India’s dilemmas in an Asian century

Context:

There is some level of certainty about the emergence of an Asian-centric century but India must prepare itself for the harsh headwinds of the geo-political contestations.

Asian century and (multi)polarity

• Multipolar Asia: There are two possibilities, one is a multipolar world with Russia, China, Japan, India and the other is a China-dominated Asia.
• Multipolarity and India’s interest: It can serve India’s interest only if it is underpinned by international law, premised upon respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.
• Dollar-based trade: Although it is facing serious challenges from Russia and its Asian partners China, Iran, Turkey, India, etc. it will be a matter of concern if the arrangements shift to Yuan.