An analysis of shifting alliances and strategic autonomy in a multipolar world.
The global order is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by a discernible shift in the foreign policies and cooperation between India, Canada, and Australia. This evolving alignment is largely a response to the perceived unpredictability in US foreign policy, prompting these middle powers to enhance their strategic autonomy and explore new partnerships in critical areas like green energy innovation and artificial intelligence trends.
The Unpredictable Giant: US Foreign Policy Uncertainty
Recent years have seen a decline in US foreign policy predictability, characterized by rapid policy shifts, potential unilateralism, and inconsistent support for international institutions. This uncertainty challenges long-term strategic planning for allies and raises questions about Washington’s reliability, prompting nations like India, Canada, and Australia to re-evaluate their reliance on the US and pursue diversified approaches.
A visual representation of the shifting global order, highlighting US foreign policy uncertainty and the growing strategic autonomy of India, Canada, and Australia.
India’s Strategic Balancing Act in the Indo-Pacific
India’s foreign policy, historically non-aligned, now features a close, transactional partnership with the US, particularly for countering China in the Indo-Pacific. This is evidenced by growing defense and technology collaboration, including India’s role in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). While US Congress shows bipartisan support for India-US relations, India prioritizes strategic autonomy. US policy volatility has created a “transactional tension” and “trust deficit,” leading India to “hedge its bets” and broaden partnerships. India maintains ties with Russia for oil and arms supplies, despite Western pressure regarding Ukraine. India also seeks peaceful coexistence with China, despite border disputes and geopolitical competition. India is revitalizing coalitions like IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) and engaging with Europe, positioning itself as a leader of the Global South. Domestic discourse, influenced by events like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and T20 World Cup, and the political landscape (e.g., BJP), shapes India’s foreign policies. The nation’s digital economy, with searches for new songs and Nykaa Pink Friday Sale, also plays a role.
India’s multifaceted engagements, symbolizing its multi-alignment strategy and Global South leadership in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing strategic autonomy India.
Canada’s Quest for Autonomy and Diversification
Canada and the US share a deeply integrated bilateral relationship. US foreign policy uncertainty has raised concerns in Canada about potential bullying tactics and impacts on its strategic autonomy. Canada is actively diversifying its trade and diplomatic ties, seeking deeper partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and Europe to reduce US over-reliance. Initiatives like “trade diversification corridors” aim to strengthen economic resilience. Canada is under pressure to increase defense spending and enhance Arctic security, modernizing NORAD and exploring defense options with European partners due to unpredictable US commitment to NATO. Canada advocates for a rules-based international order through “enmeshment diplomacy” and multilateralism. Despite diversification efforts, popular US media like YouTube and Facebook, and shared cultural trends like GTA V and the Stranger Things Season 5 release date, highlight enduring cultural interconnectedness.
Canada’s strategic maneuvering, symbolizing its shift towards self-reliance and trade diversification, while navigating Canada US relations and enhancing Arctic security and strategic autonomy Canada.
Australia’s Alliance Anxieties and Regional Focus
The Australia-US alliance is a cornerstone of Canberra’s policy, formalized through ANZUS and AUKUS. Recent US foreign policy decisions have generated “anxieties” and a “quiet crisis,” leading to a drop in Australian public trust in the US. Concerns stem from controversial US policies and pressure to increase defense spending. Australia is engaging in a more assertive debate on sovereignty and self-reliance, questioning the extent of reliance on the alliance. Australia is strengthening partnerships with Japan, India, Indonesia, and ASEAN states, positioning itself as a “rising power” with broader regional engagement in the Indo-Pacific. Australia is navigating policy divergences with the US on trade and climate change and shows reluctance to automatically follow the US into conflicts. Cultural touchstones like MLB Baseball Season 2025 and WNBA are still followed, indicating persistent cross-cultural exchange.
Australia’s enduring ties and growing independence, focusing on Indo-Pacific partnerships and diversification Australia, amidst Australia US alliance anxieties and increased defense spending.
The ACITI Partnership: A New Dawn for Critical Technologies
The Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership was announced on November 22, 2025, during the G20 Summit. This trilateral pact aims to deepen collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, focusing on green energy innovation, resilient supply chains (especially in critical minerals), and the development and adoption of artificial intelligence to improve citizens’ lives. The initiative is seen as a pragmatic step to reset India-Canada diplomatic relations after recent strains, using technology as common ground. For Australia and India, who have existing strong defense and trade ties, ACITI offers a strategic avenue for expanded cooperation. Officials are scheduled to convene in early 2026 to advance the partnership, aiming to diversify innovation ecosystems and strengthen digital resilience amidst geopolitical uncertainties. This partnership highlights the global focus on Artificial Intelligence Trends and the importance of secure digital infrastructure.
The ACITI Partnership, a trilateral pact for critical technologies, focusing on green energy innovation, artificial intelligence, resilient supply chains, and digital infrastructure, announced at the G20 Summit.
China’s Influence: A Catalyst for Alignment
China’s extensive influence operations and assertive strategic maneuvers are a major driver for the closer alignment of India, Canada, and Australia. In Canada, foreign interference in federal elections and efforts to create friction with the US highlight Beijing’s broad-scope influence. Australia has faced “blatant” influence operations, including attempts at self-censorship on university campuses and economic coercion, leading to deteriorated relations. India’s relationship with China is complex, marked by long-standing border disputes and concerns over China’s partnership with Pakistan. China’s expanded footprint in South Asia also contributes to India’s regional security concerns. These individual experiences with China’s influence underscore the collective need for strategic partnerships and diversification. The ACITI Partnership, with its focus on digital infrastructure and AI, is a direct response to mitigating the dominance of established tech hubs in the US and China. Despite tensions, India and China have shown “newly significant” cooperation on climate change, indicating a multi-layered relationship balancing rivalry with shared interests. Global conversations around figures like dhiraj seth or fabrizio romano showcase the interconnectedness nations are strategically navigating.
The India-Canada Diplomatic Row: A Test of Alliances
The diplomatic dispute between India and Canada, intensifying in September 2023 after allegations of Indian government involvement in the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, has challenged allies like the US and Australia. The dispute involves mutual diplomat expulsions and visa service suspensions, complicating efforts to maintain a united front among democratic partners. The US has expressed “serious concerns” and urged India to cooperate with Canada’s investigation, balancing its role as a Five Eyes partner with Canada and a strategic Quad partner with India. The US Justice Department’s investigation into a foiled assassination plot against another Sikh separatist highlights a commitment to rule of law and accountability. Australia, also a Five Eyes member, has conveyed “deep concern” while balancing economic and security ties with India against its commitments to Canada. The dispute has placed the US and Australia in an “awkward position” within the Quad, challenging their engagement with India while upholding democratic principles. Despite friction, the Quad remains a crucial forum for a stable Indo-Pacific.
Forging Ahead: A Future of Diversified Alignments
The evolving geopolitical landscape, driven by US foreign policy uncertainty and China’s assertiveness, is pushing middle powers like India, Canada, and Australia towards diversified alignments. Their shared commitment to strategic autonomy and a rules-based international order is fostering closer cooperation, exemplified by the ACITI Partnership. The ACITI Partnership in critical technologies, green energy innovation, and artificial intelligence is a pragmatic step to bolster economic resilience and digital infrastructure, while also addressing diplomatic strains. As these nations navigate complex relationships and internal challenges (e.g., IPL, Artificial Intelligence Trends), their alignment represents a proactive effort to secure national interests and promote stability. The Indo-Pacific region will remain a focal point for these strategic partnerships, shaping a more multipolar and interconnected future.
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