The NATO, Cold War-era collective defence alliance, has been revitalized after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (2022), leading to strengthening of US-Europe strategic convergence.
While India is not a NATO member, this development aligns with many of India’s strategic interests in maintaining a stable, rules-based international order.
NATO Strengthening Works Well for India
A stronger NATO balances Russia-China “no-limits partnership” (2022) that could undermine India’s strategic space in Eurasia.
NATO’s stand against territorial aggression (Ukraine invasion) reinforces the sovereignty principle, resonating with India’s stance on border integrity (Galwan Clash).
Strategic Convergence with the West – NATO’s pivot to the Indo-Pacific (NATO 2022 Strategic Concept) opens opportunities for India-NATO dialogue on maritime and cyber security.
Countering China – A stronger transatlantic alliance allows US to share security responsibilities with Europe, freeing bandwidth for the Indo-Pacific focus under Quad and AUKUS.
Western unity enables India to access cutting-edge defence technology and enhanced intelligence sharing. Eg- India-France Rafale Deal.
Value-Based Convergence – Reinforces shared democratic values, human rights, and rule of law. Eg- India’s participation in the Summit for Democracy.
Trade and investment flow – Stability in Europe can facilitate greater cooperation in trade, connectivity and technology domains. Eg- Recent India-UK trade deal
Challenges
NATO’s expansion risks reviving Cold War-style bipolarity, which goes against India’s principle of strategic autonomy and multi-alignment.
USA’s policy of Bait and Bloodletting by prolonging Russia-Ukraine war undermines India’s policy of peaceful resolutions of disputes.
NATO’s confrontation with Russia complicates India’s long-standing defence and energy ties with Moscow. Eg- US sanctions on Russian Oil
A tighter US-Europe nexus could monopolize advanced technologies and make India dependent on Western supply chains.
NATO’s eastward expansion and Russia’s isolation weaken Eurasian platforms (like SCO and BRICS) which can limit India’s influence in Central Asia.
The West’s climate and trade protectionism undermines developing nations’ interests. Eg- EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
Way Forward
Strategic autonomy with issue based partnerships based on enlightened self interest (S. Jaishankar)
Waivers for Chabahar Port and Russian oil and defense imports to preserve Strategic Autonomy
Strengthening Bilateral Relations with EU and other European powers like UK, France. Eg- early conclusion of India-EU FTA
Promoting Atmanirbharta in defence sector. Eg- make in India-make for the world.
As per Shivshankar Menon, foreign policy is about Mini-maxing i.e. minimising harm and maximising gain. Multi-vector diplomacy and strategic autonomy is the way forward.