India's Foreign Policy Doctrine
Strategic Autonomy
India's foreign policy has historically rested on the principle of "strategic autonomy" — the freedom to make independent decisions based on national interest rather than alignment with any power bloc. This doctrine traces its lineage to Nehru's Non-Alignment but has evolved significantly under successive governments.
- Non-Aligned Movement (NAM): Formally established at the Belgrade Conference in September 1961, co-founded by Nehru (India), Nasser (Egypt), and Tito (Yugoslavia); India has been a founding member and prominent voice
- Under PM Modi, India's approach has been described as "multi-alignment" or "multi-vector diplomacy" — maintaining active strategic partnerships with the US, Russia, EU, and the Gulf simultaneously
- The term "strategic autonomy" was given formal articulation by EAM Jaishankar in his 2020 book "The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World"
- India maintains diplomatic relations with Iran (a state the US has sanctioned) while simultaneously being a Quad member and Major Defence Partner of the US
- India's position on the West Asia conflict — calling for dialogue without condemning the US or Iran — reflects this multi-alignment posture operationally
● Tracked since February 26, 2026 · last seen September 12, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
International Relations
Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue)
International Relations
India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA)
International Relations
Strait of Hormuz
International Relations
India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
International Relations
International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
International Relations
BRICS
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