ABSTRACT
This chapter extends the empirical test to the period between 1998 and 2014, which is substantially different in terms of the objective environment and domestic capabilities. The perseverance of preference order emphatically establishes the explanatory power of strategic culture as a variable.
An assessment of India’s bilateral relations with the United States under the policy of nonalignment suggests that while strategies to develop internal capacities may be seen to be at variance with those adopted in post-independence period, the strategic goal of autonomous action has persevered even in a multi-polar world order.
India’s bilateral relations with China are assessed under the broad themes of border dispute, economic engagement, multilateral fora, and military preparedness. The coexistence of convergences (non-conventional threats, climate change, and international economic order) and divergences (border dispute, balance-of-power politics) is reminiscent of Kautilya’s prescription to a relatively weaker power in the rajamandala. Bilateral relation with Pakistan has followed the narrative of the upaya cluster (sama, dana, bheda, and danda). While the use of force (danda) is last in order, the precise mix of policies varies as the situation evolves. The use of one or a combination of means depends upon the objective sought, means available, and relative strength.
