India Navigates US-China Tensions with Multi-Aligned Foreign Policy
New Delhi - As the United States and China increasingly vie for global influence, India is pursuing a strategy of “hedging diplomacy,” deepening partnerships with multiple powers – including the US, Russia, and the European Union – to safeguard its strategic autonomy and economic interests. This approach, solidified during the Trump administration and continuing under President Biden, reflects a calculated effort to avoid becoming overly reliant on any single nation amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape.
India’s foreign policy shift isn’t a sudden departure, but an acceleration of a long-held tradition of non-alignment, adapted for a 21st-century world characterized by great power competition.The Trump era, marked by unpredictable US policies and trade wars, underscored the risks of overdependence. New Delhi responded by proactively diversifying its strategic options, recognizing that its growing economic and security needs require a broader network of partners. This strategy aims to maximize benefits while minimizing vulnerabilities in a world where the US-China relationship is increasingly defined by strategic rivalry.
The core of India’s hedging strategy lies in simultaneously strengthening ties with Washington while maintaining robust relations with Moscow. Despite US concerns over India’s continued purchase of Russian arms - including the S-400 missile system – New Delhi views Russia as a crucial defence partner, particularly for legacy military equipment and technology transfer. This relationship dates back to the Cold War and remains vital for India’s defense modernization. Simultaneously,India has dramatically expanded security cooperation with the US,becoming a key member of the Quadrilateral Security Dialog (Quad) alongside the US,Japan,and Australia.The Quad, initially conceived in 2007, has gained renewed prominence as a platform for coordinating responses to China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
Economically, India is actively pursuing diversified trade relationships. While trade with the US has increased, India is also strengthening economic ties with the European Union, Japan, and ASEAN countries. The pursuit of free trade agreements with these partners is a key component of this strategy, aiming to reduce dependence on any single market. Furthermore, India’s participation in initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), led by the US, demonstrates its commitment to a rules-based international order while simultaneously exploring choice economic partnerships.
Analysts suggest India’s approach is driven by a pragmatic assessment of its national interests. “India is not looking to contain China, but it is determined to manage the risks associated with China’s rise,” explains Dr. Rajesh Rajagopalan, Professor of International Political Economy and Governance at Jawaharlal Nehru University. “hedging allows India to benefit from both US and Chinese economic engagement while preserving its strategic autonomy.”
The long-term success of India’s hedging diplomacy will depend on its ability to navigate the complex dynamics of US-China relations and maintain a delicate balance between competing interests. As geopolitical tensions continue to escalate, India’s multi-aligned foreign policy is likely to remain a defining feature of its approach to the international stage.
