India’s Strategic Autonomy: Balancing Powers in a Multipolar World

Context

The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China highlighted the evolving dynamics of global politics. With shifting power equations and rising competition between major powers, the concept of strategic autonomy has become central for countries like India, which seek to safeguard their sovereignty while engaging in a rapidly changing international order.

What is Strategic Autonomy?

Definition: It refers to a nation’s ability to take sovereign and independent decisions in foreign policy and defence without being dictated by external pressures or alliance obligations.
Not isolationism: Unlike isolation or neutrality, it allows flexibility and independence to engage with multiple powers.
Middle path: Represents a balance between rigid bloc politics and passive disengagement.
Diplomatic practice: Strategic autonomy today is a daily diplomatic necessity, not a theoretical aspiration.
Resilience and adaptability: It must be redefined as resilience in facing pressures and adaptability in changing contexts.

Challenges for India in Maintaining Strategic Autonomy

Accelerating global power shifts: India must balance relations among the U.S., China, and Russia.
Fragmented world order: The unipolar U.S. dominance has given way to a multipolar structure.
Fluid environment: China’s assertiveness, Russia’s revisionism, and Western divisions create unpredictability.
Issues with the U.S.: Erratic trade policies, tariffs, and sanctions under Trump strained ties.
Disputes with China: Border aggression, economic rivalry, and its push for a dominant regional order directly threaten India’s security.
Concerns with Russia: Russia’s proximity to China and global isolation post-Ukraine complicate India’s balance with the West.
Domestic constraints: Political polarisation, economic vulnerabilities, and institutional limits reduce decision-making space.
Technological interdependence: Dependence on global tech ecosystems dominated by few powers risks overreliance on foreign countries.

Approaches Followed by India

Measured response: Engages with the U.S. but maintains independent positions on conflicts.
Cautious engagement & deterrence: Strengthens border infrastructure, builds Indo-Pacific partnerships, and invests in indigenous defence.
Resisting confrontation & capitulation: Limits Chinese access to Indian markets while keeping diplomatic channels open.
Preserving freedom of action: From Nehru’s non-alignment to Modi’s multi-alignment, India ensures strategic flexibility.
Hedging strategy: Maintains ties with multiple powers to minimize risks without fully aligning with one bloc.
Technological & digital sovereignty: Focus on data security, indigenous digital platforms, and supply chain resilience to reduce dependence.

What Needs to Be Done for Maintaining India’s Strategic Autonomy

Multi-alignment: Strengthen partnerships with diverse nations to enhance influence in a multipolar world.
Clear definition of national interest: Consistently prioritize territorial integrity, economic growth, tech advancement, and regional stability.
Global forums engagement: Actively use BRICS, SCO, Quad, IMEC to balance global influence without rigid bloc politics.
Stronger capabilities: Invest in domestic defence industries and deep-tech innovation for long-term resilience.
Economic & technological resilience: Diversify trade partnerships and build digital sovereignty through indigenous infrastructure.
Cultural and soft power projection: Leverage India’s heritage, democratic values, and diaspora for shaping narratives.
Balancing great powers:
- Work with the U.S. without dependency.
- Deter China without provoking open conflict.
- Engage Russia without inheriting its isolation.

Conclusion

Strategic autonomy is not merely a slogan but a strategy—the art of navigating turbulence without losing sovereignty and agency. For India, it means: