India's current foreign policy landscape is shaped by a fast-evolving geopolitical climate marked by global uncertainty, new alliances, and complex rivalries. From managing relations with the United States under President Donald Trump to navigating increasing Chinese influence in the region and maintaining critical defence ties with Russia, India is walking a tightrope to safeguard its national interests.
India has adopted a pragmatic approach to Trump&rsquo;s &ldquo;America First&rdquo; policy. Despite controversial actions like deporting Indian migrants in military aircraft, New Delhi has prioritized long-term cooperation with Washington&mdash;particularly in dismantling illegal migration networks and negotiating trade imbalances. Prime Minister Modi&rsquo;s call to &ldquo;Make India Great Again&rdquo; was a calibrated response aligning with Trump&rsquo;s rhetoric while signaling India&rsquo;s own global ambitions.
On the regional front, India continues to face serious threats from the Sino-Pak alliance. The recent retaliation to a terror attack in Pahalgam led to open conflict, during which Pakistan allegedly used Chinese military support and drones from T&uuml;rkiye. Security concerns are also rising over Bangladesh&rsquo;s increasing closeness to China and Pakistan.
Islamic terrorism, especially from the Pak-Afghan region, remains a persistent challenge. China&rsquo;s BRI expansion into Afghanistan&mdash;secured through a mutual silence on Uyghur repression&mdash;adds another layer of complexity. India is pushing for greater international awareness of Pakistan&rsquo;s duplicity in fostering terrorism while portraying itself as a victim of extremism.
In global alignments, India supports a multipolar world order&mdash;staying engaged with both BRICS and QUAD, while maintaining close ties with Russia, even amid Western pressures on defence and energy partnerships. India sees itself as a responsible global power that promotes peace, condemns faith-based terrorism, and upholds democratic values.
The Middle East remains a vital strategic arena. India has carefully maintained balanced relations with Israel, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. However, the escalating military conflict between Iran and Israel&mdash;with the US, China, and Russia taking opposing sides&mdash;poses the risk of a wider civilizational clash. India has consistently called for a ceasefire in Gaza, peaceful resolution in Ukraine, and an end to the Iran-Israel confrontation.
India&rsquo;s foreign policy stance rests on strategic autonomy, bilateral friendships, and a firm opposition to terrorism. Despite tensions with China, India continues to engage with both Russia and the US, leveraging common ground in the global fight against Islamic extremism.
As India rises among the world&rsquo;s leading economies, its strategy remains rooted in pragmatic diplomacy, defence self-reliance, and a vision for peace in a fragmented world.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]

The Third Eye: India’s Geopolitical Strategy

Balancing US, Russia, and China ties, India asserts strategic autonomy in an increasingly complex world

The Third Eye: India’s Geopolitical Strategy

Balancing US, Russia, and China ties, India asserts strategic autonomy in an increasingly complex world

July 13, 2025 | 20:12 IST