A Self-Reliant Foreign Policy

Context: In a multipolar world order there is a need to have variable combinations with like-minded partners to ensure self-reliant foreign policy.

India’s foreign policy:

• Strategic autonomy: India has historically prided itself as an independent developing country which does not succumb to pressure from great powers. 

• Presence of unreasonable fears: that proximity to the U.S. will lead to loss of India’s strategic 
• At Inflection point: Although there is no prospect of outright war with China, India is at an inflexion point concerning strategic autonomy. 

• Flexibility in foreign affairs: In moments of crisis, India secured its freedom and territorial integrity by playing the realpolitik game.

• During the 1962 war with China, India had to appeal to the U.S. for emergency military aid.
• In the 1971 war with Pakistan, India had to enter a Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation with the Soviet Union.
• In the Kargil war of 1999, India welcomed a direct intervention by the U.S. to force Pakistan to back down. 

Way Forward:

• Ensure Diversification: India should aim to have American support while staying an independent power centre employing intensified cooperation with middle powers.

• Wide basket of strategic partners: with a sharper focus on constraining China is the viable diplomatic way forward.

• Reconfiguring autonomy: through multi-vector foreign policy is needed to accomplish joint goals.

• Focussing on national interest:  Also maintaining ties with Iran and Russia in an efforts to speed up indigenous defence modernisation.