🛡️ 1940s – World War II: Backing the Axis through the INA
The Indian National Army (INA), led by Subhas Chandra Bose, chose to align with Imperial Japan and Nazi Germany in a desperate attempt to overthrow British colonial rule. Bose believed that “the enemy of my enemy is my friend,” and sought independence through military struggle.
→ Outcome: The Axis powers were defeated in 1945, Japan surrendered, and Bose died under murky circumstances.
🌐 1955 – Non-Aligned Movement: Strategic Neutrality or Missed Opportunity?
In the aftermath of independence, India became a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement.
→ Outcome: India remained on the sidelines of major power blocs and missed out on the economic and security benefits that came with alignment.
🔴1971–1984 – Embrace of the Soviet Union: Betting on a Fading Empire
India entered into a Treaty of Friendship with the USSR and closely aligned with it economically, diplomatically, and militarily. This partnership helped India during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, but increasingly tied Indian foreign policy to Soviet interests.
→ Outcome: When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, India lost its principal backer. Meanwhile, China and Pakistan deepened their cooperation and gained stronger ties with the United States, leaving India in a weakened position.
☢️ 1998 – Nuclear Tests and Global Backlash: A Pyrrhic Assertion of Power
In an attempt to assert itself as a nuclear power and balance Pakistan and China, India conducted a series of underground nuclear tests (Pokhran-II). The move aimed to demonstrate strategic autonomy.
→ Outcome: Pakistan responded with its own nuclear tests just days later, resulting in a dangerous regional arms race without gaining India any lasting strategic advantage.
🔷 2010s–Present – The Quad and Strategic Hesitancy: Alliances Without Teeth
India joined the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) with the U.S., Japan, and Australia to contain an assertive China. However, due to India’s caution and reluctance to formally ally, the group has remained more symbolic than effective.
→ Outcome: The Quad has made no meaningful commitments.
⚔️ 2025 – India-Pakistan War: Strategic Isolation in the Modern Era
The military confrontation between India and Pakistan ended in India being diplomatically isolated, while Pakistan secured support from China, Turkiye (a NATO member), and Azerbaijan.
→ Outcome: Despite its growing military capabilities, India found itself regionally encircled and diplomatically constrained, having failed to cultivate dependable allies or deter adversaries.
