While the United States has long considered India a natural ally, recent geopolitical shifts are causing some divergence in their strategic alignment. India's growing engagement with Russia and China, while not necessarily signaling a complete abandonment of its ties with the U.S., reflects its commitment to strategic autonomy and multi-alignment in a rapidly changing world.
One of the primary drivers behind India's approach is its long-standing policy of "strategic autonomy". This principle dictates that India should maintain independent foreign relations, avoiding formal alliances and making decisions based on its own national interests. This approach is rooted in India's history of non-alignment during the Cold War, a legacy that continues to shape its foreign policy. As External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated, India needs a foreign policy that matches its ambition of becoming a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047.
Several factors are contributing to India's increasing engagement with Russia and China. Firstly, there's the economic dimension. Russia remains a crucial partner for India, particularly in defense and energy. Despite pressure from the U.S., India has continued to import Russian oil, which now accounts for a significant portion of its total imports. This is driven by India's need to ensure its energy security for its large population. Simultaneously, India is working to boost trade ties with Russia, seeking to increase Indian exports and address non-tariff barriers.
Secondly, the evolving dynamics with China are also noteworthy. Despite a long-standing border dispute and occasional clashes, India and China have been working to stabilize their relationship. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to India signaled a thaw in relations, with both sides agreeing to resume direct flights and ease trade barriers. This engagement is driven by a pragmatic recognition of the need to manage differences and explore areas of cooperation. As Harsh V. Pant from the Observer Research Foundation noted, these engagements with Russia and China had started before recent tensions with the U.S., but those tensions have acted as a catalyst.
Thirdly, recent trade policies and tariffs imposed by the U.S. have strained relations with India and may be pushing it closer to Russia and China. President Trump's decision to impose tariffs on Indian goods, including penalties for India's purchase of Russian oil, have been viewed by New Delhi as "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable". Some experts believe that these actions have created a sentiment against America in India and accelerated India's ties with Russia and China.
India's foreign policy priorities in 2025 include managing its relationships with the U.S., China, and Russia, as well as those within its South Asian neighborhood. India is actively participating in multilateral organizations like BRICS and SCO, where it engages with both Russia and China. These platforms provide opportunities for dialogue and cooperation on issues of mutual interest.
However, this balancing act is not without its challenges. India's relationship with China remains complex, with ongoing border disputes and strategic competition. Maintaining a stable and productive relationship will require careful diplomacy and confidence-building measures. Similarly, navigating the tensions between the U.S. and Russia will require India to maintain its strategic autonomy and make decisions based on its own interests.
Despite these challenges, India's commitment to strategic autonomy and multi-alignment reflects its desire to play a leading role in a multipolar world. By engaging with both the U.S. and its rivals, India aims to maximize its strategic options and advance its own national interests. Whether this approach will ultimately strengthen India's position on the global stage remains to be seen, but it is clear that India is determined to chart its own course in a complex and uncertain world.
