According to Kautilya, war is what defines inter-state relations. Kautilya defined six forms of foreign policy (from Arthshastra 7.1.13 – 18).

• Peace: entering into a treaty; when the state is weaker than the enemy, it should make peace.
• War: attacking and doing injury; when the state is stronger than the enemy, it should make war.
• Non alignment: staying quiet; when the state is equal with the enemy and neither is capable of harming the other, the state should stay quiet.
• Seeking shelter: When threatened by a stronger enemy the state should seek protection from another stronger state, somewhat forming an alliance.
• Shows of force: When the state is increasing in capabilities, it should augment and mobilize to prepare for war.
• Double-dealing: When a state seeks help for attacking another state, it resorts to peace and war at the same time with different states.