India’s Role in a Multipolar World: Power Plays & Strategic Resilience

India’s multipolar world strategy is no longer just a buzzword — it’s a reality shaping our global future. As power shifts from the traditional Western dominance to a multipolar world, where several nations wield influence, India finds itself at the heart of this transformation. But what does this mean for India? Are we prepared to navigate the intricate web of alliances and challenges that come with this new reality?

As I reflect on India’s strategic alliances with global powers, I can’t help but wonder: How does India maintain its delicate balance between the United States and Russia? What role does India play in ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific region while countering China’s growing assertiveness? And how does India’s foreign policy empower the Global South to have a stronger voice on the world stage?

With its unique ability to bridge divides between developed and developing nations, India is not merely adapting to this new world order — it is shaping it. From leading G20 negotiations to spearheading digital public infrastructure innovations, India’s global strategy reflects a fine balance of ambition and pragmatism. But as we navigate this evolving landscape, the questions that arise are as important as the answers we seek. So, what lies ahead for India as an emerging superpower in this rapidly changing geopolitical environment?

Historical Foundations: From Non-Alignment to Strategic Engagement

A Legacy Rooted in Sovereignty and Peace

India’s foreign policy has always been deeply rooted in the principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and peaceful coexistence. This ideological foundation was laid during India’s struggle for independence, where the nation’s leaders, especially Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, envisioned a world where nations could coexist peacefully without falling into the trap of military alliances or ideological entanglements.

After gaining independence in 1947, India emerged as a strong advocate of anti-colonialism and anti-imperialism. The trauma of colonial exploitation had ingrained in India a deep commitment to championing the cause of newly independent nations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Nehru’s vision of a just and equitable international order was based on the belief that India, with its moral and historical authority, could lead the way for other developing nations in forging a new, independent path free from the domination of global superpowers.

The Bandung Conference and Birth of Non-Alignment

India’s Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), a cornerstone of its foreign policy for decades, took shape at the Bandung Conference in 1955, where 29 Asian and African nations came together to discuss a collective response to the geopolitical tensions of the Cold War. The conference, attended by luminaries like Nehru, Sukarno, Nasser, and Tito, laid the groundwork for a global movement that would challenge the hegemony of the United States and the Soviet Union.

“We should not be the playthings of others… we must stand on our own feet and think for ourselves,” Nehru famously stated at the Bandung Conference, emphasizing India’s commitment to staying neutral while upholding its sovereignty.

India, along with other leaders of the developing world, rejected the idea of aligning with either the Western bloc led by the United States or the Eastern bloc dominated by the Soviet Union. Instead, India chose to pursue a path of non-alignment, maintaining its strategic autonomy while advocating for global peace and justice.

Establishment and Evolution of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

In 1961, India became a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which officially institutionalized the principles laid out at Bandung. The movement became a powerful voice for newly independent nations, seeking to create a world order where the interests of the developing world were not overshadowed by superpower rivalry.

During the Cold War, NAM provided India with a diplomatic platform to champion decolonization, disarmament, and equitable global economic structures. Through NAM, India was able to advocate for the sovereignty of smaller nations and challenge the dominance of global powers that often dictated the trajectory of international affairs.

India’s leadership in NAM also positioned it as the voice of the Global South, giving it the moral authority to speak on behalf of countries that lacked the economic or military clout to assert their interests on the world stage. However, as the Cold War came to an end and the world moved towards globalization and interdependence, India realized the need to adapt its foreign policy to a rapidly changing world order.

Transition to Realism: Strategic Shifts Post-Cold War

The disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked a seismic shift in global geopolitics, leading to the unipolar dominance of the United States. This development posed a dilemma for India, which had traditionally relied on the Soviet Union as a trusted ally, particularly in defense and technology.

As economic liberalization took root in India in the early 1990s, the nation recognized the need to recalibrate its foreign policy to align with its growing economic ambitions. The shift from a state-controlled economy to a more market-driven approach demanded deeper engagement with the global economy and greater integration into international systems. Consequently, India gradually pivoted from a strict adherence to non-alignment towards a more pragmatic and multi-aligned strategy that prioritized economic growth, technological advancement, and national security.

“India’s foreign policy is a reflection of its domestic imperatives — we must balance ideological commitments with pragmatic interests,” noted former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, who played a crucial role in India’s foreign policy recalibration.

Multi-Alignment: Adapting to a Multipolar World

By the dawn of the 21st century, India had transitioned into a multi-alignment approach, reflecting a nuanced understanding of global realities. This strategy allowed India to maintain its independent foreign policy while engaging with multiple power centers to advance its national interests.

India’s shift to multi-alignment became evident with initiatives like:

1. Act East Policy: Strengthening Regional Partnerships

India’s Look East Policy, initiated in 1991 under Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, was rebranded as the Act East Policyby Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014. This policy aimed to enhance India’s strategic, economic, and cultural ties with ASEAN nations and East Asian countries.

• India strengthened its partnership with ASEAN by promoting regional connectivity through projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.
• Maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific was prioritized to counterbalance China’s growing assertiveness in the region​.

2. Look West Policy: Deepening Ties with Gulf Nations

Recognizing the strategic and economic importance of West Asia, India pursued the Look West Policy to enhance cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This engagement was critical for:

• Ensuring energy security, as nearly 60% of India’s crude oil imports come from the Gulf region.
• Strengthening defense and security cooperation, particularly with nations like the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

3. Engagement with Global Groupings: G20 and BRICS

India’s proactive participation in G20 and BRICS has allowed it to shape global economic governance and advocate for the interests of the developing world. India’s presidency of the G20 in 2023 marked a turning point, where it successfully included the African Union as a permanent member, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive global governance​.

4. Strategic Engagements: Building Stronger Bilateral Ties

India’s strategic partnerships with countries like the United States, Russia, Japan, Australia, and Israel reflect its growing clout in global diplomacy. These relationships have been carefully nurtured to balance India’s security interests with its economic and technological aspirations.

5. Realigning with Emerging Global Realities

India’s multi-alignment strategy also recognizes the emerging power centers in a multipolar world. As nations across the globe navigate a complex web of alliances, India has leveraged its strategic autonomy to foster relationships that transcend ideological constraints.

Key Pillars of India’s Strategic Engagement:

• Defense Cooperation: Modernizing India’s defense capabilities through partnerships like the S-400 missile system deal with Russia while simultaneously deepening defense ties with the United States and France.
• Technology and Innovation: Collaborating on emerging technologies with nations like Japan and the United States to advance India’s digital economy and space exploration.
• Maritime Security: Strengthening naval capabilities through alliances like QUAD to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific, which remains vital to India’s security and economic interests​.

India’s Strategic Alliances: A Delicate Balancing Act

In today’s multipolar world, India’s foreign policy reflects a nuanced and sophisticated approach, often described as multi-alignment. This strategy enables India to maintain diverse partnerships while balancing its national interests in a highly volatile geopolitical environment. As global power dynamics shift, India walks a fine line between economic pragmatism and strategic security, all while safeguarding its sovereignty and autonomy.

India’s alliances, whether with traditional partners like Russia or emerging coalitions like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), underscore a carefully calibrated foreign policy that responds to contemporary challenges. As we explore the intricate web of India’s alliances, it becomes clear that this balancing act is essential to safeguarding India’s long-term interests and enhancing its influence in the global arena.

1. QUAD: Strengthening Indo-Pacific Stability and Security

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, has emerged as a critical pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Initially conceptualized in 2007, QUAD has evolved from a loose consultative framework into a robust strategic alliance that addresses not only maritime security concerns but also broader challenges such as climate change, critical technologies, and infrastructure connectivity.

Key Initiatives Driving QUAD’s Evolution:

• Maritime Security: India’s strategic focus on maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific aligns with QUAD’s objectives. The introduction of the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025 will enhance maritime domain awareness and strengthen regional security in response to China’s assertiveness in the region​.
• Technological Cooperation: Initiatives such as the QUAD Critical and Emerging Technology Working Group are paving the way for collaboration on 5G technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and supply chain resilience. India’s technological expertise positions it as a key contributor in shaping a digital infrastructure that upholds democratic values.
• Climate Action and Renewable Energy: The QUAD Clean Energy Supply Chain Diversification Programmed the QUAD Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Package (Q-CHAMP) underscore the bloc’s commitment to sustainable development. India’s leadership in climate action, exemplified by its 500 GW non-fossil fuel target by 2030, complements QUAD’s climate objectives​.

“The QUAD is here to stay, assist, partner, and complement,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared at the 2024 QUAD summit in Wilmington, Delaware, reaffirming India’s commitment to this evolving alliance.

Challenges Within QUAD:

Despite its progress, the alliance faces inherent challenges due to the divergence in strategic priorities among member nations. While the United States views QUAD as a critical component of its strategy to counterbalance China’s rise, India’s approach is more cautious. India’s deep economic ties with China — with imports accounting for over 15% of its total trade — complicate its position within the grouping. India remains committed to non-military approaches to regional security, balancing its QUAD commitments with its independent foreign policy vision​.

2. G20 and Global Governance: Championing the Global South

India’s G20 Presidency in 2023 was a landmark moment that underscored its growing diplomatic prowess. India not only used the G20 platform to advocate for the interests of developing nations but also succeeded in including the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 — a historic move aimed at addressing the representation gap of the Global South in international governance​.

India’s G20 Agenda: Bridging Global Divides

• Inclusion and Equity: India’s advocacy for the African Union’s inclusion highlighted its commitment to making global governance structures more inclusive and reflective of contemporary realities.
• Digital Transformation and Financial Inclusion: India promoted its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model, including Aadhaar and UPI, as a template for inclusive digital governance that could empower developing nations.
• Climate Justice and Sustainable Growth: India’s emphasis on climate justice resonated strongly during its presidency, with a focus on technology transfer, green financing, and capacity building for vulnerable nations.

“India’s G20 presidency reflected the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family, “remarked External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, emphasizing India’s belief in a just and equitable global order.

3. Russia: A Time-Tested Strategic Partner

India’s relationship with Russia remains one of its most enduring and strategically significant partnerships. Dating back to the Cold War era, India’s ties with Russia have withstood the test of time, evolving from ideological solidarity to pragmatic cooperation across defense, energy, and technology sectors. Despite Western pressure and sanctions on Russia due to the Ukraine conflict, India has maintained a balanced stance, continuing its robust defense cooperation while advocating for peaceful resolution.

Key Areas of Cooperation with Russia:

• Defense and Military Modernization: India continues to rely heavily on Russian defense technology, with nearly 60-70% of India’s defense equipment sourced from Russia. The S-400 missile defense system deal exemplifies India’s commitment to preserving this defense relationship, despite facing potential sanctions under the US CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act)​.
• Energy Security and Nuclear Collaboration: India and Russia’s energy partnership extends beyond oil and gas to include nuclear cooperation. The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, a joint venture between the two nations, is a testament to their long-term collaboration in civil nuclear energy.
• Strategic Autonomy in Global Conflicts: India’s neutral stance on the Ukraine crisis, advocating dialogue and diplomacy rather than taking sides, reflects its desire to balance strategic autonomy with global responsibilities.

Challenges in the India-Russia Relationship:

While the India-Russia partnership remains strong, trade imbalances and potential future sanctions pose challenges. Moreover, Russia’s increasing tilt towards China, particularly after facing Western isolation, has raised concerns in New Delhi. India recognizes the need to diversify its defense procurement and explore alternative partnerships to mitigate these challenges in the long term.

4. United States: A Growing Strategic and Technological Partnership

The United States has emerged as one of India’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving partners in recent years. India and the US share a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership that spans defense, technology, trade, and people-to-people ties. Driven by shared democratic values and mutual strategic interests, the India-US relationship has grown stronger through initiatives such as the India-US 2+2 Dialogue and the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET).

Key Pillars of India-US Cooperation:

• Defense and Security: The Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) aims to strengthen defense collaboration, with India gaining access to cutting-edge US technology and systems.
• Technology and Innovation: India’s inclusion in the Artemis Accords and the partnership on semiconductor supply chain resilience reflect the deepening technological ties between the two nations.
• Climate and Clean Energy Cooperation: India and the US have collaborated extensively in clean energy initiatives, with US investments supporting India’s ambitious renewable energy goals.

Challenges in India-US Relations:

Despite their growing strategic alignment, India and the US occasionally encounter policy divergences on issues such as trade barriers, data privacy, and intellectual property rights. India’s reluctance to align fully with US policies on Russia and Iran underscores its commitment to preserving strategic autonomy.

5. Middle East and the I2U2 Initiative: Expanding Economic Partnerships

India’s engagement with the Middle East has witnessed a strategic transformation through the India-Israel-UAE-USA (I2U2) initiative. This emerging mini-lateral platform focuses on food security, energy cooperation, and technology partnerships, reflecting India’s intent to expand economic ties beyond traditional boundaries​.

Key Focus Areas:

• Agriculture and Food Security: India is leveraging its agricultural expertise to collaborate with the UAE and Israel on sustainable farming technologies.
• Renewable Energy Cooperation: India’s commitment to renewable energy aligns with the UAE’s ambitions, fostering collaboration on solar and green hydrogen projects.
• Technology and Innovation: The I2U2 initiative promotes technology-driven solutions in sectors such as health, cybersecurity, and supply chain management.

Continuity and Change: Balancing Ideals and Interests

India’s journey from non-alignment to strategic engagement reflects a delicate balancing act between maintaining its ideological roots and adapting to contemporary global realities. While India continues to champion the cause of the Global South and advocate for a rules-based international order, it has also recognized the need to engage with multiple power centers to safeguard its national interests.

Today, as India navigates the complexities of a multipolar world, its ability to balance historical principles with pragmatic diplomacy has positioned it as a formidable player on the global stage. This nuanced approach ensures that India remains true to its foundational ideals while being responsive to the evolving geopolitical landscape.

“Act East is not just about commerce; it is about forging lasting partnerships and securing a peaceful and prosperous Asia.” — Prime Minister Narendra Modi

As I reflect on India’s journey in shaping a multipolar world, I see a nation that is not just navigating global challenges but leading from the front. India’s ability to balance diverse partnerships, promote inclusive governance, and advocate for the Global South underscores its growing influence in the international arena. Moving forward, India’s role in ensuring a more equitable and sustainable global order will continue to inspire and shape the world.

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References

Ashley J. Tellis. (n.d.). Non-Allied forever: India’s grand strategy according to Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. https://carnegieendowment.org/posts/2021/03/non-allied-forever-indias-grand-strategy-according-to-subrahmanyam-jaishankar?lang=en

India’s rising influence: Leading the Global South’s agenda in a multipolar world. (2025, January 15). Diplomatist. https://diplomatist.com/2025/01/15/indias-rising-influence-leading-the-global-souths-agenda-in-a-multipolar-world/

Chakravarty, P. R. (2023, December 4). India’s changing global priorities and the role of the act east policy. orfonline.org. https://www.orfonline.org/research/indias-changing-global-priorities-and-the-role-of-the-act-east-policy