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16 Jan 2026·Source: The Indian Express
3 min
International RelationsEXPLAINED

India's Strategic Alignment: Analyzing Entry into US-Led International Groupings

India's strategic shift: Joining US-led groups signals evolving foreign policy priorities.

India's Strategic Alignment: Analyzing Entry into US-Led International Groupings

Photo by Megan Clark

Background Context

Historically, India maintained a policy of non-alignment during the Cold War, seeking to avoid formal alliances with major powers. However, in recent decades, India's foreign policy has evolved to accommodate strategic partnerships with various countries, including the United States.

Why It Matters Now

This alignment is relevant due to the changing geopolitical landscape, including the rise of China and the need for supply chain resilience.

Key Takeaways

  • •India joins US-led groupings: MSP and IPEF
  • •Shift from non-alignment to strategic partnerships
  • •Growing alignment with US interests
  • •Focus on supply chain resilience
  • •Regional economic cooperation

Related Concepts

Foreign PolicyStrategic PartnershipsMultilateralismGeopolitics

India's recent entry into US-led groupings, including the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), signals a strategic recalibration. While India has historically maintained a degree of non-alignment, its participation in these initiatives reflects a growing alignment with US interests in areas such as supply chain resilience and regional economic cooperation.

India was brought into MSP almost as an afterthought just as in the case of MSP. The lesson India needs bring something to the table.

Key Facts

1.

India joined: Minerals Security Partnership (MSP)

2.

India joined: Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: International Relations - Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests

2.

GS Paper III: Economy - Resource mobilization, investment models

3.

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical, critical evaluation

Visual Insights

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Member Countries

Map showing the IPEF member countries, highlighting India's strategic position in the region. The map also shows the location of Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) member countries.

Loading interactive map...

📍United States📍India📍Japan📍Australia📍South Korea📍Canada📍European Union📍United Kingdom📍Indonesia📍Singapore📍Vietnam📍New Zealand📍Malaysia📍Philippines📍Thailand📍Brunei📍Fiji

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP): 1. It is a US-led initiative aimed at securing supply chains for critical minerals. 2. India is a founding member of the MSP. 3. The MSP focuses exclusively on minerals used in renewable energy technologies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is correct as MSP is indeed a US-led initiative. Statement 2 is incorrect as India was brought into MSP almost as an afterthought. Statement 3 is incorrect as MSP covers a broader range of critical minerals, not just those used in renewable energy.

2. In the context of India's foreign policy, the term 'strategic autonomy' most accurately refers to:

  • A.Complete isolation from global affairs.
  • B.The ability to make independent decisions based on national interests, without being dictated by any major power.
  • C.Unconditional alignment with the United States.
  • D.Strict adherence to the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Show Answer

Answer: B

Strategic autonomy implies the capacity to make independent choices in foreign policy, guided by national interests and without undue influence from external powers. While India values its relationships, it prioritizes its own decision-making.

3. Which of the following statements best describes the primary objective of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)?

  • A.To establish a free trade agreement between all member countries.
  • B.To counter China's Belt and Road Initiative through infrastructure development.
  • C.To promote economic cooperation and integration among participating countries through various pillars, including trade, supply chains, clean energy, and fair economy.
  • D.To create a military alliance in the Indo-Pacific region.
Show Answer

Answer: C

IPEF aims to foster economic cooperation and integration through various pillars, not just trade. It is not a free trade agreement in the traditional sense, nor is it primarily a military alliance. While it indirectly addresses China's influence, its main goal is broader economic engagement.

Part of Story Threads

Indo-Pacific Geopolitical Developments - January 2026

A snapshot of key events and trends shaping the Indo-Pacific region in January 2026, including defense cooperation, strategic infrastructure development, and foreign policy shifts.

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