Top 7 Aggresive Strategic Shifts In India’s Foreign Policy In A Multipolar World: Strategic Autonomy Amid Shifting Alliances

🌍 India’s Foreign Policy in a Multipolar World: Discover how India is redefining its foreign policy in a multipolar world through strategic autonomy, regional alliances, and global leadership in forums like BRICS, SCO, and the Indo-Pacific.

Table of Contents

🔷 The Rise of Multipolarity and India’s Diplomatic Recalibration

India’s Foreign Policy in a Multipolar World: As the post–Cold War unipolar world recedes, a new multipolar global order is taking shape — and India is emerging as a key player in this power recalibration.

With the US-China rivalry intensifying, Russia pivoting to Asia, and the Global South asserting itself, India is crafting a foreign policy grounded in strategic autonomy, multi-alignment, and assertive diplomacy.

India is no longer a passive balancer; it is actively reshaping regional and global narratives. From G20 leadership to BRICS expansion talks, India’s foreign policy signals a sharp departure from its earlier caution, embracing ambition without sacrificing non-alignment.

🔶 Background: From Non-Alignment to Strategic Autonomy 2.0

During the Cold War, India’s Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) positioned itself as a moral voice of the Global South.
The post-1991 liberalisation and the Kargil War ushered in a more pragmatic diplomacy, especially toward the US and Israel.
Today, India’s approach is defined by Strategic Autonomy 2.0 — engaging multiple power centres without becoming dependent on any.

🗨️ S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister:
“We are not sitting on the fence — we are just refusing to be boxed into someone else’s camp.”

🔷 India’s Key Foreign Policy Pillars in the Multipolar World

🏛️ 1. Multi-Alignment: India’s Balancing Act

India engages with the US (QUAD), Russia (RIC), China (SCO), and Europe (IMEC) — often simultaneously.

US & QUAD: Cooperation in Indo-Pacific, defence, tech (iCET)
Russia & RIC: Defence ties, energy security, rupee-ruble trade
China & SCO: Competition, but continued diplomatic and trade ties
EU & IMEC: Strategic trade and infrastructure corridor against BRI

✅ India’s participation in rival blocs showcases diplomatic agility, not confusion.

🌐 2. Reforming Multilateralism: BRICS, SCO, UN

India wants to reshape global governance to reflect 21st-century realities:

BRICS+: Advocating for the inclusion of Global South powers
SCO: Pushing back against China’s narrative dominance
UNSC Reform: Demanding a permanent seat to reflect demographic and economic strength

🔍 India’s G20 presidency in 2023 amplified its voice as a “Vishwaguru” (world guide) of the Global South.

⚔️ 3. Hard Power & Security Diplomacy

Defence exports surged: Tejas fighter jets, BrahMos deals
Military exercises with the US, France, Russia, and Australia
Border assertiveness: Galwan clash response, Arunachal push

India’s military posture is now both deterrent and diplomatic, aligning with its foreign policy goals.

🛢️ 4. Energy & Economic Diplomacy

India’s import-heavy economy drives energy-centric diplomacy:

🇷🇺 Russian Oil: Bought at a discount despite Western sanctions
🇮🇷 Chabahar Port: Gateway to Central Asia
🌐 IMEC Corridor: Counter to China’s BRI, linking India to Europe

India seeks dollarized trade agreements using the rupee — a subtle shift toward economic sovereignty.

📣 5. Soft Power and Global South Leadership

India blends its ancient civilisation with 21st-century tech to exert soft power:

Hosting the Voice of the Global South summit
Expanding cultural diplomacy through ICCR, Yoga Day
Supporting the African Union’s G20 membership

India’s narrative emphasises equity, fairness, and multipolarity — appealing to countries disillusioned with Western-dominated systems.

🔎 India’s Foreign Policy in a Multipolar World: Strategic Takeaways

Policy Dimension	India’s Approach
Global Alliances	Multi-alignment over military blocs
Strategic Autonomy	Independent but not isolated
Multipolar Governance	Push for UN/BRICS/SCO reforms
Economic Diplomacy	Trade corridors, rupee deals, dedollarization efforts
Security Posture	Assertive borders, military exports, joint drills
Soft Power	Trade corridors, rupee deals, and de-dollarisation efforts

📌 Conclusion: India’s Foreign Policy in a Multipolar World

India’s Moment on the Global Stage: India’s foreign policy in a multipolar world is a blend of realism, regional assertiveness, and global ambition. By refusing to choose sides and leveraging all options, India is navigating a turbulent world order with confidence.

As new power centres emerge, India is no longer just reacting — it is shaping the very multipolarity it once passively observed.

📋 Summary: India’s Foreign Policy in a Multipolar World

Topic	Summary
Foreign Policy Strategy	Strategic Autonomy & Multi-Alignment
Major Alliances	QUAD, BRICS, SCO, RIC, G20
Key Themes	Energy Security, Defence, Global South, Tech
Long-term Vision	Reshape Global Order, Lead Multipolar Future

❓FAQs based on India’s Foreign Policy in a Multipolar World

🔹 What is India’s foreign policy approach in the multipolar world?

India pursues strategic autonomy through multi-alignment, engaging multiple global powers without taking sides.

🔹 How is India balancing between the US and Russia?

By strengthening defence and tech ties with the US, while continuing energy and trade cooperation with Russia.

🔹 What role does India play in BRICS and SCO?

India supports BRICS+ expansion and counters China’s dominance in the SCO while promoting multipolarity.

🔹 Is India part of any military alliance?

No. India remains non-aligned, but conducts joint exercises with QUAD, Russia, and others for strategic diplomacy.

🔹 What is strategic autonomy?

A principle where India makes foreign policy decisions independently, based on its national interests.

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📚 References

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