Today we need to talk about India’s foreign policy. It’s independent. It's pragmatic. And honestly, it’s right. Let’s break it down—India's policy towards Russia and the United States is like juggling fire and water, and somehow, New Delhi is doing it like a pro, making everyone wonder, “Wait, how are they pulling this off?”
Let’s get one thing straight: India ain’t picking sides.
See, here’s the thing. For the longest time, the global narrative has been, “You’re either with us, or against us.” Cold War-era alliances, proxy wars—it was like picking teams in dodgeball, but with nukes. India? India’s like, “We’re just trying to win the whole tournament, why are you fighting over the ball?”
The West, especially the U.S., has been nudging India to join the party—condemn Russia outright, cut off ties, stop buying oil. But India’s like, “Hold up, wait a minute. We got 1.4 billion mouths to feed, we need affordable energy, and we have historical ties with Russia that go back decades. You want us to just ghost them? In this economy?!” It’s like when you’re at a family wedding and your two best friends start fighting. Do you pick a side, or do you say, “Can we all just focus on the free buffet?”
Russia and India: It’s Complicated
Historically, Russia’s been that one friend who always had India’s back in rough times. During the Cold War, when the U.S. was busy cosying up to Pakistan, Russia was like, “We got you, bro.” Remember that? Russia provided arms, defence tech, and was a reliable partner at the United Nations. In fact, 60-70% of India’s military hardware comes from Russia. It’s like ordering half your wardrobe from one store—if that store suddenly goes out of business, you’re gonna be wearing last season’s clothes for a long time.
So when the U.S. says, “India, stop buying weapons from Russia,” India’s like, “You got replacements for the MiGs and Sukhois? Oh, you don’t? Thought so.”
The U.S. and India: Besties with Boundaries
But let’s be real, the U.S. is not just any other friend. The relationship between India and the U.S. has grown massively in recent years. They’ve got a strategic partnership, trade deals, tech collaborations, you name it. It’s like India is dating Russia but flirting with the U.S. at the same time. Is it messy? Sure. But it’s smart. India's making sure it’s hedging its bets. And for good reason.
Think about it—India’s neighbourhood is like living in a rough part of town. You got China on one side, flexing military muscle; Pakistan on the other side, with its own set of issues. India needs friends in high places, and the U.S. is a powerful ally. But at the same time, India’s not about to burn bridges with Russia, especially when Moscow is still critical to its defence and energy needs.
India is out here playing 3D chess while everyone else is stuck on checkers. The U.S. and Russia are trying to get India to pick a side, but India’s like, “Nah, I’m good.” It’s the ultimate power move. Independence is the name of the game.
And let’s not forget, this isn’t just about Russia. It’s about China.
See, Russia and India have both had their fair share of conflicts with China. Russia might have closer ties with Beijing nowadays, but India knows that an isolated Russia could get pushed deeper into China's embrace. So India’s thinking, “If I keep Russia close, I keep China from getting too comfortable.” It’s geopolitical judo.
At the same time, the U.S. wants India to help counter China’s rise in the Indo-Pacific. India’s all for that—look at their involvement in the Quad. But India’s also smart enough to know that blindly following the U.S. could hurt its long-term interests. India’s like, “We’ll work with you, America, but we’re gonna do it on our terms.”
The Cold Hard Truth
Look, in today’s world, countries can’t just stick to one “friend group.” They need to be versatile, adaptive. India’s independent foreign policy isn’t about loyalty or betrayal—it’s about self-interest. And, really, can you blame them?
India’s got 1.4 billion people to look after, a massive economy to grow, and security concerns from all sides. If they can manage to get cheap oil from Russia, why wouldn’t they? If they can deepen strategic ties with the U.S. without burning bridges with Moscow, why shouldn’t they? It’s called looking out for Number One.
In conclusion, India’s independent foreign policy is not just right—it’s necessary. New Delhi is proving that in a world of polarized politics, you can be a balancing force. It’s about finding that sweet spot where you protect your interests without getting dragged into someone else’s drama. It’s like being invited to two parties at the same time, and India’s just showing up to both, saying, “I’m here for the snacks and good vibes—don’t bring me into your beef.”
India’s foreign policy? It’s not just diplomacy. It’s survival.
