decisive stance. Similarly, India has maintained its support for the Palestinian cause, despite pressure from Israel and its allies to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. India’s stance on these issues is shaped by its domestic politics, economic interests, and security concerns.

One of the most significant examples of India’s stance on key global issues is its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite being a key partner of the US and other Western countries, India has taken an independent decision on vaccine distribution and has refused to join the US-led vaccine alliance. Instead, India has developed its own vaccine, Covishield, and has distributed it to several countries in the region, including Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. This reflects India’s commitment to strategic autonomy and its ability to take bold decisions in the face of global crises.

India’s Capacity to Fill Gaps in Global Supply Chains

India’s growing capacity to fill gaps in global supply chains, particularly in food security and refined hydrocarbons, is enhancing its strategic autonomy and increasing its influence in global affairs. For instance, India has become a major player in the global food market, with its agricultural exports growing from $20 billion in 2013 to over $40 billion in 2022. India’s role in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) has also enabled it to promote renewable energy and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. Additionally, India’s efforts to promote regional connectivity through the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) initiative have enabled it to bypass China and promote economic cooperation in the region. One of the most significant examples of India’s capacity to fill gaps in global supply chains is its investment in the Chahbahar Port of Iran. This investment has given India access to Central Asia and bypassed both China and Pakistan, promoting regional connectivity and economic cooperation. India has also invested in the development of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), which aims to promote economic cooperation and connectivity between India, the Middle East, and Europe, while reducing dependence on China.

India’s Global Leadership and Strategic Initiatives 

India’s recent presidency of the G20 is a testament to its growing influence on the global stage. The country’s ability to bring together diverse nations and negotiate a consensus-based outcome document demonstrates its improved negotiating capabilities. Furthermore, India’s efforts to include Africa in the G20 process reflect its commitment to promoting global governance and development.

India’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been exemplary, with the country emerging as one of the most resilient in containing the pandemic. India’s ability to supply food and pharmaceuticals to the world during this crisis has enhanced its reputation as a responsible global citizen.

India’s strategic autonomy is also reflected in its ability to balance its relationships with major powers. Its proactive involvement in the Quad, a grouping of like-minded democracies, and its engagement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) demonstrate its ability to navigate complex relationships and promote its national interests.

To further leverage its strategic autonomy, India must invest in developing its own technology in the defense sector, particularly through companies like BEC and Bharat Dynamics etc. Capacity building for nuclear reactors and assertive diplomacy, including getting accommodated into the Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue concerning the strategic importance of Afghanistan, will also be crucial.

Conclusion

This is a time for us to engage America, manage China, cultivate Europe, reassure Russia, bring Japan into play, draw neighbours in, extend the neighbourhood, and expand its established alliances– all while continuing to reform economically and grow faster in a democratic system that is witnessing an ever more vivid expression of beliefs and traditions.

India’s strategic autonomy is a critical concept that reflects its ability to make independent decisions and take actions that align with its national interests. India’s growing economic and military capabilities, its balancing act with major powers, and its stance on key global issues all reflect its commitment to strategic autonomy. The latest developments, including its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, its role in the G20, and its efforts to promote regional connectivity through the BIMSTEC & BBIN like initiatives, demonstrate India’s ability to adapt to changing global circumstances and assert its strategic autonomy.