Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India’s Foreign Policy, Issue: India’s Geopolitical strategy.
Context:
The year 2025 reset global geopolitics due to the Ukraine war, Gaza conflict, US domestic churn, and China’s assertiveness.
- As India enters 2026, it faces key diplomatic tests: Trade negotiations with the US and EU, Political instability in South Asia and Managing ties with major powers amid global fragmentation.
Key Takeaways:
Key Highlights of 2025:
- India-U.S. Under Trump 2.0: Initial optimism following Trump’s re-election quickly faded as trade relations deteriorated due to high tariffs imposed by the U.S. Strategic trust suffered, despite ongoing trade talks.
- Fraught Ties with Pakistan Under Field Marshal Munir: A terror attack led to a brief military operation by India, with a clear redline established against nuclear blackmail and terrorism. Pakistan’s Army chief consolidated power, raising concerns about regional stability.
- Trade Resilience: Weathered US tariffs; boosted FTAs with UK, EU; PLI schemes aided exports to $500B+.
- Neighborhood First: Aid to Maldives, Bangladesh stability post-Hasina; BIMSTEC revival.
- Great Power Ties: Modi-Putin summits; Trump bilateral on tech/defense; G20 leadership on Global South.
- 2026 Outlook: Election-year diplomacy, WTO reforms, climate finance push.
- Tension in West Asia: A fragile ceasefire brokered by Trump was marred by violations. The U.S. and Israel asserted dominance over Iran, leading to regional instability.
- War in Ukraine and Efforts to End It: As the conflict dragged on, Trump pushed for a ceasefire, navigating complex relations with both Ukraine and Russia.
In 2026, India must balance autonomy, alignments, and ambitions amid complex geopolitics to elevate global standing, ensure regional stability, and advance interests through strategic diplomacy.
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