UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29th March 2025
India’s Geopolitical Vision Must Expand in a Fragmenting World Order
Why in News?
India must broaden its geopolitical engagement, particularly in a volatile international landscape shaped by the return of Donald Trump (Trump 2.0), growing global conflicts, and rising economic protectionism. India should not treat economic growth and geopolitical assertiveness as mutually exclusive, and must rise to its global expectations.
Key Takeaways
India’s Current Approach: A Reticent Global Player
- Despite being the world’s fifth-largest economy, India often chooses restraint in international conflicts.
- In recent history, India has played decisive roles:
- Bangladesh (1971): Helped end genocide and create a new nation.
- Maldives (1988): Stopped a coup attempt.
- Sri Lanka (2009): Assisted in the defeat of LTTE.
- Anti-piracy efforts and disaster response in the Indian Ocean region.
India’s Contributions to Global Public Goods
- Vaccine Maitri during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Leadership in climate initiatives (e.g., International Solar Alliance).
- Sharing of digital public infrastructure.
- First responder in natural disasters (e.g., Turkey, Nepal).
Key Concepts
Multi-Alignment Policy
- India maintains strong bilateral relations with diverse powers (U.S., Russia, EU, Gulf nations, etc.).
- However, unlike Non-Alignment, which was rooted in collective Global South advocacy, multi-alignment today is more inward-looking, focused on Indian interests.
Global Expectations from India
- India aspires for a permanent UNSC seat, and to be seen as a key pole in a multipolar world.
- Its credibility as a democratic power and neutral actor gives it leverage in major conflicts (e.g., Ukraine–Russia).
- PM Modi’s statement to Putin — “this is not an era of war” — had global resonance.
Challenges if India Remains Passive
- Ceding geopolitical space to players like:
- Türkiye: Brokered Russia–Ukraine talks in 2022.
- Saudi Arabia & Qatar: Hosted ceasefire and mediation efforts in West Asia and Africa.
- India was excluded from key forums like the Troika Plus talks on Afghanistan.
- In Bangladesh, India’s influence was bypassed in recent U.S. diplomatic interventions.
Global Reset: Opportunities & Risks
Shifting World Order
- U.S. disengagement in Europe and Asia may increase.
- Trump 2.0 could lead to more isolationism and tariff wars.
- Rising China–U.S. alignment risks the creation of spheres of influence, potentially sidelining India.
India Must Pivot Strategically
- Strengthen outreach beyond the neighbourhood: Europe, Central Asia, East Asia.
- Reassess regional groupings: India’s downgraded engagement in the SCO and exit from RCEP have narrowed strategic options.
- Consider economic reforms to improve trade ties with the U.S., potentially leading to a bilateral trade agreement.
Strategic Recommendations
- Develop regional policies, not just bilateral ties — e.g., a comprehensive West Asia strategy.
- Proactively signal willingness to engage in conflict resolution, even if not as a mediator.
- Use India’s historic credibility (e.g., Korean War, UNSC bridge-building in 2021–22) as a foundation for assertive diplomacy.
- View economic development and geopolitics as complementary, not conflicting.
Highlights
- India’s geopolitical clout is rising, but remains underutilised.
- Trump 2.0 may force realignment; India should seize the opportunity to be a rule-shaping power, not just a rule-taker.
- The world expects more from India — credibility, balance, initiative — especially as conflicts and fragmentation grow.
- Practicing full-spectrum multi-alignment is now a necessity, not a choice.
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