India's foreign policy is facing a major test as global alliances shift and tensions rise. Once seen as a bridge between Washington and Moscow, India now finds itself under pressure from the United States over its continued purchases of discounted Russian oil, which have drawn public criticism and threats of higher tariffs from Donald Trump. At the same time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing for a meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing, signaling a pragmatic approach to relations with China amid growing uncertainty.

India's strategy has long been to maintain strategic autonomy by engaging with multiple global blocs, including the Indo-Pacific partnership with the United States, Japan, and Australia, as well as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation led by China and Russia. This balancing act extends to other groupings, such as collaborations with France, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel. Analysts suggest that India's approach is deliberate, aiming to maximize its leverage without fully committing to any single alliance.

As the multipolar world order shows signs of strain, India's foreign policy crossroads highlight the challenges of maintaining influence and independence in an increasingly complex international landscape.