Editorial 1: India’s geopolitical vision should be larger

Context

In a world influenced by 'Trumpian' dynamics, India should integrate economic development with geopolitics rather than viewing them as separate concerns.

Introduction

Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for their “noble mission” to help stop the Ukraine-Russia war, bringing joy to many Indians. But this raises an important question—why doesn’t India take a more active role in solving regional and global conflicts?

• India has taken bold actions in regional conflicts, such as:
  • 1971 Bangladesh War: Helped stop a genocide and supported the birth of a new nation.
  • 1988 Maldives Crisis: Prevented armed mercenaries from overthrowing the President.
  • 2009 Sri Lanka: Assisted in the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
  • Recent piracy operations: Actively fought piracy in the region.
• India is a key global contributor, playing a major role in:
  • ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative: Supplied vaccines worldwide during COVID-19.
  • Climate action: Founded the International Solar Alliance and promoted sustainability.
  • Digital public infrastructure: Shared tech solutions globally.
  • Disaster response: Acted as a first responder in natural calamities.

A reticence

• Over the past two decades, India has focused on economic growth, under both UPA and NDA governments.
• This strategy has elevated India to the 5th largest economy in the world.
• However, there is a perception that taking a strong political role in global conflicts might hamper growth and development.

Reasons for India’s Reticence in Global Conflicts

Need for a Larger Geopolitical Vision

• While these reasons are valid, the global order is changing, and India’s ambitions require a broader geopolitical role.
• Historically, India led the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to empower developing nations.
• Today, multi-alignment serves India’s interests by strengthening bilateral relations with all key players.
• However, NAM was about supporting the Global South, while multi-alignment focuses primarily on India’s own interests.

Rising International Expectations from India

• As the 5th largest economy and a thriving democracy, India has growing global responsibilities.
• India aspires to:
  • Become a permanent UNSC member.
  • Be a key power in a multipolar world.
  • Influence global decision-making beyond just taking a stance.
• If India argues that UNSC decisions lack credibility without its participation, the same applies to decisions made outside the UNSC.

India’s Role in the Ukraine Conflict

• Putin’s statement thanking PM Modi reflects appreciation for India’s diplomatic balance.
• India’s abstention on UNSC votes influenced many developing nations to adopt a neutral stance.
• PM Modi’s message to Putin that “this is not an era of war” reinforced India’s credibility.
• Putin’s remark can also be seen as a subtle push for India to play a bigger role in global diplomacy.
• Key Question: As one of the few nations that can engage with both Russia and Ukraine, shouldn’t India be at the high table of global diplomacy?

There is a global reset

1. India’s Risk of Losing Geopolitical Influence

If India does not step up, it risks ceding diplomatic space to other countries in key conflict zones:

2. Global Power Shift & India’s Strategic Response

• The world is undergoing a reset, marked by:
  • The U.S. and Europe shifting rightward, leading to possible U.S. disengagement from some regions.
  • Fragmentation of trade and rising protectionism, making strategic alignments crucial.
• India’s key challenges:
  • Adversarial relations with China are unlikely to improve.
  • Trade deficit with China is growing due to closely linked supply chains.

3. The Importance of Expanding Alliances

• As the U.S. and China move toward a possible geopolitical "deal", power could be divided into spheres of influence.
• This could weaken the Quad (India, Japan, Australia, U.S.), reducing its strategic relevance.
• To avoid diplomatic marginalization, India must:
  • Strengthen alliances beyond its immediate region.
  • Play a proactive role in global conflicts rather than staying on the sidelines.
• Key Question: With global power shifting, should India remain a passive observer, or assert itself as a major geopolitical force?

A time for a shift and also reform

• Regional strategy should go beyond just bilateral relations with individual countries.
• India has built strong ties with Central Asian nations, but has reduced its role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
• In East Asia, India’s absence from RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) means it needs greater engagement.
• Europe is under pressure, making this a good time for India to enhance strategic ties.
• Economic reforms are needed to improve competitiveness and align with U.S. trade expectations.
• A U.S.-India trade deal could serve as the foundation for a stronger relationship with the Trump 2.0 administration.

India’s Role in Global Conflicts: Proactive but Not Mediatory

Historical Example: India's Role in Global Diplomacy

• Korean War (1951-52):
  • India played a crucial role in the UN Security Council, despite being a newly independent and impoverished nation.
  • Its contribution led to India becoming Chair of the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission.
• Recent UNSC Stint (2021-22):
  • India acted as a bridge between opposing views, reinforcing its credibility in global diplomacy.
• Key Takeaway: India must assert itself in regional and global affairs, rather than just react to situations.
  • Being proactive will strengthen India’s influence and secure its place as a major geopolitical force.

Conclusion

In a 'Trumpian' world, where big powers dominate and geopolitical fragmentation increases, India should not see economic development and geopolitics as separate issues. Instead, we must follow multi-alignment in all areas to maximize benefits. India should use the opportunity of Trump 2.0 to become a key global player by influencing the changing world order.