New Delhi, Sept. 11 -- As the churn in the global order continues, Indian foreign policy too faces a moment of reckoning. Our external partnerships are getting scrutinized and re-evaluated. After decades of firing persistent complaints at the US, it is now the turn of Washington to target New Delhi. A pivotal relationship built over decades is being challenged by forces beyond India's control but with the potential to do long-term damage.

Some lazy analysis has followed about this being a moment for India to pivot towards China and Russia. But, as was clear from the recent gathering of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea, New Delhi would rather maintain distance from such a configuration even as bilateral engagements with each are put on...