EDITOR'S CORNER: The Question of India

India, home to nearly 1.46 billion people, fields the world’s second-largest active army. Its armed forces include about 1.45 million active personnel, 1.15 million in reserve, and another 1.6 million in paramilitary units—bringing India’s total mobilization capacity to an estimated 5.1 million personnel.

Why does this matter? Because lately, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been seen drawing closer to leaders like Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. If the global order continues to polarize, the pressing question becomes: which side will India ultimately choose?

 

 

INDIA IN A NUTSHELL

For nearly two centuries, India existed under British colonial rule, first through the East India Company and later under direct Crown administration after 1858. The Raj exploited India’s vast resources, reshaped its economy to serve imperial interests, and imposed political control while fostering divisions along religious and social lines. Yet this period also witnessed the growth of a national consciousness, led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose, whose movements of resistance—from nonviolent civil disobedience to armed struggle—gradually eroded the foundations of colonial rule.

In 1947, after years of pressure and turmoil, India gained independence, though at the cost of partition and one of the largest mass migrations in history. In the decades since, India has charted its own course: building democratic institutions, industrializing, and striving for self-reliance while navigating poverty, internal conflicts, and wars with neighbors. From Nehru’s vision of non-alignment during the Cold War to today’s balancing act between East and West, India has transformed into a rising power whose choices now carry global weight.

India shares borders with Pakistan to the west; China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north; and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. To the south, it is bounded by the Indian Ocean, with maritime borders extending to the Arabian Sea in the southwest. Its Andaman and Nicobar Islands give India a strategic presence near Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia, while Sri Lanka and the Maldives lie just offshore.

India is more than just a populous nation—it is a rising global force. With a booming economy, expanding industrial base, and growing military might, it is increasingly able to contend with powers like the U.S., China, and Russia. Yet India also faces persistent regional challenges, from its tense rivalry with Pakistan over Kashmir to border disputes with China. As the world grows more polarized, India’s choices will not only shape its own future but could tip the balance of power across South Asia and beyond.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

India has long pursued strategic autonomy, carefully balancing relations with major powers rather than fully aligning with any single bloc. While maintaining strong ties with the West, it simultaneously cultivates partnerships with Russia, China, and other global players, choosing engagements based on national interest rather than ideology. In short, India is neutral in alignment but far from indifferent—its foreign policy is pragmatic, flexible, and driven by both security and economic considerations.

In 2025, this balancing act is becoming increasingly visible. Relations with the United States have cooled under President Trump, with a 50% tariff on Indian imports and tensions over Russia straining economic ties. In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought closer engagement with Russia and China, meeting both Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit from August 31 to September 1, held in Tianjin, China.

Modi’s outreach to Beijing has already yielded concessions along the disputed border, signaling a shift toward a more diversified foreign policy. Meanwhile, the 2024 India-China Border Patrol Agreement and renewed trade and investment talks reflect a move from rivalry toward cautious partnership. Together, these maneuvers highlight India’s strategic autonomy in a multipolar world—maintaining ties with the West while actively cultivating relationships in the East to maximize influence and safeguard national interests.

At the same time, Western countries are actively seeking closer ties with India as a strategic economic partner. The European Union is working to finalize a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement by the end of 2025 to expand market access, align environmental policies, and reduce reliance on China. Beyond trade, this partnership is expanding into clean energy, defense, and infrastructure through a new trilateral initiative focused on sustainable development and regional stability. Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has announced plans to visit India this week to explore further opportunities to deepen bilateral relations.

 

India's Prime Minister Modi shaking hands with Vladimir Putin in Shanghai 

 

MY OPINION

In my view, India is rapidly emerging as a major global player—one that Europe and the West have a strong interest in maintaining close ties with. Recent moves to strengthen engagement with Russia and China are concerning. While it is understandable why Modi might seek to diversify India’s alliances given tensions with the U.S., these actions risk pushing India toward a more adversarial axis. The friction with America, exacerbated by issues like pressure from Trump to be recognized as a "peace maker", has clearly influenced this shift in strategy.

At the same time, India’s economic and military rise cannot be ignored. Its manufacturing capabilities are expanding, the economy is growing robustly, and its military continues to strengthen. Rising tensions with Pakistan remain a source of concern, but these challenges could be mitigated if Europe and other Western powers play a constructive role in diplomacy and mediation, helping India navigate regional conflicts while remaining anchored in a cooperative international framework.

CONCLUSION

India is rapidly emerging as a global power capable of shaping the course of history on the world stage. For Europe and the West, it is in their strategic interest to maintain strong ties with India and ensure it does not drift toward an adversarial bloc. Policies like Trump’s tariffs and the perception of India being sidelined risk pushing New Delhi closer to Russia and China.

In an increasingly chaotic and multipolar world, the West needs every capable partner it can count on to preserve a balance of power. Keeping India engaged, valued, and aligned with democratic and cooperative international frameworks is essential for sustaining influence in the evolving global order.