India has demonstrated strategic autonomy, but its record is not perfect, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• India's foreign policy is increasingly guided by the concept of strategic autonomy, defined as the capacity to make relatively autonomous decisions on matters of vital interest.
• India has largely resisted key demands from China, including border concessions and adherence to the One China policy.

Detailed Insights:

• Strategic autonomy involves trade-offs and concessions in foreign policy, except on vital interests, requiring assessment of decisions against demands from major powers like China, the EU, Russia, and the US.
• India's continued sheltering of the Dalai Lama and maintaining trade relations with Taiwan demonstrate resistance to China's demands, while its involvement in the Quad reflects a mixed approach to US-led containment.
• India's refusal to condemn Russia and its ongoing purchase of Russian oil, despite EU pressure, highlight its commitment to strategic autonomy, though some businesses may be evading international sanctions.
• While India has resisted many US demands, it has shown some alignment by opposing de-dollarisation within BRICS and curtailing relations with Iran, particularly avoiding condemnation of US and Israeli actions.

Key Concepts Involved:

• One China Policy: The diplomatic acknowledgement of China's position that there is only one sovereign state under the name China.
• Multi-alignment: A foreign policy approach of balanced relations with bigger powers, avoiding offense unless security and welfare are directly threatened.