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Introduction:India’s multi-alignment strategy, a pragmatic evolution from traditional non-alignment, allows engagement with competing global powers through issue-based coalitions like the Quad and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). This approach safeguards national interests in a polarized international order.

Opportunities of India’s Multi-Alignment Strategy:

  1. Maximising Strategic Autonomy: Enables independent foreign policy decisions based on India’s interests.
    • Example: India balances ties with the US and Russia, importing defense equipment from Russia while deepening strategic cooperation with the US.
  2. Enhancing Security through Diverse Partnerships: Forms issue-based security partnerships to counter specific threats.
    • Example: Participation in the Quad for Indo-Pacific maritime security and the SCO to address Central Asian terrorism.
  3. Accelerating Economic Growth: Provides access to diverse markets, capital, and technology.
    • Example: India’s trade deals with the UAE (CEPA), EFTA bloc, and expanded BRICS trade showcase economic pragmatism.
  4. Acquiring Critical Technologies: Sources advanced technology from multiple partners without reliance on a single ecosystem.
    • Example: Collaboration with the US on the iCET initiative and with Russia on nuclear energy.
  5. Wielding Greater Diplomatic Leverage: Positions India as a bridge-builder in a divided world.
    • Example: During its 2023 G20 Presidency, India forged the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration despite US-Russia divisions.
  6. Shaping Global Norms: Allows India to influence global governance through diverse platforms.
    • Example: Hosting the Voice of Global South Summit to demand UN reforms and inclusive governance.

Challenges of the Multi-Alignment Approach:

  1. Managing Contradictory Pressures: Balancing demands from rival powers on sensitive issues.
    • Example: US threats of CAATSA sanctions over India’s S-400 missile purchase from Russia.
  2. Reduced Strategic Flexibility: Global polarization shrinks room for independent maneuvering.
    • Example: Exclusive blocs like AUKUS risk marginalizing India from Indo-Pacific decision-making.
  3. Credibility Deficit: Partners may doubt India’s reliability during confrontations between blocs.
    • Example: Western concerns over India’s defense and energy ties with Russia during the Russia-Ukraine war.
  4. Risking Strategic Entrapment: India could be drawn into rivalries not in its core interest.
    • Example: Potential pressure to take a military stance in a US-China conflict over Taiwan.
  5. Navigating Implementation Complexity: Managing interoperability with incompatible systems.
    • Example: Integrating Western defense platforms with Russian-origin military hardware.
  6. Projecting Policy Incoherence: Nuanced approaches may appear inconsistent.
    • Example: India’s participation in the I2U2 grouping while developing Iran’s Chabahar Port, a rival to I2U2 members.

Conclusion:India’s multi-alignment strategy offers strategic flexibility and opportunities to engage with global powers. Sustaining this approach in a polarized environment requires careful balancing of interests and diplomatic agility, achieved by strengthening regional partnerships and prioritizing national interests.

Legacy Editor Changed status to publish November 3, 2025