India’s Presence Amid a Broken Template of Geopolitics

The global geopolitical landscape is undergoing rapid realignment, with new power equations emerging amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Gaza conflict, tensions in East Asia, and shifting U.S. policies under President Donald Trump.
India’s traditional approach of strategic autonomy and non-alignment is under pressure due to growing unpredictability in its relationships with key global actors such as the U.S., EU, and China.
Recent events such as Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack, the imposition of U.S. tariffs, and China’s maneuvers in South Asia have forced a reassessment of India’s geopolitical positioning.

Operation Sindoor & Diplomatic Isolation

India’s retaliatory strike against Pakistan-based terror camps post the Pahalgam attack (April 2025) was militarily decisive.
However, India struggled to get diplomatic support from its strategic partners. Even as Pakistan harbored UN-sanctioned terrorists, several countries refrained from condemnation.
The U.S. designated TRF (linked to the attack) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, but also allowed Pakistan’s Field Marshal to dine with the U.S. President — reflecting mixed signals and diplomatic hypocrisy.

Trump’s Trade Tariffs & Strategic Pressure

India was hit with 25% tariffs on the same day the NISAR satellite (a U.S.-India collaboration) launched.
Trump linked trade to geopolitics, threatening India over Russian oil imports, while ironically continuing U.S. imports of Russian uranium and fertilizers.
Additionally, he has called on U.S. companies to divest from India, pressuring India’s tech and manufacturing ecosystems.

🌍 EU’s Hypocrisy and Pressure on Energy Security

The EU sanctioned the Vadinar refinery in India while continuing Russian LNG imports themselves.
Simultaneously, the EU maintains trade barriers and carbon border taxes on India while negotiating the India-EU BTIA.
India hopes the India-U.K. CETA will provide leverage to rebalance EU demands.

China’s Strategic Encirclement

India’s Limited Voice on Global Conflicts

India remained largely silent or neutral on:
- The Israel-Gaza war, despite humanitarian concerns.
- The Israel-Iran conflict and U.S. bombings in West Asia.
This policy of non-engagement in global crises reduces reciprocal support from partners in India’s own strategic concerns.
The author argues that to receive international support, India must engage more proactively in others’ conflicts.

Trust Erosion with the West

The U.S.-Pakistan bonhomie, Trump’s anti-India remarks, EU trade pressure, and muted global support during crises like Galwan and Pahalgam indicate eroding trust.
The India-U.S. relationship faces major uncertainty unless recalibrated through a mutually beneficial trade deal and renewed engagement via platforms like Quad.

Strategic Reset Required:
The world order has shifted; India must abandon the “head down, grow alone” model. In a protectionist world driven by geopolitics, economic and technological outcomes are shaped by alliances, coercion, and security pacts — not just WTO rules or free trade.
Geopolitical Assertiveness:
India must be more vocal and visible in international crises to gain support in return. The call for a ceasefire in Gaza and rebuttal of U.S./EU double standards are steps in the right direction.
Multi-Alignment with Purpose:
India should continue its policy of multi-alignment — engaging with BRICS, SCO, East Asia, while also strengthening Quad and I2U2 ties. Reviving RIC (Russia-India-China) may not be realistic currently, but deeper BRICS engagement (India hosts the 2026 summit) will aid strategic hedging.
Balancing Economic & Strategic Goals:
Economic growth cannot be isolated from geopolitics. To become a leading power, India must act like one — participating in shaping the global order, rather than passively adapting to it.