July 22nd 2025 Editorial

1. Context of the Article:

  • The article is written in the backdrop of S. President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from various international commitments and the changing dynamics of global power.

  • It critically examines India’s strategic posture and diplomatic engagements amid a shifting multipolar world order.

 

2. Key Threat Highlighted:

  • India’s aspiration to be a “great power” is under threat, particularly due to:

    • Unilateralism of global powers (especially the U.S. under Trump).

    • Erosion of multilateral institutions.

    • India’s growing dependency on singular global players like the U.S.

3. Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy:

  • Trump’s “America First” policy weakens:

    • Global institutions (like WTO, NATO).

    • Long-term bilateral commitments.

    • Multilateral diplomacy.

  • This makes it difficult for India to rely on consistent U.S. support, weakening India’s ability to leverage its relationship with the West.

4. India’s Strategic Autonomy Dilemma:

  • India has traditionally followed a policy of “strategic autonomy”—balancing major powers without getting tied to one.

  • However, recent foreign policy moves suggest a tilt towards the U.S., which can be risky in an unpredictable global scenario.

5. Dangers of Unilateralism:

  • S. unilateral decisions (like pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal) affect India’s interests in West Asia.

  • The emergence of a multipolar world means India cannot rely solely on bilateral ties, especially with nations that are revising their global roles unpredictably.

6. Importance of Multipolarity:

  • A stable, rules-based multipolar order helps medium powers like India.

  • India must support multipolar structures (e.g., BRICS, SCO) to protect its global standing.

7. Recommendations for India:

  • Engage deeply with multilateral institutions.

  • Avoid excessive dependence on any single power (like the U.S.).

  • Revive its role as a non-aligned leader by:

    • Promoting peace initiatives.

    • Playing an active role in regional diplomacy, e.g., in South Asia, West Asia, and Indo-Pacific.

8. Push for Peace in South Asia:

  • The author emphasizes that India must de-escalate tensions with Pakistan, especially after events like Pulwama (context of the article).

  • Rising militarism may damage India’s long-term aspirations for regional leadership and peaceful diplomacy.

9. Strategic Communication Matters:

  • India must be clear in its strategic messaging to global powers—asserting its independence and vision for a stable world order.

  • Overplaying military responses or emotionally driven nationalism might backfire in international diplomacy.

10. Conclusion:

  • To preserve and enhance its “great power” ambition, India must:

    • Balance bilateral ties (U.S., Russia, China).

    • Strengthen multilateralism.

    • Champion peaceful regional engagement.

    • Avoid over-reliance on any one pole in the multipolar global structure.

10-Marker (150 words)

1. “India’s over-dependence on a single pole in a multipolar world threatens its strategic autonomy.”
 *Discuss with reference to recent shifts in global diplomacy and U.S. foreign policy.

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