India is walking a dangerous tightrope—buying Russian oil, working with the Quad, and refusing to condemn China. Is neutrality the new power play?
India’s Geopolitical Balancing Act: Can Modi Keep It Up?
Oil from Russia, Allies with America?
Prof. Salvatore Babones explains that India’s foreign policy isn’t about loyalty—it’s about leverage. While Western countries are trying to isolate Russia over Ukraine, India has ramped up its oil imports from Moscow. Why? Cheap energy and a good deal.
India’s message is clear: it will take what’s in its national interest, even if it conflicts with Western goals.
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Why India Won’t Condemn China
Despite repeated border tensions and military skirmishes with China, Modi has avoided any major escalations. India participates in military exercises with the U.S., Australia, and Japan through the Quad—but never goes too far in antagonising Beijing.
Babones calls this “strategic ambiguity”—India is building up strength but refusing to be drawn into a binary Cold War-style conflict between China and the West.
The Quad Isn’t NATO
One of the biggest Western misreads, according to Babones, is treating the Quad as a mini-NATO. India doesn’t see it that way. It’s a platform for dialogue, not a binding military alliance. India won’t sign away its freedom of movement in return for American promises.
This refusal to commit to either bloc allows India to maintain diplomatic relationships with Russia, arms deals with Israel and France, and trade partnerships with China—even while hosting leaders like Joe Biden and Anthony Albanese.
Why It Matters
As global tensions rise, India’s balancing act might become harder to maintain. But if successful, Modi’s model could offer a new path for emerging powers—flexible, independent, and strategically unpredictable.
