Reluctant India, Rising China and Alliance Politics in the Asia-Pacific

This policy brief examines India's approach towards military and strategic relationships in the Asia-Pacific in light of a rising China and US regional interests. The author asserts that it is far-fetched to think that India will actively balance China by aligning itself militarily with other states in the Asia-Pacific region. Balance of power politics through military alliances neither fit India’s style of foreign policy nor do they help India realize her goals vis-à-vis China. Attempts by states such as the US, Japan and Australia to draw India nearer militarily will therefore be met with stiff resistance from New Delhi.

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