Indian ‘strategic autonomy’ exposed as rhetoric amid ME conflict mishandling
New Delhi : India’s much-claimed strategic autonomy has been reduced to rhetoric after its mishandling of the Middle East conflict, exposing flawed foreign policy and sidelining of allies for perceived gains.
According to Kashmir Media Service, India distanced itself from ally Iran, with PM Modi remaining silent on Israeli and US actions and the death of the Supreme Leader, indicating an absence of principled positioning.
“Strategic autonomy appears as an empty claim, with policy conduct exposing inconsistencies at the core of decision-making in Delhi,” observers noted. Iran, once projected as a key strategic partner, was sidelined under external pressures. The absence of fresh funding in the Indian budget for Chabahar port construction reinforces this shift, they added.
India’s pursuit of US and Israel approval has come at the cost of its stated strategic autonomy and national interests, leaving long-standing partners increasingly marginalized.
