Context:
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Amid shifting global power dynamics, India’s foreign policy is at a strategic inflection point as it aspires to emerge as a major global economy and technological power.
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Recent multilateral engagements underline the rise of Asia as the new centre of gravity, necessitating a recalibration of India’s diplomatic, economic, and security priorities.
Key Highlights:
Geopolitical Signals from Global Summits
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At the 2025 Tianjin SCO Summit, Presidents Putin, Modi, and Xi displayed unity reminiscent of G7-style coordination, signalling Asia-centric multipolarism.
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The Busan Summit 2025 reinforced the global power shift towards Asia, with visible engagement between US President Trump and Chinese President Xi.
India’s Strategic Autonomy
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The US seeks to pull India away from China and curb India’s energy ties with Russia, especially oil imports.
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India has reiterated its commitment to strategic autonomy, refusing alignment with any single bloc.
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India’s unique challenge:
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High growth potential
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Large population with significant development needs
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Asia as India’s Economic Future
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Asia’s market size is projected to surpass that of the US, making it central to India’s long-term growth.
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Asia is increasingly integrating through shared value chains, offering India deeper trade and technology partnerships.
Multilateral Asian Platforms
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Growing interlinkages between BRICS, SCO, and ASEAN.
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Possibility of trade concessions outside WTO frameworks, including selective engagement with China.
Technology, Security & Innovation Focus
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Cyber warfare identified as a core component of national security, leveraging India’s IT and digital strengths.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) seen as critical for:
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Inclusive economic growth
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Strategic influence
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Military capability
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Defence Reorientation
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Call to redirect defence spending towards:
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AI-enabled systems
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Air defence, space assets, missiles, drones
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Potential reduction in:
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Size of the Army
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Dependence on imported platforms
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India’s AI Mission
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Requires substantially higher funding for:
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Indigenous AI research
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Strategic international collaborations
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High-performance computing infrastructure
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Talent development
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Essential for India’s ambition to be a global power by 2047.
Relevant Prelims Points:
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Issue: Reorientation of India’s foreign and strategic priorities amid global realignment.
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Key Drivers:
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Rise of Asia
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Multipolar world order
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Technology-led power shifts
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Key Concepts:
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Strategic Autonomy
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Cyber Warfare
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Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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Impact:
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Greater flexibility in foreign policy
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Enhanced economic and technological partnerships
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Relevant Mains Points:
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International Relations Dimension:
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Asia-centric diplomacy aligns with India’s Act East and Neighbourhood First policies.
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Participation in Asian groupings enhances India’s bargaining power vis-à-vis the West.
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Economic Perspective:
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Asian value chains offer resilience against global supply shocks.
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Trade diversification beyond Western markets is vital for sustained growth.
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Science & Technology Angle:
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AI and cyber capabilities are new determinants of national power.
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Control over data, technology, and innovation ecosystems is strategic.
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Defence & Security Aspect:
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Future warfare demands agility, technology dominance, and reduced manpower-intensive models.
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Way Forward:
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Deepen integration with Asian economies
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Invest aggressively in AI and cyber infrastructure
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Align defence planning with emerging technological realities
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Maintain strategic autonomy while engaging all major powers
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UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS 2: International Relations, Strategic Autonomy, Global Order
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GS 3: Economy, Science & Technology, Defence Modernisation