India's bold and unapologetic stance on its foreign policy, particularly regarding its oil imports from Russia, has become a defining feature of the country's approach to international relations. In November 2024, India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, faced mounting international pressure to sever ties with Moscow over the ongoing Ukraine war, but he made it clear that India would not be swayed. Responding to criticism, Jaishankar questioned, "Why should India pay higher prices just to make you (Europe) happy?" His statement, coupled with his follow-up comment, "Is that a problem? Why should that be a problem?" reflected India's long-standing policy of prioritizing national interests over aligning with global blocs.
Jaishankar's comments echo a broader, emerging trend in international relations, particularly with regard to U.S. foreign policy under the leadership of Donald Trump. When Trump imposed tariffs on nations like Mexico and Canada, declaring that “It will all be worth the price that must be paid,” he underscored the philosophy of putting national interests at the forefront, even at the cost of alienating traditional allies. This strategy, which Trump refers to as “America First,” mirrors India's own foreign policy philosophy of strategic autonomy, where decisions are made based on national priorities rather than alliance-building or conforming to global expectations.
Under Trump 2.0, the U.S. has increasingly embraced a stance similar to India's approach—prioritizing national interests over multilateral cooperation. This shift is particularly evident in Trump's recent moves, which include targeting countries like China, Mexico, and Canada with economic policies designed to protect U.S. economic security, even at the cost of global alliances. In many ways, Trump's “America First” mantra seems to be a clear adaptation of India's longstanding foreign policy principles, marking a new chapter in U.S. international strategy.
Jaishankar’s defense of India’s decision to continue importing Russian oil amid the Ukraine conflict exemplifies India’s diplomatic balancing act. Despite the U.S. and Western nations imposing sanctions on Russia, India has maintained its position, arguing that it will make foreign policy decisions based on its own interests rather than following external dictates. Jaishankar’s comment that, "this part of the world has to understand that every part of the world has its interests," underscores India's belief in sovereignty and the right to make independent decisions based on national security and economic needs.
The continuing trade relationship with Russia—especially in the context of discounted oil imports—has become a point of contention between India and the West. Despite concerns raised by the U.S. administration, India has steadfastly rejected external pressure, citing the importance of securing affordable energy for its growing population and economy. The Biden administration warned India that continued oil imports from Russia could lead to sanctions, but India’s stance remains resolute. This unwavering commitment to prioritizing national interests reflects India’s unique diplomatic approach, which has long sought to avoid being boxed into alliances that might hinder its decision-making.
Jaishankar’s response to these concerns, made during a 2024 meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, was a telling reflection of India’s diplomatic maturity. He quipped, “If I am smart enough to have multiple options, you should be admiring me.” His remark highlighted the flexibility and pragmatism that defines India’s foreign policy, which seeks to cultivate relationships with multiple powers without being forced into binary choices.
India’s defense ties with both Russia and the U.S. further illustrate the country’s nuanced approach to international relations. As the world’s top arms importer, India has cultivated strong defense ties with both Moscow—its primary arms supplier—and Washington, which is its third-largest arms supplier. This balancing act has allowed India to diversify its defense capabilities while maintaining strategic autonomy.
In 2024, Jaishankar addressed the complexities of India's relationships with both Russia and the U.S., acknowledging the different historical contexts that shape these ties. While India has long-standing defense relationships with Russia, its growing ties with the U.S. in recent years reflect a pragmatic approach to diversifying its defense sources. This “unidimensional” relationship, as Jaishankar describes it, would be limiting in a rapidly changing global order, especially as India seeks to strengthen ties with a range of countries to ensure its strategic and economic security.
As the U.S. under Trump increasingly adopts a more transactional, national interest-based foreign policy, it’s clear that both India and the U.S. are operating under similar principles of strategic autonomy. Trump's shift toward focusing on securing America's economic interests, while alienating traditional allies and withdrawing from multilateral institutions like the World Health Organization, mirrors India’s long-standing approach. India has consistently emphasized the importance of making decisions based on national priorities and avoiding dependency on any particular global bloc. In this way, Trump's policies—particularly his tariff-driven trade war, his “America First” doctrine, and his “look at your own interest” approach—align closely with India’s philosophy of prioritizing sovereignty and self-interest.
Fast-forward to 2025, and the shift in U.S. policy under the Trump administration has become increasingly evident. Trump's stances toward China, Mexico, and Canada signal a departure from traditional diplomacy and align more with India’s approach. Trump's use of tariffs, sanctions, and economic coercion is more focused on securing U.S. national interests than maintaining historical alliances. By emphasizing self-interest, Trump’s policies now seem to follow a playbook similar to India's, where relationships are driven by practical concerns and are not beholden to traditional alliances.
In many ways, this new phase of U.S. foreign policy marks a significant shift. The U.S. under Trump has embraced a more "India-style" approach to international relations—prioritizing economic and security interests, recalibrating alliances, and, most notably, rejecting the multilateralism that has long been a hallmark of traditional U.S. diplomacy. Trump's rejection of established alliances and embrace of protectionism signals a transformation in the global order, and one that mirrors the philosophy India has adhered to for years. As Trump himself stated, "AMERICA FIRST."
