[Answered] Examine how India can balance tactical cooperation with Washington while preserving its strategic autonomy amidst unpredictable shifts in US foreign policy.

Introduction

Amid rising trade fragmentation and geopolitical volatility, the Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights strategic autonomy as a pillar of economic sovereignty. Simultaneously, the India-US COMPACT initiative reflects deepening cooperation despite policy unpredictability.

India-US Relations: From Strategic Convergence to Strategic Hedging

1. India-US relations have evolved from the post-Cold War rapprochement to a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership encompassing defence, technology, trade, energy and Indo-Pacific security.
2. The launch of the India-US COMPACT and TRUST initiatives in 2025 reflects unprecedented institutionalisation of ties.
3. However, tariff actions, sanctions threats, H-1B uncertainties, divergent approaches on Russia and West Asia, and transactional diplomacy underline the need for calibrated engagement.

Why Tactical Cooperation with Washington Remains Necessary?

1. Strategic and Security Imperatives: Indo-Pacific stability and maritime security through Quad cooperation. Defence interoperability via COMPACT, BECA, COMCASA and LEMOA frameworks. Intelligence sharing on terrorism and cyber threats. Example: Indo-Pacific maritime domain awareness.
2. Critical Technology Partnership: Cooperation in AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology and space. TRUST framework seeks resilient technology ecosystems and secure supply chains. Example: Semiconductor collaboration.
3. Economic and Investment Benefits: Bilateral trade expansion under Mission-500 target. US remains a major source of FDI, venture capital and innovation ecosystems. Example: GCCs and digital economy.
4. Diaspora and Human Capital Linkages: Over four million Indian-origin persons strengthen educational, technological and entrepreneurial ties. Example: Silicon Valley leadership.

Why Strategic Autonomy Remains Non-Negotiable?

1. Historical: Legacy of Non-Alignment and issue-based alignment. India avoids bloc politics and military alliances. Example: Strategic autonomy doctrine.
2. Geopolitical Multipolarity: Simultaneous engagement with US, Russia, EU, Japan, ASEAN and Gulf countries. Preserves diplomatic flexibility during crises. Example: Multi-alignment policy.
3. Energy Security Considerations: Diversified crude imports reduce vulnerability to sanctions regimes. Example: Russia-Gulf balancing.
4. Global South Leadership: India’s G20 presidency and G7 outreach emphasize inclusive development and equitable partnerships. PM Modi’s IMPACT proposal reflects this approach. Example: Voice of Global South.
5. Economic Sovereignty: Economic Survey 2025-26 warns of power-driven trade relations and technology restrictions, requiring stronger domestic capabilities. Example: Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Challenges Posed by Unpredictable US Foreign Policy

Balancing Cooperation and Autonomy

1. Institutionalize Sector-Specific Cooperation: Deepen defence, AI, semiconductor and space cooperation without alliance commitments. Example: COMPACT framework.
2. Diversify Strategic Partnerships: Strengthen ties with EU, Japan, Australia, ASEAN and Gulf states. Example: India-EU FTA momentum.
3. Build Domestic Technological Capabilities: Budget 2026-27 emphasis on AI, deep-tech and semiconductor manufacturing. Example: India AI Mission.
4. Strengthen Maritime Hedging: Enhance SAGAR, Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and anti-piracy mechanisms. Example: Strait of Hormuz preparedness.
5. Preserve Strategic Decision-Making Independence: Continue issue-based diplomacy rather than bloc alignment. Example: Russia-Ukraine peace advocacy.
6. Expand Minilateral Diplomacy: Utilize Quad, I2U2, IMEC and technology coalitions. Example: Flexible coalitions.

Way Forward

1. Conclude a pragmatic Bilateral Trade Agreement while safeguarding sensitive sectors.
2. Build trusted technology supply chains through friend-shoring, not dependence.
3. Strengthen indigenous defence production under Defence Industrial Corridors.
4. Institutionalize strategic dialogues irrespective of political transitions in Washington.
5. Enhance Global South partnerships to prevent over-reliance on any single power centre.
6. Adopt multi-alignment with resilience as the core foreign-policy framework.

Conclusion

Echoing Dr. S. Jaishankar’s The India Way, India’s success lies in pursuing partnerships without dependence, cooperating with Washington where interests converge while preserving sovereign choices in an increasingly multipolar world.