Strategic autonomy refers to nation’s ability to make sovereign decisions in foreign policy and defence without being constrained by external pressures or alliance obligations.
- It is not synonymous with isolationism or neutrality rather implies flexibility, independence and capacity to engage with multiple powers on one’s own terms.
India’s Strategic Autonomy Challenges
- Fragmented World Order: American dominance, China’s assertiveness, and Russia’s revisionism.
- Western Pressures: Navigating sanctions and diplomatic opposition (by USA) regarding India’s strategic energy and defence ties with Russia.
- China Challenge: India’s deepening of strategic partnership with United States being viewed in opposition to China.
- Others: Weakened international institutions, use of force replacing rule of law in recent military conflicts, technological, digital and financial fragmentation, shift towards protectionism, etc.
India’s Measures to Maintain Strategic Autonomy
- Recalibrating Relationships with Major Powers: Deepening relations with United States while balancing strained economic ties due to tariffs and sanctions.
- Balancing Act with China: Despite border and diplomatic tensions, India participates in multilateral forums like BRICS, and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, where China plays a leading role.
- Firmness in Relations with Russia: Despite Russia’s growing closeness with China and global isolation following Ukraine conflict, India maintains defence and diplomatic ties.
- Defence Diversification: BrahMos missiles, jointly developed with Russia, French made Mirage 2000 fighter jets, along with Israeli-made weapons like SCALP-2000 bombs.
- Trade Diversification: India is pursuing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) aligning them with geopolitical realities.
Further, measures like Digital sovereignty, energy security, resilient supply chain, inclusive growth with vision of self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) would ensure continued pursuit of strategic autonomy for India.
