Mains issueGS-2Editorials28 October 2026

India's Strategic Autonomy and Multilateral Diplomacy in a Contested Geopolitical Order

An aspirant should be able to critically analyze India's pursuit of strategic autonomy through a 'balancing act' in a complex geopolitical environment, understanding its implications for key bilateral relationships and its role in multilateral forums.

Source: thehindu.comOriginal report

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Why now

Recent SCO and BRICS summits highlighted a perceived shift in India's stance on major global conflicts, raising questions about the sustainability of its traditional 'balancing act' and its implications for key relationships, particularly with Russia. This makes India's foreign policy approach a critical and current topic for analysis.

Core issue

India's traditional 'balancing act' in multilateral forums like SCO and BRICS, aimed at demonstrating strategic autonomy and maintaining ties with both Western and non-Western blocs, is facing challenges. Recent shifts in India's stance on the US-Israel war against Iran and Russia's war in Ukraine, particularly at the recent SCO and BRICS summits, risk eroding Russia's trust and could impact the solidarity traditionally displayed by Russia, India, and China in these groups.

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