India joins the US-led Board of Peace as an Observer, practicing strategic hedging. It safeguards trade and technology ties under Pax Silica while upholding UN centrality. With Pakistan as a member, India balances risks of bypassing multilateral norms and protects interests in West Asia and governance.
Click to View MoreFrench President Emmanuel Macron’s 2026 India visit elevated ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership, shifting from defence purchases to co-creation like Rafale-M and H125 helicopters. India pursues strategic autonomy within a multipolar West, expanding AI cooperation, Indo-Pacific collaboration, while addressing trade imbalances under Horizon 2047.
Click to View MoreIndia has shifted from trade defensiveness to a proactive Interim Trade Arrangement with the United States, capping tariffs at 18% to protect key exports like pharmaceuticals and aerospace. Amid WTO decline and protectionism, this reflects Strategic Autonomy 2.0, requiring faster reforms in contract enforcement and logistics upgrades.
Click to View MoreIndia is gradually reducing its dependence on Russian crude amid global geopolitical pressures, but a complete halt remains unlikely due to discounted pricing, refinery compatibility, contractual commitments, and structural reliance of certain facilities. While increasing imports from the US and exploring options like Venezuela support diversification and reduce sanctions risk, higher logistics costs and limited alternative capacity pose challenges. India’s current strategy focuses on market-driven diversification, maintaining strategic autonomy, and strengthening long-term energy security through a broader supplier base and accelerated clean energy transition.
Click to View MorePunitive US tariffs have strained India’s ties with Washington and Moscow, deepening its oil dilemma as energy security clashes with sanctions. Facing trade pressures and the China factor, India must balance US economic interests with defence cooperation like S 400 and AK 203 through pragmatic multi alignment.
Click to View MoreThe February 2026 trade deal between India and the United States cut tariffs to boost textiles and pharmaceuticals, benefiting hubs like Tiruppur. In return, India pledged reduced Russia energy imports, raising concerns over strategic autonomy and persistent steel tariff barriers.
Click to View MoreThe post-WWII rules-based order is fraying due to great-power unilateralism, UNSC paralysis, and intensifying geopolitics, harming smaller states most. India responds by championing reformed multilateralism, strategic autonomy, and Global South interests, positioning itself as a Vishwa Mitra shaping a fairer, more stable global order.
Click to View MoreDespite border tensions, India’s trade deficit with China exceeds $116.2 billion in 2025, creating strategic risks across key sectors. Rather than full decoupling, India needs pragmatic de-risking by building domestic capacity in critical areas, using PLI reforms, global partnerships, and selective engagement to safeguard strategic autonomy.
Click to View MoreThe US strike on Venezuela, framed as counter–narco-terrorism, undermines the UN Charter and reflects weakening international law. Economic interests, not drugs, appear central. For India, the episode reinforces the need for strategic autonomy through indigenous defence strength and calibrated multialignment in a fragile global order.
Click to View MoreThe proposed U.S. “Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025” threatens secondary sanctions and 500% tariffs on buyers of Russian energy, targeting India. It forces New Delhi to balance energy security, economic risks, and U.S. ties while safeguarding strategic autonomy through diplomacy and alternative mechanisms.
Click to View MoreThe global order is shifting from US unipolarity to a fluid multipolar system shaped by US–China rivalry. The United States refocuses strategy, China expands influence, and Russia plays a revisionist swing role. For India, multi-alignment remains essential to preserve strategic autonomy.
Click to View MoreIndia-Canada ties sit at a tense crossroads. Strong trade and a vibrant diaspora contrast with mistrust rooted in security concerns and Khalistani extremism. The way forward lies in steady dialogue and deeper cooperation in critical minerals, clean energy, and aerospace while keeping economic engagement insulated from political friction.
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