Strategic autonomy is not secured by merely asserting one's independence: it is secured by creating mutually beneficial interdependencies.

In this quote, Sanjaya Baru argues that strategic autonomy—the ability of a nation to independently make decisions and act in its own interest—cannot be achieved simply by asserting one’s independence. Instead, it must be secured through the creation of mutually beneficial interdependencies, where a nation establishes strong, cooperative relationships with other countries that serve both parties’ interests. Baru suggests that true autonomy comes not from isolation, but from engaging in partnerships that enhance a nation's strength and position in the global arena.

Baru’s statement highlights the importance of interdependence in the modern world, where global challenges and opportunities require cooperation rather than solely self-reliance. While independence is valuable, strategic autonomy is more effectively achieved when a nation can maintain control over its own decisions while also benefiting from and contributing to a web of global relationships. This approach fosters resilience and flexibility, allowing countries to navigate complex international dynamics without becoming overly dependent on any single actor.

The origin of this quote is found in the work of Sanjaya Baru, an Indian political economist and strategic thinker who has written extensively on issues of global governance and economic diplomacy. As a former media advisor to India’s Prime Minister, Baru often highlighted the importance of economic and diplomatic interdependence in securing a nation’s long-term security and prosperity. His perspective on strategic autonomy emphasizes that effective global engagement is a key component of national power.

Ultimately, Baru’s quote advocates for a more nuanced view of independence—one that recognizes the necessity of fostering interdependence and cooperation. Rather than viewing strategic autonomy as a matter of isolation, it should be seen as a balance of maintaining independence while leveraging global relationships for mutual benefit. This reflects a modern understanding of global power dynamics, where strength is derived from both autonomy and collaboration.