THE CONTEXT: In recent years, the strategic partnership between India and the United States has faced significant stress points, mainly due to India’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Despite U.S. concerns, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow in July 2024 has highlighted the tension between India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy and the expectations of its Western partners.
THE ISSUES:
Tensions Between India and the US Over Russia: The United States has expressed concerns about India’s continued partnership with Russia, especially in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Biden administration has urged India to reconsider its ties with Russia, particularly its energy cooperation and defense procurements, which have persisted despite Western sanctions on Moscow.
US Concerns Over India’s Neutral Stance on Ukraine: India has maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict, refraining from condemning Russia’s invasion and continuing to purchase Russian oil. The US and its allies have seen this position as tacit support for Russia, which has caused friction in India-US relations. The US has privately and publicly communicated its concerns to India, urging it to use its influence to end the conflict.
India’s Strategic Autonomy in Foreign Policy: India’s approach to foreign policy is characterized by strategic autonomy, which allows it to make decisions based on its national interests rather than aligning with any single power bloc. This principle has guided India’s interactions with the US and Russia, enabling it to balance its relationships without being drawn into alliances.
Historical Context of India’s Strategic Autonomy: Since gaining independence, India has pursued a policy of non-alignment and strategic autonomy, engaging with multiple power centers to safeguard its interests. This approach has evolved, adapting to the changing global order while focusing on national sovereignty and independent decision-making.
Structural Nature of India’s Defense Partnership with Russia: India’s defense relationship with Russia is deep-rooted and structural, with a significant portion of its military equipment sourced from Russia. This dependency cannot be easily undone, as it involves long-term contracts and critical defense systems. Despite India’s efforts to diversify its defense imports, Russia remains a key supplier.
Strategic Autonomy as a Positive-Sum Game: India views its strategic autonomy not as a zero-sum game but as a positive-sum approach that benefits all parties involved. By maintaining relations with Russia and the US, India aims to stabilize global oil prices, balance regional power dynamics, and ensure its security and economic interests. This approach is seen as beneficial for the broader international community, including the West.
THE WAY FORWARD:
Strengthening Multilateral Engagements: India can leverage its position in various multilateral forums to balance its relationships with the U.S. and Russia. By actively participating in organizations such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the G20, India can promote a multipolar world order that respects its strategic autonomy.
Diversifying Defense Partnerships: India should continue diversifying its defense partnerships beyond Russia to include more collaborations with Western countries, including the U.S., France, and Israel. This diversification can reduce dependence on any country and enhance India’s strategic flexibility. The recent agreement to co-produce GE’s F414 combat aircraft engines in India is a step towards diversifying defense partnerships with the U.S.
Enhancing Economic Cooperation: Expanding economic cooperation with the U.S. and Russia can help India balance its strategic interests. By increasing trade and investment ties, India can create a more interdependent relationship that benefits all parties involved. India’s significant increase in crude imports from Russia and growing trade with the U.S. showcase its ability to balance economic interests with both nations.
Promoting Strategic Dialogues: India should initiate and participate in more strategic dialogues with the U.S. and Russia to address mutual concerns and find common ground. Regular high-level meetings can help mitigate misunderstandings and build trust. The annual summits between Indian and Russian leaders and the 2+2 dialogues with the U.S. can address and resolve strategic concerns.
Advocating for a Positive-Sum Approach: India can promote its strategic autonomy as not a zero-sum game but a positive-sum game where all parties benefit. India can showcase the benefits of its independent foreign policy by emphasizing its role in stabilizing global energy markets and mediating international conflicts. India’s energy trade with Russia helps stabilize global oil prices, benefiting the global economy, including Western countries.
THE CONCLUSION:
India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy, while causing occasional friction with its Western partners, remains a cornerstone of its foreign policy. By maintaining a balanced approach and engaging with multiple global powers, India aims to navigate the complexities of the current international order while safeguarding its national interests.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q. What is the significance of Indo-US defense deals over Indo-Russian defense deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. 2020
Q. What introduces friction between India and the United States is that Washington can still not find a position in India’s global strategy that would satisfy India’s national self-esteem and ambitions.” Explain with suitable examples. 2019
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q. Evaluate the historical and contemporary factors shaping India’s foreign policy decisions and analyze how India balances its relationships with Russia and the United States amidst the evolving global order.
SOURCE:
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/india-and-a-case-for-strategic-autonomy/article68418840.ece
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