India’s Foreign Policy and Strategic Autonomy in a Changing Global Order

Abstract

In recent decades, India’s foreign policy has undergone a significant transformation, particularly towards a de-hyphenated approach. During the era of rising multipolarity, characterised by a lack of concentration of power in a unipolar or bipolar framework, India has sought to assert its strategic autonomy by refraining from aligning with any singular primary power or bloc. This de-hyphenation program allows India to engage with diverse global actors, including the United States, Russia, China, and the European Union, free from ideological or geopolitical commitments. By prioritising national interests and diversifying its diplomatic efforts, India has aimed to enhance its global influence while maintaining its sovereignty within a fragmented and intricate international landscape. This article examines the rationale behind India's de-hyphenation policy, its internal effects on foreign policy, and its worldwide implications for geopolitics in a multipolar context. It argues that India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy reaffirms its role as a significant player in the global political system and positions India as a proponent of a balanced and inclusive world order. The onset of the third decade of the 21st century has been characterised by notable occurrences, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the escalation of tensions between Israel and Palestine, and other confrontations between the United States and China across multiple domains. Furthermore, the formation of new alliance systems, such the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), BRICS, QUAD, and I2U2, is further influencing global power dynamics. In 2014, a paradigm shift in political leadership transpired in India, resulting in a transformation of its foreign policy strategy. India has implemented several strategic efforts to manoeuvre within the emerging global power structure, including Panchamrit, multi-alignment, and strategic autonomy, among others. In the current global order, the East and West are polarised on multiple topics, as seen by the emergence of new alliance institutions. Conversely, India has established a strategic position in both the East and West by participating in both coalitions. This research paper comprehensively examines India’s policy of de-hyphenation in the emerging multipolar world order.