Strategic Balancing
India navigates its foreign policy through a multi-alignment strategy, balancing relations with the United States, Russia, and managing the complex relationship with China while engaging with global conflicts and opportunities.
Key Relationships
Major power dynamics:
Trilateral Balance
| Relationship | Status |
|---|---|
| United States | Strategic partner, Quad |
| Russia | Historic ties, defense |
| China | Complex, border issues |
US-India Partnership
Strengthening alliance:
Key Areas
| Sector | Cooperation |
|---|---|
| Defense | iCET, agreements |
| Technology | Supply chains |
| Quad | Active participation |
| Trade | Growing volumes |
India-Russia Ties
Historic partnership:
Current Status
| Area | Engagement |
|---|---|
| Defense | Equipment, spares |
| Energy | Oil purchases |
| Diplomacy | Strategic autonomy |
| Sanctions | Navigation challenge |
China Challenge
Complex relationship:
Current Dynamics
| Factor | Status |
|---|---|
| Border | Disengagement progress |
| Trade | High volumes continue |
| Competition | Regional, global |
| Trust | Limited |
Global South Leadership
Developing world voice:
India's Role
| Initiative | Activity |
|---|---|
| G20 presidency | Voice of South |
| Voice for reform | UN, IMF, WB |
| Climate justice | Advocated |
| Development | Partnership offers |
Middle East Engagement
Regional presence:
Key Relationships
| Country | Engagement |
|---|---|
| UAE | I2U2, investment |
| Saudi Arabia | Energy, diaspora |
| Israel | Defense, tech |
| Iran | Connectivity, energy |
Conflict Positions
Stance on wars:
India's Approach
| Conflict | Position |
|---|---|
| Ukraine | Dialogue, neutral voting |
| Gaza | Humanitarian concern |
| Syria | Stability priority |
Africa Outreach
Growing engagement:
Initiatives
| Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Summits | India-Africa Forum |
| Development | Lines of credit |
| Capacity building | Training |
| Trade | Growing volumes |
ASEAN Relations
Southeast Asia focus:
Act East Policy
| Element | Status |
|---|---|
| Trade | RCEP excluded but FTAs |
| Connectivity | Kaladan, etc. |
| Defense | Exercises with members |
| Maritime | Security cooperation |
Economic Diplomacy
Trade and investment:
Key Goals
| Objective | Progress |
|---|---|
| FTAs | UK, EU negotiations |
| Supply chains | Friend-shoring |
| Tech partnerships | Semiconductor, etc. |
S. Jaishankar's Vision
EAM's approach:
Key Themes
- Strategic autonomy
- Multi-alignment
- Global South leadership
- National interest first
- Issue-based positioning
Looking Ahead
2025 priorities:
Foreign Policy Focus
- Trump administration navigation
- China relationship stabilization
- Russia ties maintenance
- Global South leadership
- Economic diplomacy acceleration
India's foreign policy reflects its aspirations as a rising power navigating a complex, multipolar international environment.
