Akshat Mehrotra
In a world shaped by shifting power centers and intensifying global competition, India finds itself at a crossroads. As the two most powerful nations— the United States and China—battle for dominance, India’s foreign policy has entered a new era of strategic calculation. My research, titled “India’s Balancing Act: Navigating US-China Rivalry,” explores how India is responding to this evolving global dynamic while protecting its core interests. Through this blog, I share both my research journey and the critical findings that emerged from it.
The Starting Point: Why This Topic?
My interest in this subject stemmed from observing India’s increasingly active role in regional and global diplomacy. As a student of history and international relations, I was curious about how India, historically committed to non-alignment, is adapting to the 21st-century reality of great power rivalry. The 2020 Galwan Valley clash, rising Indo-Pacific tensions, and the emergence of QUAD brought the question to the forefront—how does India maintain its strategic autonomy amid this intense power struggle?
Choosing this topic felt natural. It not only connected with India’s current foreign policy challenges but also opened up questions about sovereignty, security, and India’s aspirations as a leading power. The balancing act between the U.S. and China is more than a geopolitical dilemma—it’s a test of India’s long-standing foreign policy principles in a dramatically changing world.
Research Approach and Key Sources
To ensure both depth and balance, I relied on a mix of academic literature, policy documents, and contemporary think tank analyses. John Mearsheimer’s The Tragedy of Great Power Politics provided a realist theoretical framework, highlighting the inevitability of conflict between rising and established powers. Harsh V. Pant’s India’s Foreign Policy: The Modi Era helped me understand how India’s diplomatic approach has evolved under the current leadership. Meanwhile, C. Raja Mohan’s Samudra Manthan offered a focused view on Sino-Indian competition in the Indo-Pacific.
I also explored annual reports from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and recent articles from ORF, Carnegie India, and Brookings Institution. These sources helped ground my theoretical understanding in real-world developments, offering a richer, policy-oriented perspective.
What I Found: The Core of India’s Balancing Strategy
What became clear early on is that India is not choosing sides—but it is making strategic choices.
1. Strengthening U.S. Ties, Cautiously
India’s relations with the United States have deepened considerably over the last two decades, particularly in defense and strategic sectors. Foundational agreements like COMCASA and BECA, joint military exercises like Yudh Abhyas, and cooperation within the QUAD framework reflect this shift. India also welcomes U.S. support in the Indo-Pacific, especially in countering China’s assertiveness.
However, this alignment is not unconditional. India resists becoming part of any formal military alliance, maintaining its independence in decision-making. Its refusal to fully endorse U.S. positions on Russia (especially during the Ukraine crisis) is a case in point.
2. Managing a Complicated Relationship with China
India’s relationship with China is a blend of competition and cautious engagement. While economic ties remain significant, with China being one of India’s largest trading partners, the trust deficit has widened, particularly after the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. Border tensions and strategic concerns over China’s influence in South Asia have limited diplomatic warmth.
Still, India continues to engage with China in forums like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), highlighting its preference for dialogue over confrontation.
3. Strategic Autonomy in Action
What stands out most is India’s commitment to strategic autonomy. Rather than leaning completely towards either the U.S. or China, India is working to strengthen its own capabilities. Initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), increased defense spending, and deeper partnerships with other regional players like Japan, Australia, the EU, and ASEAN all point towards this strategy.
India is also investing in multilateralism—playing an active role in G20, leading the Global South narrative, and positioning itself as a bridge between major powers. This reinforces its identity as a responsible power that values sovereignty, balance, and peaceful coexistence.
Challenges Ahead
This balancing act, however, is not without its challenges.
- Border security concerns with China continue to demand constant military and diplomatic attention.
- Economic dependencies, especially in critical sectors like electronics and pharmaceuticals, make complete decoupling from China difficult.
- At the same time, U.S. expectations for alignment in global issues like Taiwan and Ukraine can strain India’s independent approach.
Navigating these pressures without alienating either side requires diplomatic finesse, strategic patience, and domestic resilience.
Reflections on the Research Journey
What struck me most during this research was how much India’s foreign policy today blends continuity with adaptation. While the core principles of non-alignment and sovereignty remain, the methods have evolved to meet new realities. The experience taught me not only how to interpret policy, but also how to critically engage with academic theories and apply them to real-world situations.
Writing this paper also helped me appreciate the value of multiple perspectives—balancing hard power analysis with institutional insights, and blending theory with policy. It made me more confident in understanding India’s place in the global order—not just as a reactive state, but as an assertive actor with its own vision.
Conclusion: Walking the Middle Path
India’s balancing act is not about neutrality or indecision—it’s a calculated effort to secure its interests without compromising its autonomy. As the U.S.-China rivalry continues to shape global geopolitics, India’s choices will have implications beyond its borders. The success of its strategy may well serve as a model for other middle powers seeking to navigate a polarized world.
The journey of researching and writing this paper has deepened my appreciation for the complexities of diplomacy. It has also reaffirmed the importance of a grounded, independent foreign policy in uncertain times.
About the contributor: Akshat Mehrotra is a passionate and driven student specializing in international relations and strategic affairs. With a deep interest in global geopolitics, Akshat focuses on analyzing the shifting dynamics between major powers and their impact on India’s foreign policy. He is a fellow at DFPGYF Diplomacy, Foreign Policy & Geopolitics Youth Fellowship, IMPRI.
Acknowledgements: The author extends sincere gratitude to Impact and Policy Research Institute India team for reviewing the article and for providing the opportunity to write the article.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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