Pant, Harsh V

Summary
China’s rise and the relative decline of the US have resulted in a transition of power in Asia, manifested by Washington’s pivot towards the continent. The authors argue that such a transition presents numerous challenges to Indian foreign policy, which shows signs of a hedging strategy. On the one hand, New Delhi is trying hard to normalise its otherwise difficult relationship with Beijing. On the other, it is attempting to externally balance China by developing a close strategic partnership with the US, and by forming a local balance of power in Asia with the help of the region’s other middle powers. However, hedging is not immune to changes in India’s domestic politics. Under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, normalizing relations with China was prioritized over India’s relations with the US and other Asian powers. However, under the Modi government, hedging has undergone an assertive makeover in which all three pillars are being aggressively pursued.