India’s Foreign Policy Recalibration: Insights from Dr. S. Jaishankar’s Chatham House Address

Introduction

In an era of shifting global dynamics, India has emerged as a key player, redefining its foreign policy to navigate the complexities of power rivalries, economic uncertainty, and strategic realignments. Dr. S. Jaishankar’s address at Chatham House on 6 March 2025 provided a detailed account of India’s evolving diplomatic approach. His speech underscored India’s strategic autonomy, emphasising how the country maintains relations with major global powers while safeguarding national interests.

The backdrop to this recalibration is the 41-day-old Trump presidency, which has upended conventional American foreign policy with its “America First” approach, focusing on economic nationalism, transactional diplomacy, and a preference for bilateral over multilateral engagements. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for India. While the deepening Indo-US strategic partnership has opened avenues for trade, technology, and defence collaboration, India remains committed to multialignment—engaging with Russia, managing its competitive yet crucial relationship with China, and reinforcing its leadership role in South Asia.

Beyond major power engagement, India’s recalibrated foreign policy is driven by economic resilience, technological innovation, and regional stability. Whether through supporting Sri Lanka in its financial crisis, enhancing regional connectivity, or fostering energy security, India’s role as a stabilising force is becoming increasingly pronounced. As Jaishankar’s speech highlighted, India is no longer a passive actor in world affairs but an architect of a new multipolar order.

Chatham House: A Platform for India’s Global Vision

Chatham House, one of the world’s most respected policy institutions, provided a fitting stage for India to articulate its foreign policy vision. By engaging with Western intellectuals and diplomats, Jaishankar sought to clarify India’s strategic approach amid global uncertainties. His participation signalled India’s growing confidence in its ability to shape international discourse.

India’s engagement at Chatham House was not just symbolic; it was a declaration of intent. It reaffirmed India’s commitment to strategic autonomy while demonstrating its willingness to collaborate on global challenges, from climate change and economic stability to security in the Indo-Pacific. By choosing this prestigious forum, India underscored its role as a nation with a distinct and independent global voice.

The Rise of Multialignment: A New Foreign Policy Compass

Unlike Cold War-era diplomacy, which required nations to align with one bloc or another, India has embraced multialignment—a strategy of engaging with multiple global powers while ensuring its independence. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has strengthened ties with the United States, revived its historic partnership with Russia, and maintained a complex yet necessary relationship with China.

The revival of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) with the US, Japan, and Australia has reinforced India’s Indo-Pacific strategy, aimed at counterbalancing China’s growing influence. At the same time, India continues to engage diplomatically with Beijing, despite unresolved border tensions. Relations with Russia remain strong, particularly in defence and energy cooperation, as seen in India’s continued purchase of Russian oil despite Western sanctions.

Jaishankar’s speech reflected this nuanced strategy, asserting that India’s foreign policy is dictated not by ideological leanings but by pragmatic national interest. India refuses to be drawn into great power rivalries, instead positioning itself as a balancing force in global affairs.

US-India Relations: Pragmatism Amid Disruption

The Trump administration’s break from traditional multilateralism has forced nations to reassess their diplomatic strategies. While many countries have struggled with the unpredictability of Trump’s policies, India has identified opportunities in this disruption.

Jaishankar highlighted that India sees value in America’s shift towards a multipolar world, as it aligns with India’s interests. Despite trade frictions, including disputes over tariffs and market access, India has worked towards strengthening economic cooperation. Key developments include:

• Trade and Investment: India has responded to Trump’s demands for trade reciprocity by reducing tariffs on US exports and expediting a bilateral trade agreement.
• Defence and Technology Cooperation: The US-India defence partnership has expanded, with major arms deals and collaborations in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and energy security.
• Energy Cooperation: India’s increased oil imports from the US reflect efforts to diversify energy sources while maintaining cost-effective trade relationships.

Jaishankar also stressed that while India welcomes closer ties with the US, it will not compromise on strategic independence. This balance ensures that Indo-US relations remain mutually beneficial rather than dictated by American priorities alone.

Russia-Ukraine War: Strategic Neutrality Amidst Global Pressure

India’s handling of the Russia-Ukraine conflict demonstrates its commitment to diplomatic flexibility. Unlike many Western nations that swiftly imposed sanctions on Russia, India opted for neutrality, continuing to engage with both Moscow and Kyiv.

Jaishankar defended India’s decision to keep importing Russian oil, arguing that energy security is paramount. He also noted India’s efforts in diplomatic mediation, such as facilitating discussions on the Black Sea Grain Corridor and maintaining channels of communication with both sides.

This stance reflects India’s broader principle of non-alignment, ensuring that its foreign policy remains independent of Western influence while upholding global stability.

India-China Relations: Managing Competition and Diplomacy

Despite border tensions, India continues to engage with China, adopting a dual approach of military vigilance and diplomatic outreach. Jaishankar emphasised the importance of maintaining economic and cultural exchanges while safeguarding sovereignty.

Key aspects of India’s China strategy include:

• Border Dispute Management: India has engaged in high-level talks to de-escalate tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• Economic and Trade Relations: While reducing dependency on Chinese imports, India has maintained trade ties to avoid economic disruption.
• Regional Influence: India’s partnerships through the Quad and Indo-Pacific initiatives serve to counterbalance China’s dominance.

Jaishankar reiterated that India seeks stability, not confrontation, ensuring that its engagement with China remains strategic rather than adversarial.

India’s Leadership in in the Subcontinent

India’s influence extends beyond great power politics to its leadership in the subcontinent. Jaishankar outlined India’s efforts to support neighbouring countries facing economic and political turmoil.

• Sri Lanka: India provided $4 billion in financial aid to help stabilise the island nation’s economy.
• Neighbourhood-First Policy: India has prioritised connectivity projects, trade agreements, and infrastructure investments in Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
• Security and Stability: India remains committed to fostering regional peace, particularly in Afghanistan and Myanmar, where political instability threatens the region.

These efforts reinforce India’s role as a stabilising force in South Asia, further strengthening its global standing.

Economic Strategy and the Future of Global Trade

India’s economic strategy is centred on reducing reliance on foreign currencies, particularly the US dollar, by promoting the internationalisation of the rupee. Encouraging rupee-based trade with global partners allows India to strengthen its financial independence while ensuring stability in international transactions. This move not only protects India from currency fluctuations but also reinforces its position as a significant player in global finance, fostering stronger economic ties with emerging and established markets alike.

Another crucial aspect of India’s economic vision is its focus on technological innovation. The country’s thriving digital economy, supported by a rapidly expanding startup ecosystem, is transforming it into a global leader in technology. Advances in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital services are driving economic growth while increasing India’s influence in international tech collaborations. By investing in research and development, India is ensuring long-term economic resilience and competitiveness on the global stage.

By prioritising both financial self-reliance and technological advancement, India is positioning itself as a dominant force in the future of global trade. Strengthening local industries while fostering international partnerships allows India to balance domestic growth with global integration. As it continues to expand its digital infrastructure and promote rupee-based trade, India is not only securing its own economic future but also shaping the financial and technological landscape of the modern world.

Democracy, Human Rights, and India’s Global Image

Jaishankar firmly dismissed criticisms of India’s human rights record, calling them politically motivated and often unfairly selective. He stressed that India remains committed to democracy, diversity, and inclusive development, ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens. He argued that India’s policies should be judged within the framework of its vast and complex democracy rather than through biased external narratives. By upholding democratic values while addressing challenges, India continues to strengthen its governance and global image as a responsible, evolving nation.

Conclusion

Jaishankar’s address at Chatham House reaffirmed India’s rise as a strategic global power, balancing engagement with the US, Russia, and China while reinforcing its leadership in South Asia. By advocating multialignment, strengthening economic resilience, and asserting regional stability, India is shaping the future world order rather than merely reacting to it.

As geopolitical shifts continue, India’s foreign policy—rooted in pragmatism, autonomy, and innovation—ensures that it remains an influential and respected global player. In a world of uncertainty, India’s ability to navigate challenges with confidence and foresight sets it apart as a leader in the evolving multipolar era.

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more Valuable Content – TheStudyias

Download the App to Subscribe to our Courses – Thestudyias

The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH