India’s Global South Strategy: Iran Ties, China Border Talks and Strategic Autonomy
India is balancing diplomatic ties, China border dialogue and Global South cooperation while pursuing strategic autonomy and economic resilience.
India’s diplomatic engagements with key partners are taking place against a backdrop of regional tensions and a changing global order, with dialogue, strategic autonomy and cooperation among developing nations remaining central themes.
Discussions with regional partners have stressed resolving conflicts through diplomacy while ensuring that important sea lanes remain open and protected under international law. At the same time, India’s engagement with neighbouring powers has seen progress through commander-level talks and an eight-point agreement focused on addressing boundary issues, improving trade balance and maintaining peace along the border.
Strategic autonomy continues to shape India’s foreign policy, with efforts also aimed at reducing trade deficits by expanding exports and strengthening economic partnerships. As plurilateral groupings grow, their agenda is increasingly centred on resilience, innovation, sustainability and greater cooperation.
The evolving role of such platforms was also highlighted, with the emphasis being placed on institutional reforms rather than positioning them as anti-Western alliances. The broader objective is to give developing economies and the Global South a stronger voice in international affairs.
People-centric cooperation remains another priority, covering areas such as trade, clean energy, mobility, healthcare and education. These initiatives are aimed at strengthening resilience while creating greater economic opportunities for participating countries.
