India's new age non-alignment: NAl 2.0
diplomacy, India's path has been symbolic of its heritage — a nuanced tapestry woven with threads of traditional non-alignment (NAl) and contemporary multi-alignment. S Jaishankar's remarks at last week's Munich Security Conference offer a glimpse of India's diplomatic agility in the global power matrix.
The concept of NAl is evolving. Today, it is less about a rigid absence from blocs and more about flexibility to engage on a spectrum of alignments that serve national interests. The essence of this strategic autonomy lies not in isolation but in the ability to manoeuvre across alliances and partnerships without being trapped by any.
This new-age NAl — NAl 2.0, if you will — allows India to conduct transactions with Russia, a traditional partner, while deepening ties with Western powerhouses. Critics may view such an approach as opportunistic. But it is a testament to India's maturity and shrewdness. Admiration is due for a nation that can navigate complexities of IR while safeguarding its sovereignty and developmental agenda.
The West is not immune to pragmatic partnerships. Even as Germany imports Russian energy, it remains an ally of the US, proving that relationships today are not unidimensional but layered with shades of cooperation and competition. India's diplomatic strategy reflects its unique historical, cultural and economic contexts. Unlike the transatlantic alliance's deep-rooted bond, India's affiliations are not bound by such legacies, allowing for a more fluid and situational association.
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