GS2The Indian Express · Editorial
From 1991, three foreign policy lessons for managing disruption to continuities
Indian foreign policy lessons from the post-1991 period emphasize diversification, strategic flexibility, and continuity with adaptation
SP
Samachar Pathshala Desk
Published 22 Jul 2026 · 1 min
Key takeaways
- India’s external policy after 1991 had to respond to a transformed international system and shifting alignments.
- Diversifying partnerships reduces exposure to disruptions caused by overdependence on any one power.
What happened
Background and earlier position
India’s foreign policy entered a phase of adjustment after the end of the Cold War. India had to respond to a transformed international system after the end of bipolarity while continuing to protect long-term strategic interests.
The UPSC angle
GS2Essay
How UPSC may frame this topic
UPSC can use this theme to test India’s foreign-policy doctrine, the idea of strategic autonomy, and the trade-off between policy continuity and flexible adaptation under changing global power balances.
