India's Strategic Autonomy & US Relations – UPSC Analysis
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Rubio's Failed Diplomacy & India's Multi-Alignment Strategy Strategic autonomy is NOT neutrality. It's selective engagement based on national interest. India actively participates in QUAD against China while simultaneously engaging BRICS with China. India's participation in all these organizations demonstrates its multi-alignment strategy—engaging Western bloc (QUAD), Non-Western alternatives (BRICS, SCO), and universal forums (G20). Assertion: India does participate in both (✓). Reason: Strategic autonomy is precisely why India can join competing blocs—it has freedom to choose based on interest, not ideology. Multipolarity = multiple centers (U.S., China, India, EU, Russia, Japan). Today's world increasingly multipolar, which gives India greater agency. Non-Alignment = Stay out of blocs. Strategic Autonomy = Engage all blocs but decide independently. India uses QUAD against China but BRICS with China—active not passive. Watch for statements saying India is "aligned with the U.
⏱ Reading time: ~11 min
