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.

Why the issue matters for UPSC

The topic fits GS Paper 2 because it connects foreign policy with strategic autonomy, balancing of relations, and India’s response to systemic change in international politics. It also has value for Essay because it raises a durable question: how can a state remain consistent in purpose while adapting to disruption?