India's Strategic Reality
As a nation strides purposefully toward its goals, it inevitably faces a barrage of criticism. Ashley J. Tellis's article, "India's Great-Power Delusions," published in Foreign Affairs on June 17, 2025, is just such an instance. The article questions India's aspirations to become a global power and labels its strategic policies as delusional. But does Tellis's analysis truly reflect the reality on the ground? Is India truly doomed to fall short of great-power status due to its commitment to "strategic autonomy"? Is India's democratic framework so fragile that it cannot bear the weight of global leadership? This rejoinder offers a factual and logical response to these questions, demonstrating that India is neither delusional nor weak. It tells the story of a new India – one that is shaping its identity on the global stage on its own terms, with its own values, and in its own way. This article is an attempt to understand India's strategic reality, free from the biases often found in Western analyses.
Western analysts often approach India’s prospects as a great power with a prejudiced mindset — as if India's future is entirely dependent on Western support. They tend to either indulge in excessive praise or reinforce the notion that India cannot advance without Western assistance. Ashley J. Tellis’s essay, “India’s Great-Power Delusions,” falls into this familiar trap, viewing India’s global positioning, strategic priorities, and internal politics through a narrow, Western-centric lens.
This article offers a balanced, fact-based response to such one-sided criticism. It presents a more grounded perspective that reflects the complexities of India’s foreign policy, the vibrancy of its democracy, and the realities of its economic development. We argue that India’s strategic autonomy is not an illusion, but a well-considered policy — and that its democratic process is not weakening, but thriving.
India’s Strategic Autonomy: A Vision, Not a Delusion
Tellis argues that India’s non-aligned stance is a hindrance to its emergence as a global power. However, this assessment overlooks both the historical depth of India’s foreign policy and the realities of today’s complex international landscape. “Standing on its own feet” — India’s strategic autonomy is not a relic of the past, but a key to resilience in a multipolar and unpredictable world order. It enables India to engage with diverse stakeholders without the burden of prior commitments.
Since 2023, India has maintained its defense ties with Russia while simultaneously strengthening strategic partnerships with the United States, France, and Israel. Recently, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh clearly stated that India does not view its relationships through the lens of any third country — a firm reaffirmation of India’s independent strategic posture. “Killing the snake without breaking the stick” — India has shown that it can safeguard its national interests while also advancing international cooperation.
This is not merely a game of power balancing, but a demonstration of prudent, multipolar diplomacy. India’s approach is not confined to counterbalancing China; it also positions India as a potential “bridge nation” — capable of connecting the Global North and South, East and West. According to a study by Carnegie India, India’s strategic autonomy equips it to respond effectively to global challenges, whether they relate to climate change, terrorism, or pandemics.
Economic Maturity: A Model of Growth with Inclusion
Tellis downplays India’s economic rise by labeling it slower than China’s and portraying it as an incomplete power. However, he overlooks the fact that India’s development strategy is rooted in inclusion, democratic governance, and long-term stability. “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” — India’s economic growth is a continuous and inclusive process, committed to benefiting all its citizens.
In this context, the IMF’s 2024 projections are particularly noteworthy. They show that India is now the world’s fourth-largest economy and is expected to surpass Germany and Japan to become the third-largest by 2027. This is not a mere aspiration — it is already a reality. These figures affirm that India is a robust and rapidly growing economy with the potential to serve as a global engine of growth.
Similarly, according to the World Bank, India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) — including Aadhaar, UPI, CoWIN, and ONDC — serves as a model for developing nations. A recent report by NITI Aayog highlighted that DPI has significantly enhanced financial inclusion, reduced corruption, and improved the efficiency of government services. This clearly illustrates India’s commitment to leveraging innovation and technology to improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Furthermore, India’s startup ecosystem is now the third-largest in the world, home to over 100 unicorns. A Brookings study found that India’s startup ecosystem is a major source of innovation and job creation, contributing meaningfully to national economic development.
In contrast, China’s growth model has been heavily reliant on debt, infrastructure excess, and limited transparency. “Greed is a dangerous vice” — China’s rapid growth has been fueled in part by its authoritarian governance, which may not prove sustainable in the long run. According to Bloomberg, China’s debt-to-GDP ratio exceeds 300%, posing a serious economic risk.
India’s economic structure, though comparatively slower, is built on solid foundations — strength, sustainability, and democratic participation — making it not only resilient but also more equitable in the long term.
Democracy and Diversity: A Vibrant System with Room for Reform
Ashley Tellis’s assertion that India is no longer a liberal democracy is a sweeping oversimplification. As the saying goes, “Slow and steady wins the race.” Yes, India has experienced rising political polarization and certain institutional pressures in recent years, but these challenges have not eroded the foundations of its democracy.
The results of the 2024 general elections are a testament to India’s democratic vitality. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fell short of a majority and was compelled to form a coalition government — not a sign of democratic decline, but of its endurance. “The people are supreme” — Indian voters have made it clear that they are not willing to hand unchecked power to any single party and remain committed to ensuring ideological pluralism in governance.
Despite occasional pressure, India's judiciary, Election Commission, and independent media continue to function actively. These institutions remain pillars of democracy, playing a crucial role in checking executive overreach. According to a report by The Hindu, India’s judiciary has, in recent years, struck down several government decisions and defended citizens' rights. Moreover, opposition parties currently govern in ten Indian states — a reflection of federalism in action and proof that power is not concentrated, but distributed across diverse political voices.
That said, concerns about human rights violations and religious freedom in some instances are valid and warrant attention. As the proverb goes, “Charity begins at home” — India must continue strengthening the protection of its democratic processes and civil liberties. According to Brookings India, civil society and independent media in India need greater empowerment to ensure government accountability and transparency.
Democracy in India is not a smooth ride; it is a work in progress, shaped by struggles and driven by diversity — and therein lies its greatest strength. Indian voters regularly unseat incumbents, push back against divisive politics, and demand policy responsiveness. “Unity in diversity” is not just a phrase; it is the essence of India’s democratic character — and it is here to stay.
India on the Global Stage: A Partner, Not a Follower
Tellis underestimates India’s global role by portraying it as limited, overlooking how the country has, in recent years, positioned itself as a responsible and proactive global actor. As the Bhagavad Gita teaches, “You have a right to perform your duty, but not to the fruits of your actions” — India acts not for reward, but for global welfare.
During its G20 presidency in 2023, India brought the voice of the Global South to the forefront of international discourse. “One Earth, One Family, One Future” was not just a slogan; it encapsulated India's inclusive worldview. It demonstrated India’s commitment to representing the interests of developing nations and contributing meaningfully to solving global challenges.
India's humanitarian leadership was further evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when, under the "Vaccine Maitri" initiative, it supplied vaccines to over 150 countries — while many Western nations adopted a protectionist stance with their vaccine stockpiles. This generosity reflected India’s core civilizational value: “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family. Through its actions, India proved itself a compassionate and dependable global power.
Moreover, India has taken the lead on international policy dialogues in areas like global trade, climate justice, data sovereignty, and digital governance. These contributions show that India is not just present on global platforms — it is shaping them with creative, solution-oriented leadership.
India is neither entirely aligned with the West nor fully integrated into China-led blocs. It walks a path of cooperative balance — one that avoids hegemonic dependence and instead advances inclusive multipolarity. India is a global actor committed to protecting its interests while promoting peace and stability.
As the saying goes, “Balance is the essence of life.” India aspires to be a global power that collaborates with all — without being subservient to any.
Comparing with China: It's About Systems, Not Size
Tellis repeatedly draws comparisons between India and China — in terms of GDP, military capability, and global influence. But he fails to grasp a fundamental truth: the political and economic systems of the two nations are structurally and ideologically distinct. As the proverb goes, “A crow trying to walk like a swan forgets its own gait.” India has no need to imitate China; it must grow on the strength of its own values and systems.
While China’s economy grapples with a massive debt burden — with a debt-to-GDP ratio nearing 300% — India has maintained fiscal discipline. According to the IMF, India has made significant progress in reducing its fiscal deficit in recent years and remains committed to maintaining macroeconomic stability.
China’s development model is driven by authoritarian control, whereas India has pursued growth through democratic means, balancing economic progress with social justice. This underscores India’s belief that development is a tool to improve people’s lives — not merely to inflate economic figures.
Moreover, while China faces the challenge of a shrinking population, India is on the cusp of a demographic dividend. According to the United Nations, India is projected to surpass China as the world’s most populous country by 2027 — a milestone that reflects a young, dynamic workforce with the potential to drive future economic expansion.
India doesn’t aim to become a replica of China. Rather, it seeks to emerge as a power in its own right, rooted in its distinct identity. As the saying goes, “Choose your own path” — India must shape its future based on its own values, culture, and historical experience.
India aspires to be a global power not through dominance, but by contributing to global peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
India and the U.S.: A Partnership, Not Subordination
Tellis argues that by refusing to enter a formal alliance with the United States, India risks losing American support. This reflects a failure to distinguish between cooperation and subordination. As the saying goes, “Shake hands, but don’t let your hands be tied.” India is fully committed to collaborating with the U.S., but not at the cost of its sovereignty.
Joint naval exercises like Malabar, technology partnerships involving jet engine transfers and semiconductors, foundational defense agreements such as LEMOA and COMCASA, and close coordination on the Indo-Pacific strategy — all demonstrate that India is a serious and enduring partner to the United States.
However, India is not willing to become a “junior partner” in the pursuit of American strategic objectives. This is the true test of its strategic autonomy. “Be a friend, not a follower” — India seeks a relationship of mutual respect with the U.S., not one of blind alignment. If America genuinely wishes to support free and independent democracies, it must learn to engage with India on its own terms, acknowledging its layered and complex strategic calculus — not trying to mold it into a Western template.
As the proverb goes, “Compromise is acceptable, surrender is not.” India values cooperation with the United States, but will always prioritize the defense of its sovereignty and national interests.
Conclusion: India’s Path Is Its Own — Not Misguided, but Measured
A central claim in Tellis’s essay is that India is obstructing its own rise through its current policies. But the reality is that India is charting its ascent in its own way — shaped by its complexities, rooted in its values, and guided by long-term vision. As the saying goes, “The path unfolds as you walk it.” India knows its destination and is moving toward it slowly, but with steady confidence.
This journey may be unfamiliar to Western analysts, but it reflects a civilizational, democratic, and multipolar strategy — uniquely Indian in its essence. India’s policies are not flawless, but they are far from chaotic. They represent a calibrated line drawn through ground realities, historical consciousness, social diversity, and the ever-shifting tides of global politics.
In this middle path lies India’s true strength — the power to not only balance the global order but to make it more just, inclusive, and sustainable. “For the welfare of all, and the happiness of all” — India’s aspirations are rooted not in domination but in the collective good of humanity.
India’s greatness will not be measured solely by its GDP, military capacity, or Western validation, but by its ability to uphold the ideals of inclusion, coexistence, and sovereignty. And by that measure, India is steadily emerging as a solid, sustainable, and globally relevant power.
“Satyamev Jayate — Truth alone triumphs.” India marches forward with conviction in its principles and commitment to a better world. Tellis’s analysis underestimates India’s capacity, but the nation continues its rise — grounded in strategic wisdom, democratic resilience, and global responsibility.
This is not just the story of a rising power. It is the story of building a better world — one that India is helping shape, not by imitation, but by inspiration.