Since the Cold War’s end in 1991, India has recalibrated its foreign policy to navigate a unipolar world led by the US, while anticipating a gradual shift toward multipolarity. For India, the US is a natural partner — the two largest democracies facing authoritarian rivals like China — but strategic autonomy remains central.

India’s post-Cold War approach has been to build bilateral ties with all nations based on mutual security and economic interests, positioning itself as a voice for peace and stability in the Global South. China’s rise, its partnership with Russia, and the Sino-Pak axis present key security challenges, especially given Pakistan’s record of sheltering radical groups.

While former US President Donald Trump identified China as a primary adversary and supported the Quad’s Indo-Pacific goals, his transactional approach toward Pakistan and trade disputes with India created friction. India has managed these differences without compromising core interests, stressing that both nations need each other.

Non-alignment now translates into balanced partnerships, enabling India to address global crises — from Ukraine to the Middle East — with calls for peace and negotiation. Engagements in Quad, I2U2, and G20 send a clear signal of India’s lean toward democratic allies without formal alignment.

India also continues defence and economic ties with Russia, resisting unilateral US pressures, while promoting self-reliance in strategic sectors. This balanced stance allows India to counter China’s outreach in the Indian Ocean, maintain maritime security, and project itself as an independent power with global credibility.

The foundation of Indo-US relations lies in shared democratic values and opposition to terrorism and expansionism — a partnership resilient enough to weather political cycles in Washington.