No BFFs Needed – India needs four things to secure strategic autonomy in foreign policy and more than one alliance

Source: The post is based on the article “No BFFs Needed – India needs four things to secure strategic autonomy in foreign policy and more than one alliance” published in The Times of India on 21^st September 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations – India’s Foreign Policy

Relevance: About changing India’s foreign policy

News: Prime Minister Modi’s statement that the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) has fulfilled its purpose carries significance as it highlights India’s shifting foreign policy direction.

How is India’s foreign policy shifting?

India’s non-alignment strategy is transitioning towards obtaining strategic autonomy. This implies being more friendly to some countries than others, but not always allied with any one group.

India’s strategic autonomy is driven by four factors such as – 1) managing the China challenge, 2) securing supply chains in critical products, 3) achieving competency in critical technologies, and 4) diversifying defense platforms.

This requires India to seek alliances in its own interest.

For instance, while India needs a partnership with the US to counter China, it also requires maintaining friendly relations with Central Asian Republics to secure future energy needs.

How has India utilized its strategic autonomy in recent years?

India imports defense equipment from countries with different geopolitical positions, such as France and the US. India imported Russian crude oil despite Western sanctions, which greatly aided its economy.

Similarly, India leading the Global South in the G20 gives it more flexibility in its dealings with big powers. Hence, strategic autonomy requires flexibility, and a strong economy and India is well-positioned to achieve it.