Opinion | Strategic autonomy is not a slogan for India, It is a way of maintaining dignity, independence, and freedom of action in a complex world

From space research to technological innovation in the digital space or vaccine manufacturing, India has demonstrated that it has become self reliant.

Strategic autonomy is not a new concept. It has its roots in India’s history. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India after independence in 1947, wished for the nation to remain isolated from military blocs such as NATO or the Soviet bloc. Rather, India became a founding member of the Non-Allignment Movement, which implies that it would not allign blindly with either the United States or the Soviet Union during the Cold War. That vision of independence in foreign policy has endured decades and still directs India till this day.

But the world is different from the Cold War days. Today there are not only two superpowers but there are several big players America, China, Russia, the European Union, and even emerging powers like Japan and Australia. Globalization has bound economies together, but it has created new oppositions as well. In this setting, India’s approach of diversifying its partnerships has become increasingly crucial.

An example of strategic autonomy can be found in case of India and Russia. Even under Western pressure, India goes on purchasing energy and arms from Russia. India has had a longtime defense relationship with Russia, and suddenly severing ties would damage India’s own security. At the same time, India has improved its ties with the United States as never before. The two nations now collaborate on defense technology, exchange intelligence, and have joint military exercises. For India, this balance is not contradictory and is a calculated strategy.

Energy is another sphere where India’s independence is apparent. With a population of over a billion and rapid economic development, India requires enormous amounts of energy. To achieve this, India imports oil from Middle East , purchases cheap Russian crude, and also collaborates with Western countries on sustainable technology. Through diversification of its energy sources, India minimizes dependence on one country.

Trade policy is another area where India’s independence is highlighted. India withdrew from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in 2019 since it believed that the agreement would hurt local industries. Meanwhile, it has inked trade deals with Australia, the UAE, and it is negotiating with the UK and the European Union. India’s message is straightforward: it won’t participate in agreements that endanger its workers and farmers, but it is willing to engage in just trade that is profitable to both parties.

The 2023 G20 presidency provided India with an opportunity to demonstrate its global awareness. By emphasizing global growth with equity, climate action, and renovating international institutions, India set itself up as a voice of the Global South the developing nations that have traditionally felt unheard in worldly affairs. India was able to do this because it is regarded as an independent country and not just a camp follower of any superpower

The reason that India remains on this course is because of its civilizational confidence. Having a history of thousands of years, India has weathered empires, colonialism, and wars. It understands that its source of strength is by taking decisions by itself and not by aping others. From space research to technological innovation in the digital space or vaccine manufacturing, India has demonstrated that it has become self reliant.

There is also a domestic dimension. Indian government, have understood that foreign policy should respond to the needs of common citizens. Whether it is attracting investment, creating jobs, providing cheaper fuel, or securing the country’s borders, the aim is to improve the life of citizens. By making foreign policy flexible, India maximizes the chances to realize these objectives.

Challenges naturally remain, It will not be able to maintain balance between the US and Russia if their rivalry becomes more heated.Balancing Chinese conflicts while maintaining peace is another high-wire act. And with global trade, India has to open up more if it desires to attract more investment. But the fact that India is aware that such challenges are out there and is still committed to maintaining its freedom of choice indicates how much strategic autonomy has sunk its roots in.

In the years to come, with India developing into the world’s third-largest economy, its decisions will hold even greater significance. Most developing countries follow India as a model of how to be independent in foreign policy without being isolated from all. For them, India’s trajectory inspires hope that there is a way for smaller nations to escape trap in the competition among great powers.

Finally, strategic autonomy is not a slogan for India. It is a way of maintaining dignity, independence, and freedom of action in a complex world. It is paying heed to everyone, but taking it’s own path. It is following it’s own path with the self-assurance that comes from India’s size, diversity, and rising strength and gives it the ability to do so. And as the world order continues to evolve, one certainty remains: India will be a country that listens carefully, participates extensively, yet chooses its own direction. That is what strategic autonomy truly amounts to a future in which India can rise not by leaning on others, but by progressing on its own feet.

telijazib33@gmail.com