India's strategic autonomy remains the guiding principle in navigating relations with the United States and China. In this context, analyse the potential challenges and opportunities for India and how India should navigate this renewed US-China rivalry.

1. Independent foreign policy (Ex: nuclear tests despite sanction)

2. No to bloc politics

3. Multi Alignment based on [Issue] and [Interests] with USA → QUAD, IMEC defence (MQ-9B Drones) with China → Border Issue Kailash-Amarnath yatra Export Restrictions

4. Energy security based on National Interest (Ex: Buying crude from Russia)

5. Non deserting any partner Ex:

• Aid to Palestine
• Irrigation, Defence engagement with Israel

US-China Rivalry: India's opportunity

1. Friendshoring by USA and China+1 by west
2. Economic opportunity to grow our exports and manufacturing
3. Emerge as voice of Global south amidst global uncertainty (Ex: vaccine maitri, etc.)
4. Push for Reform of multilateral orgs (WB, UNSC, WTO)
5. Avoid over Reliance on a single block; [Strategic Hedging]
6. Greater scope for enhanced engagement with both
   • west (Europe) to move beyond USA.
   • central Asia to reduce chinese dependence
7. Carve out new constituencies of support Ex: capacity devt (solarmamas) @Africa

Challenges of strategic Autonomy x US-china Rivalry

1. 'fence sitter tag' syndrome
2. Increasing global prices and reduced trade due to tariff wars.
3. uncertainty Ex: USA banning critical semicon Exports & China bans critical minerals export.
4. Reduced FDI due to global anxiety
   • over 90% FDI repatriated from India (2024-25).