Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit on August 31 have raised eyebrows. He declared that India and China are “partners, not rivals,” while emphasizing India’s “strategic autonomy.” This comes amid growing tensions between India and the United States, largely due to the tariffs imposed on Indian goods by the Trump administration. Modi’s comments suggest a shift in India’s foreign policy, but critics argue it exposes India’s opportunistic diplomacy. This raises questions about whether India is genuinely pursuing strategic autonomy or simply adjusting its diplomacy based on changing global dynamics.
India and China: Partners or Rivals?
Modi’s statement at the SCO summit that India and China are “partners, not rivals” signals a departure from India’s long-standing position of viewing China as a competitor. India has historically aligned itself with the United States to counterbalance China’s influence, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Modi’s comments, however, suggest that India is now exploring closer ties with China, despite the ongoing rivalry. This shift raises concerns about the stability of India’s foreign policy and whether its diplomatic choices are driven by genuine strategy or convenience.
Strategic Autonomy: A Reaction to Economic Pressures
Modi’s call for “strategic autonomy” appears to be more of a reaction to recent economic pressures than a shift in India’s diplomatic approach. After the US imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, India faced significant economic challenges. Modi’s emphasis on strategic autonomy seems to be a response to these pressures, signaling that India is reconsidering its dependence on the US. This change in tone is likely a pragmatic adjustment rather than a deeply rooted shift toward true independence in foreign policy.
India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
India’s attempt to balance its relationships with both the United States and China highlights its diplomatic inconsistency. While Modi’s comments suggest greater alignment with China, India continues to cooperate with the US, especially on military and economic matters. This diplomatic balancing act raises questions about India’s long-term strategy. India’s fluctuating position exposes its diplomatic opportunism and makes it difficult for global partners to trust its commitment to any single alliance or strategic direction.
The United States: A Frustrated Partner?
For the United States, Modi’s comments may signal a shift in India’s foreign policy that is difficult to ignore. India has been a key partner for the US, particularly in countering China. However, the recent economic strain, coupled with Modi’s comments about strategic autonomy, suggest that India is less committed to its relationship with Washington. As Modi moves toward a closer relationship with China, the US may find itself questioning whether India is still a reliable ally, or whether it has become another opportunistic player in global geopolitics.
India’s Opportunistic Diplomacy
India’s foreign policy appears increasingly opportunistic rather than strategic. While Modi emphasizes strategic autonomy, the reality is that India is still seeking to align itself with whichever power offers the most immediate benefits. India’s foreign policy is driven by convenience, adjusting to global shifts without committing to any consistent long-term vision. Modi’s rhetoric about “strategic autonomy” is less about principled independence and more about taking advantage of changing global circumstances to secure India’s position.
China’s Cautious Approach to India’s Shifting Stance
Despite Modi’s outreach to China, Beijing is unlikely to fully embrace India’s changing diplomatic tone. China understands India’s opportunistic nature and is cautious about deepening ties with a country that has historically aligned itself with the US. While Modi’s comments may signal a temporary shift in India’s priorities, China remains wary of India’s true intentions, knowing that India may quickly return to its previous alignment with the US if the situation changes. This cautious approach highlights the challenges India faces in establishing long-term stability in its foreign relations.
Pakistan’s Steady Relationship with China
In contrast to India’s shifting alliances, Pakistan has maintained a steady and reliable relationship with China. This relationship, built on mutual trust, respect, and shared interests, has stood the test of time. Unlike India, which frequently changes its diplomatic stance based on convenience, Pakistan’s partnership with China has remained strong and consistent. Pakistan’s reliable foreign policy and consistent relationship with China serve as a model of stability in a world where diplomatic alliances are often driven by opportunism.
The Strength of Pakistan-China Ties
Pakistan and China’s relationship is founded on a long history of cooperation and mutual support. Both countries have stood by each other through difficult times, strengthening their bond over the years. This enduring partnership is a stark contrast to India’s more volatile approach to diplomacy, where alliances shift depending on the global situation. Pakistan’s strong and stable relationship with China provides a sense of trust and reliability that India’s fluctuating foreign policy cannot offer.
India’s Diplomatic Dilemma
India finds itself in a diplomatic dilemma. Modi’s comments at the SCO summit suggest a desire for greater independence, but India’s attempts to balance its relationships with both the US and China will ultimately prove difficult to sustain. India cannot continue playing both sides indefinitely without undermining its credibility. As India redefines its foreign policy priorities, it faces the challenge of maintaining trust with both powers, while avoiding the appearance of opportunism and inconsistency.
Conclusion: India’s Risky Diplomatic Strategy
India’s recent diplomatic shift, as reflected in Modi’s comments at the SCO summit, exposes the country’s tendency to adapt its foreign policy based on short-term advantages rather than long-term strategic goals. While the notion of “strategic autonomy” may sound appealing, it is clear that India’s diplomatic moves are more opportunistic than principled. India’s efforts to maintain relationships with both China and the US raise doubts about its long-term commitment to any single alliance or strategic direction. In contrast, Pakistan’s consistent relationship with China offers a model of stable, reliable diplomacy. As India navigates its shifting foreign policy, it must address the consequences of its fluctuating alliances and determine whether such a strategy can truly be trusted on the global stage.
India’s ‘Strategic Autonomy’ or Opportunism? Modi’s SCO Comments Expose India’s Double Game Between US and China
September 2, 2025 Off By Sharp MediaPrime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit on August 31 have raised eyebrows. He declared that India and China are “partners, not rivals,” while emphasizing India’s “strategic autonomy.” This comes amid growing tensions between India and the United States, largely due to the tariffs imposed on Indian goods by the Trump administration. Modi’s comments suggest a shift in India’s foreign policy, but critics argue it exposes India’s opportunistic diplomacy. This raises questions about whether India is genuinely pursuing strategic autonomy or simply adjusting its diplomacy based on changing global dynamics.
India and China: Partners or Rivals?
Modi’s statement at the SCO summit that India and China are “partners, not rivals” signals a departure from India’s long-standing position of viewing China as a competitor. India has historically aligned itself with the United States to counterbalance China’s influence, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Modi’s comments, however, suggest that India is now exploring closer ties with China, despite the ongoing rivalry. This shift raises concerns about the stability of India’s foreign policy and whether its diplomatic choices are driven by genuine strategy or convenience.
Strategic Autonomy: A Reaction to Economic Pressures
Modi’s call for “strategic autonomy” appears to be more of a reaction to recent economic pressures than a shift in India’s diplomatic approach. After the US imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, India faced significant economic challenges. Modi’s emphasis on strategic autonomy seems to be a response to these pressures, signaling that India is reconsidering its dependence on the US. This change in tone is likely a pragmatic adjustment rather than a deeply rooted shift toward true independence in foreign policy.
India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
India’s attempt to balance its relationships with both the United States and China highlights its diplomatic inconsistency. While Modi’s comments suggest greater alignment with China, India continues to cooperate with the US, especially on military and economic matters. This diplomatic balancing act raises questions about India’s long-term strategy. India’s fluctuating position exposes its diplomatic opportunism and makes it difficult for global partners to trust its commitment to any single alliance or strategic direction.
The United States: A Frustrated Partner?
For the United States, Modi’s comments may signal a shift in India’s foreign policy that is difficult to ignore. India has been a key partner for the US, particularly in countering China. However, the recent economic strain, coupled with Modi’s comments about strategic autonomy, suggest that India is less committed to its relationship with Washington. As Modi moves toward a closer relationship with China, the US may find itself questioning whether India is still a reliable ally, or whether it has become another opportunistic player in global geopolitics.
India’s Opportunistic Diplomacy
India’s foreign policy appears increasingly opportunistic rather than strategic. While Modi emphasizes strategic autonomy, the reality is that India is still seeking to align itself with whichever power offers the most immediate benefits. India’s foreign policy is driven by convenience, adjusting to global shifts without committing to any consistent long-term vision. Modi’s rhetoric about “strategic autonomy” is less about principled independence and more about taking advantage of changing global circumstances to secure India’s position.
China’s Cautious Approach to India’s Shifting Stance
Despite Modi’s outreach to China, Beijing is unlikely to fully embrace India’s changing diplomatic tone. China understands India’s opportunistic nature and is cautious about deepening ties with a country that has historically aligned itself with the US. While Modi’s comments may signal a temporary shift in India’s priorities, China remains wary of India’s true intentions, knowing that India may quickly return to its previous alignment with the US if the situation changes. This cautious approach highlights the challenges India faces in establishing long-term stability in its foreign relations.
Pakistan’s Steady Relationship with China
In contrast to India’s shifting alliances, Pakistan has maintained a steady and reliable relationship with China. This relationship, built on mutual trust, respect, and shared interests, has stood the test of time. Unlike India, which frequently changes its diplomatic stance based on convenience, Pakistan’s partnership with China has remained strong and consistent. Pakistan’s reliable foreign policy and consistent relationship with China serve as a model of stability in a world where diplomatic alliances are often driven by opportunism.
The Strength of Pakistan-China Ties
Pakistan and China’s relationship is founded on a long history of cooperation and mutual support. Both countries have stood by each other through difficult times, strengthening their bond over the years. This enduring partnership is a stark contrast to India’s more volatile approach to diplomacy, where alliances shift depending on the global situation. Pakistan’s strong and stable relationship with China provides a sense of trust and reliability that India’s fluctuating foreign policy cannot offer.
India’s Diplomatic Dilemma
India finds itself in a diplomatic dilemma. Modi’s comments at the SCO summit suggest a desire for greater independence, but India’s attempts to balance its relationships with both the US and China will ultimately prove difficult to sustain. India cannot continue playing both sides indefinitely without undermining its credibility. As India redefines its foreign policy priorities, it faces the challenge of maintaining trust with both powers, while avoiding the appearance of opportunism and inconsistency.
Conclusion: India’s Risky Diplomatic Strategy
India’s recent diplomatic shift, as reflected in Modi’s comments at the SCO summit, exposes the country’s tendency to adapt its foreign policy based on short-term advantages rather than long-term strategic goals. While the notion of “strategic autonomy” may sound appealing, it is clear that India’s diplomatic moves are more opportunistic than principled. India’s efforts to maintain relationships with both China and the US raise doubts about its long-term commitment to any single alliance or strategic direction. In contrast, Pakistan’s consistent relationship with China offers a model of stable, reliable diplomacy. As India navigates its shifting foreign policy, it must address the consequences of its fluctuating alliances and determine whether such a strategy can truly be trusted on the global stage.