Recent developments—such as a thaw in India-China relations, increased relationships with Western countries, leadership in the Global South, and sustained engagement with Russia despite Western pressure—have positioned India as a possible bridge between opposing geopolitical forces.
This research investigates the elements that have led to India’s current geostrategic position, assesses if this genuinely constitutes a “sweet spot,” and explores the threats that may yet erode this beneficial stance in an increasingly multipolar world.
India’s foreign policy has long been characterized by its commitment to strategic autonomy, though this concept has evolved significantly in response to shifting geopolitical realities. Strategic autonomy, rather than being a rigid or dogmatic notion, has acted as an adaptive framework, allowing India to pursue its national objectives while avoiding involvement in major power confrontations.
This approach has been particularly evident in India’s response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, where despite pressure from Western allies, India maintained its diplomatic and economic engagement with Russia while simultaneously advocating for peace through dialogue. When
