India’s approach towards the United States and China is characterized by strategic neutrality, balancing political considerations and interconnectedness. This stance is part of a broader trend in the Global South, where countries like India, Indonesia, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia adopt a realist strategy amidst US-China dynamics, as per a report. The recent Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting highlighted cooperation among the US, India, Japan, and Australia to address concerns over China’s regional influence.
India, Japan, and Australia collaborate with the US in the Quad initiative while maintaining separate engagements with China. India’s strategic autonomy post-2014 aims for international partnerships without being tied to value-based alliances. The US values India’s geostrategic location in the Indo-Pacific, especially in the context of maritime security concerns in the 21st century.
The US, not having a physical presence in the Indo-Pacific region, relies on diplomatic ties with cooperative nations like India. This partnership allows the US to strategically align with India on various fronts, leveraging its strategic location. Despite a historically multifaceted engagement with the US, India recalibrated its relationship due to uncertainties during the early phase of President Trump’s administration.
India’s economic ties with China have flourished since a trade agreement in 1984, despite past military conflicts. The economic dimension of India-China relations remains strong, reflecting deep interlinkages between the two countries. India’s approach signifies a balancing act between maintaining progress with the US while avoiding overdependency.
