India has demonstrated strategic autonomy, but its record is not perfect

Political & Constitutional Dimensions

Government/Proponent View: India's strategic autonomy, as articulated by Shyam Saran, allows India to maintain independence on vital national interests without ideological alignment. The government's position is that India must preserve sovereignty in decision-making, particularly regarding security and economic welfare. By refusing to condemn Russia despite Western pressure, India has demonstrated that its foreign policy is not hostage to external preferences. The continued sheltering of the Dalai Lama represents a principled stand on humanitarian values and non-interference in Tibet's affairs, consistent with India's democratic traditions.

Critic/Expert View: Critics argue that being "stiff-necked" has resulted in "rigid diplomacy and no big-power friends." The article cites another critique that India "no longer voices criticisms of them on behalf of others (as it used to do in the heyday of its internationalist diplomacy)" — suggesting a decline from the active voice India once had in Non-Aligned Movement leadership. This has allegedly resulted in India losing "influence globally."

Economic & Financial Impact

Government/Proponent View: India's continued purchase of Russian oil at affordable prices has served immediate economic interests. Diversification of energy supplies and access to competitive pricing benefits Indian consumers and industry. The article notes that India's desire to "diversify supplies and to take advantage of affordable prices over external pressures" explains continued Russian oil purchases. India has also maintained its tariff protections on domestic industries despite US demands for reduction.

Critic/Expert View: The article raises the concern that some "Indian businesses may be evading international sanctions against Russia" — potentially exposing India to secondary sanctions risk and reputational damage. Curtailing Iran relations at US behest may have cost India strategically important projects like the Chabahar port (which offers alternate route to Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan) and Chabahar-Zahedan rail link.

Social Dimensions

Government/Proponent View: India's multi-alignment approach, according to supporters, allows the country to focus on "internal economic development" without being drawn into great power rivalries that could divide Indian society. Maintaining relations with diverse powers (Russia for arms, US for technology, Iran for regional connectivity) serves India's comprehensive development interests.

Critic/Expert View: Questions arise about whether India's stance on the Ukraine conflict aligns with international norms and whether selective compliance with sanctions affects India's standing as a responsible global actor committed to rule-based order.

Governance & Administrative Aspects

Implementation Challenges: The article notes the difficulty in assessing strategic autonomy as official pronouncements are "largely non-falsifiable — almost any decision can be ascribed to strategic autonomy." This creates challenges for parliamentary oversight and public accountability in foreign policy.

Institutional Capacity: India's foreign policy apparatus — Ministry of External Affairs, National Security Council Secretariat — must balance competing demands. The article implies these institutions are navigating complex realignments effectively.

International Perspective

Global Comparisons: India's approach contrasts with European nations that aligned with US/NATO positions on Russia, and with ASEAN states that have largely avoided explicit positioning. India's membership in both BRICS and Quad demonstrates the unconventional multi-alignment strategy.

Rule-Based Order: India's refusal to join Western sanctions regime tests the international order's ability to enforce collective action when major democracies take divergent positions.