India's Foreign Policy: Strategic Autonomy Over 'Fearless' Image, Says Ex-Diplomat

• Former diplomat Syed Akbaruddin defends India's foreign policy, stating it prioritizes national interests and strategic flexibility amidst global complexities like the US-Iran conflict and tariff wars.
• Critics allege India's policy is tilted towards the US and Israel, adapting to American pressure, but Akbaruddin argues policy is determined by the needs of the time, balancing risks in energy, technology, and security.
• Recent decisions like partial relaxation of Chinese investment rules and discounted Russian oil purchases demonstrate India's practical approach to economic and energy security, not ideological alignment.
• India's response to Iran-Gulf tensions, emphasizing regional stability, reflects its deep economic ties and concerns for energy supply, trade, and remittances from the region.
• Citing historical lessons from the 1962 China war and 1971 war, Akbaruddin stresses that diplomacy must adopt practical options for national security, securing strategic autonomy in a complex global order.