India’s foreign policy is often misread through the wishful lenses of others: When Washington is warm, observers see a decisive tilt to the West; when Washington is coarse, commentators predict an embrace of China or BRICS. But both readings mistake motion for direction. India’s statecraft is not about choosing sides; it is about multiplying options and finding an equilibrium optimal for a power in development mode that India still is. The operating system will remain multi-alignment. This strategic habit was formed by history, geography, and India’s political economy. New Delhi will keep hedging, bargaining, and balancing–despite the handshakes, hugs and choreography at the recent SCO summit. Behind all the optics lies a major opening for Europe to engage more with India strategically, if the old continent engages New Delhi correctly.