The 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC 2026)

Context

Held from February 13–15, 2026, in Munich, Germany, the 62nd MSC convened at a pivotal moment for global geopolitics. Under the theme "Under Destruction," the conference focused on the accelerating erosion of the post-1945 international order, characterized by "wrecking-ball politics" and a shift toward a world shaped by transactional deals rather than universal norms.

About the News

Background: The conference saw participation from over 50 heads of state and government, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron. A major point of contention was the internal fragmentation of the West, fueled by a more isolationist U.S. administration and deepening transatlantic rifts over trade, defense, and security guarantees.

India’s Presence: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar led the Indian delegation, positioning India as a "stabilizing force" in a messy multipolar world. India's participation was marked by the "afterglow" of a landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) concluded in January 2026.

India’s Strategic Stance

India articulated a policy of "Strategic Autonomy," asserting that its foreign policy is guided by national interest and a "nimble and dynamic" approach to multipolarity.

Oil Procurement & Energy Policy: * Jaishankar defended India's purchase of Russian oil as a commercially driven decision based on availability, cost, and risk.
- He pushed back against claims that a recent trade deal with the U.S. (which saw a reduction in U.S. tariffs on Indian exports) required India to stop Russian imports, stating India remains "independent-minded."
Multipolarity vs. Anti-Westernism:
- India reiterated its identity as a "non-Western" but not "anti-Western" state.
- Engagement with the G7 was highlighted as a way to find "common ground" and shared interests in maritime security and resilient connectivity.

Global Security Concerns

The conference report and discussions highlighted a "crisis of order" where institutions like the UN and WTO are being bypassed:

Erosion of Rules-Based Order: The rise of unilateral actions, particularly from the U.S. and China, has led to what the MSC Report calls "wrecking-ball politics."
Technological Security: For the first time, cyber risks and AI were treated as core architecture for security, on par with traditional military hardware.
UN Reform: India led the charge for the UN@80 agenda, demanding meaningful reforms to the UN Security Council (UNSC) to reflect 21st-century realities.

Challenges

Transactional Diplomacy: The shift from principled cooperation to "bilateral deal-making" threatens the security of smaller nations.
Transatlantic Rifts: European leaders expressed deep concern over the volatility of U.S. security signals, leading to calls for European "geopolitical power."
Connectivity Obstacles: Projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) are progressing slower than expected due to ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Way Forward

Strategic Pluralism: Nations are increasingly adopting "multi-alignment," extracting gains from as many ties as possible.
Resilient Infrastructure: A focus on safeguarding sea lines of communication and contributing to resilient submarine cable infrastructure.
Reforming Multilateralism: There is an urgent need to revitalize global institutions before they are rendered entirely obsolete by regional hegemonies.

Conclusion

The 62nd Munich Security Conference underscored that the old global status quo is under significant demolition. India’s stance suggests that in this new era of "wrecking-ball politics," the path to security lies in maintaining multiple options, fostering trust-based partnerships, and remaining "nimble" enough to navigate a fragmented world.

The 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC 2026)