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13 Apr 2025
GS Paper 5
UP Special
Day 34: Essay
India’s Foreign Policy in an Era of Strategic Autonomy. (700 words)
Introduction
- Begin with a relevant quote or current event (e.g., India’s stand on Russia-Ukraine conflict, or refusal to join Western sanctions).
- Briefly explain:
- What is strategic autonomy?
- How it has shaped India’s foreign policy historically and today.
- Introduce the scope: India's evolving diplomacy in a multipolar, interest-driven world order.
Body
Historical Evolution of India’s Strategic Autonomy
- Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) – Nehruvian legacy of independence in Cold War era.
- Post-Cold War – Tilt toward USA but no formal alliance (e.g., civil nuclear deal).
- 21st Century – Rise of China, Quad, BRICS, Indo-Pacific realignments.
Contemporary Features of Strategic Autonomy
- Multi-Alignment, Not Isolation
- Ties with Russia (defence), USA (technology & economy), Iran (energy), Israel (security).
- Example: India joins Quad but stays in BRICS and SCO.
- Issue-Based Coalitions
- Supports Indo-Pacific vision, but also rejects military alliances.
- Neutral stand on Russia-Ukraine war—calls for dialogue, not sanctions.
- Balancing Global Pressures
- Navigates pressure from the West on human rights, climate commitments, oil imports from Russia.
- Strategic Economic Diplomacy
- Using FTAs, energy security, and supply chain resilience as tools.
- Act East, Look West, and Neighbourhood First policies.
Challenges to Strategic Autonomy
- China’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific and along the LAC.
- Dependence on Russian defence tech vs growing US partnership.
- Pressure to take sides in global conflicts (e.g., Ukraine, Israel-Hamas).
- Internal constraints: energy security, technology gaps, economic needs.
Future of India’s Foreign Policy
- Digital and Green Diplomacy – Leading in climate change, Solar Alliance.
- Global South Leadership – G20 Presidency, Voice of the Global South Summit.
- Reform Multilateralism – Push for UNSC reforms, WTO equity.
- Continued Pursuit of Strategic Autonomy – Need for balanced partnerships with a focus on self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat).
Conclusion
- Reaffirm India’s commitment to strategic autonomy as a pillar of its foreign policy.
- Emphasize flexibility, sovereignty, and interest-based diplomacy in a changing world.
- End with a visionary statement: India’s role as a “Vishwa Guru” or as a bridge between power blocs, championing peace, development, and justice.
- “The purposeful pursuit of national interest in shifting global dynamics may not be easy, but it must be done”- S Jaishankar
