Strategic Autonomy
India's Foreign Policy Doctrine
India's doctrine of strategic autonomy evolved from the Nehruvian Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) of the Cold War era. While India is now deeply integrated with the US strategically (Quad, defence technology partnerships, BECA/LEMOA/COMCASA agreements), it retains the right to independent foreign policy positions — particularly on Russia (historical defence ties since Soviet era), Iran (energy and connectivity), and China (engagement despite border disputes). Strategic autonomy does not mean equidistance; it means India maximises its options and does not subordinate its interests to alliance logic.
- Non-Aligned Movement: founded 1961 at Belgrade; India was a founding member; NAM has 120+ member states but is largely moribund as a practical force.
- India's defence imports: historically ~60% from Russia; diversifying to US, France, Israel since 2010s; aim to indigenise under "Make in India" for defence.
- Foundational defence agreements with the US: BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement, 2020), LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement, 2016), COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement, 2018).
- Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue): India, US, Japan, Australia — strategic grouping without formal treaty obligation.
- India's UN voting on Ukraine war: India abstained rather than voting with the Western bloc on resolutions condemning Russia's invasion.
● Tracked since February 13, 2026 · last seen August 30, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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