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13 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
4 min
International RelationsEconomyPolity & GovernanceEDITORIAL

India's Foreign Policy Rethink: Navigating a Shifting Multilateral World

India must redefine its foreign policy amidst eroding multilateralism and rising power politics.

India's Foreign Policy Rethink: Navigating a Shifting Multilateral World

Photo by Vitaly Gariev

Editorial Analysis

India needs to reframe its foreign policy to adapt to the evolving world order by building endogenous capabilities, diversifying trade, and pursuing 'Viksit Bharat 2047'.

Main Arguments:

  1. The erosion of multilateralism, driven by China's rise and the U.S.'s transactional approach, impacts India's 'strategic autonomy'.
  2. India needs to build endogenous capabilities and diversify trade.
  3. India should maintain a low international profile and prioritize trade diplomacy.
  4. India should create new technological relations with Russia and enable China to invest in infrastructure.
  5. India should treat relations with Pakistan as a foreign policy issue rather than a security challenge.
  6. As chair of BRICS, India has an opportunity to articulate its new foreign policy by building consensus on repositioning BRICS as an economic cooperation community.

Counter Arguments:

  1. Developing countries are wondering how to revive multilateral structures.
  2. The U.S. is determined to prevent the rise of another China.

Conclusion

India must reframe its foreign policy beyond strategic autonomy, build endogenous capabilities, diversify trade, and pursue Viksit Bharat 2047.

Policy Implications

India should prioritize trade diplomacy, create new technological relations, and treat relations with Pakistan as a foreign policy issue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the new world order, necessitating a reevaluation of India's foreign policy. The erosion of multilateralism, driven by China's rise and the U.S.'s transactional approach, impacts India's 'strategic autonomy.' India needs to build endogenous capabilities, diversify trade, and pursue 'Viksit Bharat 2047'.

Suggested steps include maintaining a low international profile, prioritizing trade diplomacy, creating new technological relations with Russia and enabling Chinese investment in infrastructure with safeguards. India should also treat relations with Pakistan as a foreign policy issue and leverage its BRICS chairmanship to promote economic cooperation.

Key Facts

1.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the new world order.

2.

The U.S. has withdrawn from 31 UN institutions.

3.

China is now the largest trading partner of 120 countries.

4.

India joined the U.S.-led rejuvenated Quad in 2017.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 2: International Relations - India's foreign policy, bilateral and multilateral relations

2.

Connects to syllabus topics on India's relations with neighboring countries, major powers, and international organizations

3.

Potential question types: analytical questions on the challenges and opportunities facing India's foreign policy, statement-based questions on key concepts and initiatives

More Information

Background

India's foreign policy has evolved significantly since independence. Initially, it was characterized by non-alignment, a strategy designed to avoid aligning with either the United States or the Soviet Union during the Cold War. This approach, championed by Jawaharlal Nehru, aimed to preserve India's strategic autonomy and allow it to pursue its own interests. Over the decades, India's foreign policy has adapted to changing global dynamics. The end of the Cold War, the rise of globalization, and the emergence of new powers have prompted India to diversify its relationships and engage more actively in multilateral forums. Key milestones include the economic liberalization of the 1990s, which opened India to global trade and investment, and the deepening of strategic partnerships with countries like the United States, Russia, and Japan. The concept of multilateralism has been central to India's approach, emphasizing cooperation and dialogue on global issues. India's foreign policy is also shaped by its domestic priorities and regional context. The pursuit of economic development, energy security, and regional stability are key drivers. India's relations with its neighbors, particularly Pakistan and China, have a significant impact on its foreign policy choices. The Constitution of India, while not explicitly detailing foreign policy, provides the framework for international agreements and the conduct of external affairs. The principle of Panchsheel, emphasizing peaceful coexistence, has been a guiding principle in India's engagement with other nations. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on leveraging India's economic and technological capabilities to advance its foreign policy goals. Initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Digital India' aim to enhance India's endogenous capabilities and reduce its dependence on external sources. This focus on building a self-reliant India is seen as essential for maintaining its strategic autonomy in a rapidly changing world order.

Latest Developments

In recent years, India's foreign policy has focused on strengthening its strategic partnerships and promoting its economic interests. The Act East Policy has been revitalized to enhance engagement with Southeast Asian countries, while closer ties have been forged with countries in Africa and Latin America. India's participation in multilateral forums like the G20 and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has provided platforms for advancing its agenda on issues such as climate change, terrorism, and global economic governance. The rise of China and the changing dynamics of the international order have presented both opportunities and challenges for India's foreign policy. India has sought to balance its relations with China through dialogue and cooperation, while also strengthening its security capabilities and partnerships with like-minded countries. The concept of the Indo-Pacific has gained prominence, reflecting India's growing role in the region and its commitment to a rules-based order. Looking ahead, India's foreign policy is expected to prioritize economic diplomacy, technological cooperation, and regional connectivity. The 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision, as mentioned in the summary, underscores the importance of building a prosperous and self-reliant India that can play a leading role on the global stage. This will require sustained efforts to enhance India's endogenous capabilities, diversify its trade relationships, and promote its interests in a complex and uncertain world. The role of institutions like the Ministry of External Affairs will be crucial in shaping and implementing India's foreign policy agenda.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is 'strategic autonomy' in the context of India's foreign policy, and why is it important?

Strategic autonomy refers to India's ability to make independent decisions in foreign policy, without being unduly influenced by other countries. It is important because it allows India to pursue its own national interests and play a more significant role in the world.

2. What are the key facts to remember about the changing world order for the UPSC Prelims exam?

For the UPSC Prelims, remember these key facts: Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the new world order, the U.S. has withdrawn from 31 UN institutions, and China is the largest trading partner of 120 countries. Also, India joined the U.S.-led rejuvenated Quad in 2017.

3. How does the erosion of multilateralism impact India's foreign policy options?

The erosion of multilateralism, driven by factors like China's rise and the U.S.'s transactional approach, reduces the effectiveness of international institutions and increases the importance of bilateral relationships for India. This forces India to be more self-reliant and strategically agile.

4. What is 'Viksit Bharat 2047', and how does it relate to India's foreign policy?

'Viksit Bharat 2047' is a vision for India to become a developed nation by 2047. This vision requires a supportive foreign policy that prioritizes economic growth, trade, and technological advancement through international cooperation.

5. What steps have been suggested to redefine India's foreign policy in the current global scenario?

Suggested steps include maintaining a low international profile, prioritizing trade diplomacy, creating new technological relations with Russia, enabling Chinese investment in infrastructure with safeguards, and treating relations with Pakistan as a foreign policy issue.

6. Why is India's chairmanship of BRICS important in the context of the shifting multilateral world?

India can leverage its BRICS chairmanship to promote economic cooperation among member states, advocate for reforms in the global financial architecture, and offer an alternative vision of multilateralism.

7. What are the pros and cons of India maintaining a 'low international profile'?

A low profile can help avoid unnecessary conflicts and allow India to focus on domestic development. However, it may also reduce India's influence on global issues and limit its ability to shape international norms.

8. How might enabling Chinese investment in Indian infrastructure, with safeguards, impact the common citizen?

Chinese investment could lead to improved infrastructure, creating jobs and boosting economic growth. However, safeguards are crucial to prevent security risks and ensure fair competition for local businesses.

9. Why is a re-evaluation of India's foreign policy necessary now?

A re-evaluation is necessary due to the shifting multilateral world, the rise of China, the U.S.'s transactional approach, and the need to achieve 'Viksit Bharat 2047'. These factors require India to adapt its strategies to protect its interests and promote its development.

10. What is the significance of the number 120 in the context of India's foreign policy?

The number 120 signifies the number of countries for which China is now the largest trading partner. This highlights China's growing economic influence and the need for India to diversify its trade relationships.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding India's foreign policy: 1. Prime Minister Modi has acknowledged a shifting multilateral world, necessitating a reevaluation of India's foreign policy. 2. The rise of China and the transactional approach of the U.S. have contributed to the erosion of multilateralism. 3. 'Viksit Bharat 2047' aims to build endogenous capabilities and diversify trade relations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: D

All three statements are correct. The Prime Minister has indeed acknowledged the need to re-evaluate India's foreign policy due to the changing global order. The rise of China and the U.S.'s transactional approach are contributing factors to the erosion of multilateralism. 'Viksit Bharat 2047' is an initiative aimed at building endogenous capabilities and diversifying trade. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

Source Articles

As multilateralism erodes, India must reframe its foreign policy - The Hindu

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Trump’s Second Term and the Unravelling of India–US Ties - Frontline

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