The Hindu Editorial Analysis
6 August 2025
India’s presence amid a broken template of geopolitics
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)
Topic : GS Paper II – International Relations (Global Order, Strategic Autonomy)
GS Paper III – Internal Security (Cross-Border Terrorism, Regional Stability)
Context
As global geopolitics becomes fragmented and trust among major powers erodes, India’s strategic footprint and diplomatic weight must recalibrate to fit this new reality. Despite India’s active engagement across multiple domains—from satellite collaborations to trade talks—its global posture needs a realignment with its economic trajectory and security imperatives.
Key Themes and Arguments
1. India’s Strategic Stagnation Amid Shifting Alliances
- India’s international presence has grown in trade, technology, and diplomacy.
- However, its strategic diplomacy and hard power responses have not matched this rise.
- The editorial critiques India for not moving decisively in areas of strategic diplomacy, particularly while navigating tensions involving U.S., China, and Russia.
2. Post-Pulwama Security Lens
- Post-Pulwama, Pakistan was diplomatically isolated for supporting terror outfits.
- India scored a moral and security victory in identifying and eliminating perpetrators (e.g., Operation Sindoor).
- However, Pakistan still succeeded in international forums (e.g., removal of FATF grey-listing) aided by geopolitical shifts.
Key Issues in India’s External Strategy
| Issue | Editorial View |
|---|---|
| US Pressure | Trump-era pressure on India (e.g., sanctions, trade tariffs) limited India’s space for autonomous diplomacy |
| Geopolitical Distractions | U.S. shift from Indo-Pacific to Ukraine and West Asia narrowed Indo-US cooperation |
| Trust Deficit with EU | Despite engagement, India’s security sensitivities are often overlooked by Western allies (e.g., U.S. & EU) |
| Trade Negotiations | Indo-UK and Indo-EU trade talks remain sluggish due to shifting redlines |
India’s Missed Opportunities
- Under-leveraging Regional Leadership
- India could lead on South Asia’s trilateral diplomacy, but Bangladesh has shown reluctance.
- China’s proactive role in South Asia (e.g., with Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka) overshadows India’s regional narrative.
- EU and Russia Factor
- EU’s trade deals with India are hampered by its own internal divergences.
- EU’s anti-Russia alignment (Rosneft sanctions, trade bans) has spillover effects on India’s energy and fertilizer security.
- Geopolitical Fluidity
- China is engaging more aggressively in India’s neighborhood.
- India’s challenge: to remain neutral where necessary, and decisive where vital, e.g., Indo-Pacific partnerships.
Suggestions for India’s Strategic Recalibration
- Anchor Foreign Policy in Economic Growth
- India must align its strategic engagements with its economic trajectory.
- Focus should be on sectors like energy, technology, logistics, and supply chains.
- Reinforce Multilateralism & Strategic Autonomy
- India must lead initiatives like:
- India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC)
- BRICS+ economic diplomacy
- I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA)
- India must lead initiatives like:
- Balance Hard and Soft Power
- India’s AI and digital diplomacy, defence exports, and space diplomacy must complement its hard power assertion.
- Revive Trust in Indo-US Ties
- India must clarify its red lines and strategic compulsions.
- Pursuing complementary defence goals, like Indo-Pacific Command cooperation, while maintaining non-alignment in Ukraine or West Asia.
Conclusion
India’s global ambitions demand more than symbolic victories and multilateral statements. It requires a geopolitical recalibration—matching strategic assertiveness with developmental diplomacy. As the global order fractures into rival blocs, India must lead through balance, restraint, and opportunity, redefining its role not just as a participant but as a shaper of a new multilateral consensus.