Mains Practice Questions

Introduction:

The evolving multipolar world refers to a global system where power is dispersed among several major actors rather than dominated by one or two states. Its key characteristics include diffusion of economic and technological power, issue-based coalitions, and a decline of rigid blocs, allowing states greater flexibility in partnerships. Eg, The rise of middle powers like India, Japan, the EU, and ASEAN balancing China and the US through platforms such as the Quad and mini-laterals illustrates this fluid, multi-node power structure.

• India’s approach of multi-alignment and strategic autonomy emphasises issue-based partnerships, diversified engagement, and independent decision-making while safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity, and developmental priorities.

Body:

Effectiveness of this approach in securing India’s core national interests

• Defence partnerships to offset China’s military asymmetry: India’s military modernisation and deterrence posture have benefited significantly from diversified strategic partnerships. Eg, After the 2020 Galwan clash, the US expedited the supply of cold-weather gear and intelligence inputs to India, reflecting the practical utility of multi-alignment in crisis response.
  • India’s acquisition of Rafale jets from France, MH-60R helicopters from the US, and UAVs from Israel contributes to balancing China's military modernisation.
• Maritime partnerships to secure the Indian Ocean: China’s expanding naval reach,evident in the presence of PLAN submarines in the Indian Ocean and dual-use facilities at Djibouti has made maritime balancing essential.
  • India’s logistics agreements with Japan, Australia, France, the US, and Singapore allow reciprocal access to naval bases, expanding operational reach.
  • The India-France cooperation in the Western Indian Ocean—joint patrols around Reunion Island—directly helps monitor Chinese movements.
  • Eg, India has conducted coordinated patrols with Indonesia and Thailand in the Andaman Sea to limit illegal activities and enhance situational awareness amid concerns over increased Chinese research vessel activity.
• Participation in China-associated institutions for selective gains
  • India continues engagement with platforms such as BRICS, SCO, and the AIIB, where China wields influence, but India draws developmental benefits.
  • Through AIIB, India has secured funding for infrastructure and energy projects, becoming one of the largest recipients.
  • Within BRICS, India successfully pushed for financial architecture reforms and digital public infrastructure cooperation, counter-balancing China’s dominance from within.
  • Eg, India hosting multiple BRICS ministerial meetings even after the LAC crisis signals calibrated engagement rather than disengagement.
• Diplomacy as a Tool for Strategic Room: Managing Major Power Relations
  • Maintaining ties with Russia to avoid China-Russia encirclement Maintaining the India-Russia partnership ensures access to spares, energy, and technology at a time when Russia is tilting towards China.
  • The S-400 air defence system, delivered despite global sanctions, reflects India’s autonomy-driven procurement.
  • Eg, Delhi’s consistent neutrality in UN votes on the Ukraine crisis preserved ties with Russia without damaging relations with Western partners shows an example of successful diplomatic balancing
• Climate, technology, and health diplomacy
  • India’s role in the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) diplomacy promotes global leadership independent of China.
  • Eg, The G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (2023), adopted by consensus despite geopolitical polarisation, showcased India’s diplomatic ability to manoeuvre complex power rivalries, including those involving China.

Limitations and Structural Constraints

• Persistent military asymmetry
  • China’s defence budget is more than three times that of India.
    Even with partnerships, the LAC remains volatile—evident in recurrent PLA transgressions post-2020.
• Trade imbalance and supply chain vulnerability
  • India’s dependence on Chinese inputs continues: Over 70% of pharmaceutical APIs and large portions of electronics and solar components are still imported from China. This constrains India’s bargaining power.
• Influence in the neighbourhood Despite India’s efforts:
  • China holds strong positions in Pakistan through China Pakistan Economic Corridor, defence deals like J-35 fighter jets.
  • In Sri Lanka China acquired Hambantota port
  • Visit of care taker government from bangladesh promised airbase
    to china near Siliguri corridor
  • Nepal’s infrastructure sectors, reflecting enduring asymmetry in economic statecraft.
  • Russia–China convergence limits India’s options
    • A deeper Russia–China axis reduces India's ability to leverage Russia as an independent pole.

Measures to Overcome Limitations and Structural Constraints

• Addressing Military Asymmetry
  • Focused Defence Modernisation: Prioritise high-impact domains: ISR capability, drones, air defence, cyber-warfare, and precision long-range strike systems.
  • Fast-track stalled procurement through a 3–5 year “Critical Capability Acceleration Plan.”
  • Enhance Domestic Defence Production : Expand the iDEX and Make-in-India ecosystem to produce artillery, UAVs, robotics, and space-based surveillance tools. Encourage private sector and start-up integration into defence R&D with assured procurement contracts.
• Countering China’s Influence in the Neighbourhood
  • Deliver High-Visibility, Quick-Impact Projects
  • Focus on energy grids, digital payments, cross-border rail, and health infrastructure in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
  • Use Gati-Shakti and PM-DevINE frameworks to ensure timely delivery.
• Strengthen Cultural and People-to-People Diplomacy
  • Expand scholarships, Buddhist circuit outreach, and medical tourism packages.
  • Promote Indian tech (UPI, CoWIN, Aadhaar-like solutions) as soft-power alternatives to Chinese digital ecosystems.
• Managing Russia–China Convergence
  • Diversify Engagement with Russia Beyond Defence: Expand cooperation in Arctic energy, nuclear power, coking coal, and pharmaceuticals where India has strengths.
  • Increase Domestic Defence Spares Production: Reduce reliance on Russia by co-producing spares under “Make-I” and licensing agreements.

Conclusion:

India’s strategy of multi-alignment and strategic autonomy remains viable, but its effectiveness is contingent on correcting structural gaps. Strengthening domestic capabilities, building credible regional partnerships, accelerating military modernisation, and reducing economic dependence on China are the key pillars for sustaining long-term strategic competition. These measures will convert India's diplomatic flexibility into durable strategic advantage in the emerging multipolar world.