| Summary/Abstract |
What makes the Indo-Pacific construct appealing to Indian policymakers and the strategic community is that it gives ample scope for the practice of India’s strategic autonomy. It gives space for it to drive the emerging debates as a more direct stakeholder rather than being seen as a co-opted partner in America’s rebalancing strategy in the Asia-pacific region. while the term ‘strategic autonomy needs to be defined based on India’s capabilities and aspirations, it will augur well for India’s own interests to take into confidence other countries in the region (besides the major powers) regarding the viability of this new geopolitical and geo-economic construct. India’s rising capabilities and a sober analysis of its strategic autonomy denotes India’s ability to take foreign policy steps commensurate with its national interests. This includes striking partnerships and coalitions as and when it suits India’s priorities of balancing uninterrupted internal development amidst a stable and secure external environment in the Indo-Pacific region.
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