Hi Friends,

Even as I launch this today ( my 80th Birthday ), I realize that there is yet so much to say and do. There is just no time to look back, no time to wonder,"Will anyone read these pages?"

With regards,
Hemen Parekh
27 June 2013

Now as I approach my 90th birthday ( 27 June 2023 ) , I invite you to visit my Digital Avatar ( www.hemenparekh.ai ) – and continue chatting with me , even when I am no more here physically

Sunday, 28 September 2025

India's Enduring Diplomatic Tapestry: A Reflection on Strategic Autonomy

India's Enduring Diplomatic Tapestry: A Reflection on Strategic Autonomy

The recent assertion from Russia, highlighted in the news—that India's strained relations with the US will not impact its ties with Moscow India's strained ties with US won't hit our relations: Russia—offers a potent moment for reflection. It underscores a fundamental principle I have long observed and often articulated: the strategic imperative for nations, especially those with India's inherent global stature, to cultivate a multi-faceted foreign policy.

Our relationship with Russia, rooted deeply in history, goes beyond mere transactional exchanges. It's a bond forged over decades, marked by robust defense cooperation and mutual understanding during pivotal global moments. This enduring trust is not easily swayed by transient geopolitical headwinds, a point Russia's statement clearly emphasizes. It speaks to a loyalty and a shared past that provides a stable anchor amidst evolving global dynamics.

Indeed, India's foreign policy has consistently championed strategic autonomy. This isn't a new phenomenon; it's a carefully considered stance to prioritize national interests above alignment with any single bloc. I recall years ago, even as the world seemed to coalesce into distinct camps, I often spoke about the wisdom of a multipolar vision, where nations could navigate complex relationships without being forced into binary choices. My perspective then, as now, was that such an approach wasn't just pragmatic but essential for global stability and a nation's sovereign dignity.

Seeing how events unfold today, with Russia confidently asserting the resilience of its ties with India despite India's evolving engagement with the US, brings a sense of validation to those earlier insights. I had predicted this very outcome – that India would seek to maintain its independent course, and that its established relationships would withstand pressures from third parties. The challenge, I often noted, was in managing these competing interests without compromising one's core principles. The current situation suggests India is successfully navigating this intricate dance, a testament to the foresight of its non-aligned, or rather, multi-aligned, approach.

In essence, this reaffirms what many of us have long understood: India is not merely reacting to global events but actively shaping its destiny on the world stage, upholding its unique position through a blend of historical affinity and calculated self-interest. It's a powerful lesson in enduring diplomacy and the strength derived from maintaining diverse partnerships.


Regards,
Hemen Parekh

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