India’s Strategic Autonomy in a Multipolar Global Order: Navigating Geopolitical Flux

In an era defined by rapid geopolitical shifts and the erosion of traditional alliances, India has reaffirmed its commitment to 'strategic autonomy' as the cornerstone of its foreign policy. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently articulated that India’s diplomatic framework is designed to navigate a 'multipolar age of flux' by maintaining simultaneous, constructive engagement with all major global powers. This approach moves beyond the binary choices of the past, allowing New Delhi to protect its national interests while acting as a bridge-builder in a fractured international system. A critical manifestation of this policy is India’s active diplomatic involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Rather than adopting a passive stance, India has leveraged its unique position to facilitate dialogue, particularly concerning the security of maritime trade routes. The focus on ensuring safe passage for shipping and exports in the Black Sea highlights India’s role as a responsible stakeholder in global food and energy security. By engaging with both Moscow and Kyiv, India seeks to mitigate the spillover effects of the conflict, which have historically disrupted global supply chains and exacerbated inflationary pressures in developing economies.