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India’s Strategic Rise Amid Challenges
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Context:
The recent U.S. decision under President Donald Trump to impose 50% tariffs on Indian goods and reset strategic parity between India and Pakistan has posed major foreign policy challenges for India.
U.S. Policy Shift and Implications
- Regressive American Actions: The U.S. tariff hike and Pakistan parity reset mirror past unilateral steps like the nuclear sanctions of 1998, creating obstacles for India’s rise as a major power.
- Strategic Autonomy Pursuit: India’s long-term foreign policy goal is rooted in strategic autonomy, hedging strategies, and equal recognition from great powers, making it resilient to external pressures.
- Testing of Rising Powers: Major powers historically endure external tests and provocations; India too must withstand setbacks, balance partnerships, and respond with assertive confidence.
Regional Dynamics and Risks
- Pakistan’s Provocative Tendencies: Pakistani elites, backed by China and opportunistic support from Washington, may exploit the situation by heightening provocations and destabilising actions.
- India’s Security Concerns: Heightened conflict with Pakistan and border threats with China increase costs for India, limiting its naval power and ambitions in the Indo-Pacific.
- Domestic Economic Burden: To maintain resilience, India must absorb external shocks like tariffs and balance rising defence and economic costs while avoiding diplomatic isolation.
Pathways for India’s Strategy
- Recalibrating Multi-Alignment: India must reorient its multi-alignment by strengthening BRICS, promoting non-dollar trade, and expanding global finance networks beyond U.S. dominance.
- Pragmatic Diplomatic Approach: Instead of confrontation, India should lobby within Washington, engage Republicans, and build partnerships with allies like Canada and BRICS members.
- Strengthening Domestic Power: Sustained internal economic reforms, social resilience, and technological advancement will enable India to emerge as a truly independent global power.
Practice Question:
“India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy is often tested by great power politics.” In the light of U.S. policy under President Trump, critically examine the challenges and opportunities for India’s foreign policy. Suggest measures India should adopt to balance external pressures with domestic consolidation. (250 words)
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