Journal of Discourse Review

Journal of Discourse Review

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India’s Indo-Pacific Strategy: Balancing Partnerships, Power-Politics and Challenges in a Shifting Geopolitical Order

Muzzammil Hasan Jafri 1*  Naghma Farooqui 2  

1 Department of Political Science, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
2 Department of Political Science, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India

 

*Corresponding author: [email protected] 
ORCID:  https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0990-112X 

Year: 2025, Page: 229-239,

Received: Aug. 13, 2025 Accepted: Oct. 26, 2025 Published: Nov. 23, 2025

Abstract

India’s Indo-Pacific strategy reflects a multidimensional approach that integrates diplomacy, security, and economic cooperation to strengthen its role in an evolving geopolitical environment. Positioned at the crossroads of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, India seeks to advance a free, open, and inclusive regional order by deepening partnerships with like-minded nations such as the United States, Japan, Australia, France, and ASEAN members. Through frameworks like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), India promotes maritime security, resilient trade networks, and sustainable development. However, growing strategic competition, especially with China’s assertive posturing, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and climate-linked challenges, compels India to recalibrate its strategic posture. Drawing upon realism, liberalism, and constructivism, this paper examines how India balances power politics, cooperative engagement, and normative commitments in shaping its Indo-Pacific policy and it will also assess the strategic perspective of major players in the geopolitics of Indo-Pacific region. The analysis suggests that India’s pragmatic blend of strategic autonomy, multilateral participation, and value-based diplomacy positions it as a key stakeholder in maintaining regional stability and ensuring collective prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. 

Keywords: Indo-Pacific strategy, India’s foreign policy, QUAD, maritime security, SAGAR, IPOI, partnership development, challenge mitigation.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Cite this article

Jafri, M.H. & Farooqui, N. (2025). India’s Indo-Pacific Strategy: Balancing Partnerships, Power-Politics and Challenges in a Shifting Geopolitical. Journal of Discourse Review, 1(3), 229-239.