A neighbour’s view of India’s strategic strengths
What India chooses to do with the strategic freedom it has built over eight decades may be the defining question of its next phase by Milinda Moragoda In the emerging global economy, countries will increasingly seek multiple sources of energy, technology, capital, minerals and markets. India can contribute by helping create an open network rather […]
India's strategic position has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last eight decades since attaining independence. Yet, the question of strategic autonomy continues to loom large. Over the past decade, India has been actively expanding its options by deepening ties with the US, Europe, and Japan, while maintaining strong relations with Russia and broadening engagement with the Gulf, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Australia and New Zealand are also emerging as key partners in the wider Indo-Pacific region. India has been striving for a stronger voice for the developing world in international institutions. However, traditional notions of strategic autonomy, which focus on remaining free from competing power blocs, are giving way to the concept of strategic interdependence.
This involves building diverse relationships that prevent dependence on any single country or economic system from becoming a vulnerability. India's geographic location, which connects the Gulf and wider West Asia, Asian manufacturing economies, African and Eurasian territories, and the Indian Ocean, provides an unprecedented opportunity to act as a connector between these increasingly fragmented economies.
This includes leveraging advanced manufacturing, technology, energy, semiconductors, and critical minerals from Japan, deepening economic and technological cooperation with the US, expanding engagement with Europe beyond economic and technological ties, strengthening trade and investment ties with the Gulf, and fostering economic, intellectual, and cultural connections through the diaspora.
Yet, China presents a unique challenge. It is essential that India's strategy does not lead to excessive dependence or complete isolation. Instead, India must focus on building robust domestic capabilities, diversifying supply chains, and forging partnerships where interests align. India's strategic advantage lies in its ability to facilitate an open network of countries, rather than creating an exclusive bloc.
This could involve creating ports, shipping routes, energy corridors, digital infrastructure, supply chains, and trade agreements that foster collaboration without becoming a closed sphere of influence. As India ascends the global economic ladder, it is crucial that other nations view themselves as participants in India's growth, not just as markets for its products.
India's leadership within the Global South could transcend mere representation in international forums and instead aim to shape the economic environment that benefits developing countries. The G20's upcoming meeting in Miami offers a platform for India to continue advocating for a more inclusive global economic system. India's experience demonstrates that economic integration and strategic autonomy are not mutually exclusive.
By positioning itself as a principal connector of a rapidly changing world, India can foster an environment of shared prosperity and enduring influence.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
