India, Oct. 22 -- In a world (dis)order marked by narrow nationalism, protectionism, exaction and aggression, how can a rising power ensure its continued upward mobility? This is a fundamental grand strategy question facing India's policymakers as they reckon with an uncertain, mean-spirited and risky international environment where sudden and unexpected pressures and twists are the new normal. Given the limits of any single country in reversing or correcting the course of the current global trend towards self-help and self-centred behaviour, it is logical for India to focus on what lies in its own hands, i.e. building indigenous capabilities that can shield it from the vicissitudes of adverse international headwinds.

External affairs mi...