Is India Reshaping Its Foreign Policy?

Speedy Summary

• SCO Summit Participation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in tianjin alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This marked a notable display of unity among the three leaders, drawing global attention.
• Bilateral Engagements: Modi held cordial bilateral talks with Xi amidst lingering tensions from past border conflicts, including Galwan clashes. Both leaders committed to normalizing ties, allowing border discussions to continue at delegated levels.
• Key Agreements: Revived flights, eased visa processes for Indians visiting China, reinstated the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, and addressed trade concerns between both nations.
• U.S. Reaction: the Tianjin photo-op sparked criticism in Washington. Donald Trump made sarcastic remarks about India’s alignment with Russia-China dynamics but followed up with conciliatory statements on India’s “special relationship” with the U.S.,emphasizing friendship with PM Modi.
• Future Trajectory in Relations:

– India remains committed to it’s decades-old policy of strategic autonomy rather of formally aligning East or West.
– Upcoming engagements include a BRICS summit chaired by Brazil and potential Quad scheduling discussions amid rising tariffs and sanctions.

Indian Opinion Analysis

India’s participation at the SCO summit reflects a continued stance toward strategic autonomy rather than an explicit pivot toward Eastern powers. While Modi engaged substantively with Xi Jinping to restore normalcy post-Galwan clashes and strengthen economic cooperation, critics interpreting this as “switching sides” overlook India’s multidimensional foreign policy priorities.

The mutual decision by China and India to compartmentalize their border issues from broader ties signifies pragmatism amidst regional sensitivities.However, renewed bilateral ties will likely face scrutiny internationally due to simultaneous tensions involving Western alliances over tariffs and sanctions.

the diplomatic exchanges between Modi and Trump suggest that india seeks equilibrium in balancing relations without compromising sovereignty while keeping avenues for collaboration on critical matters like defense relations via Quad open. As diplomatic channels remain active globally this month-including Jaishankar’s UN General Assembly visit-the success of balancing both ends could determine India’s long-term standing across global forums.Read more here