THE GEOPOLITICS DEMANDS A TIGHTROPE WALK, BUT TO SAFEGUARD OUR INTERESTS FIRST!

• One of the most obvious diplomatic shortchanges ever since Donald Trump assumed the presidency of the USA for the second time is the way the so-called strategic relationship between New Delhi and Washington has been stymied to a certain extent that there is a definite lack of trust now. The way Donald Trump went about handling the much-feted relationship between the two largest democracies must have made the Indian leadership cringe and wriggle their hands in anger. Of course, people closely following the fortunes of our two nations must have realized how the USA often ignores our genuine concerns by gravitating towards ensuring their needs are met without any compromise whatsoever. So much for optics and camouflaged exhortations.

PC: Nimbus IAS Academy

• We must safeguard our own interests in the altered geopolitical scenario where the USA has gravitated towards Pakistan, burdened us with additional import tariffs, and created enough obstacles to obtain subsidized energy supplies from Russia. With all these challenges, the Indian think tank has made subtle alterations to the prevailing equations without giving in to sustained pressure tactics from the USA vis-à-vis trade deals, including mending the relationship with China. Yes, India needs more FDIs from Chinese companies, while doing more for Indo-Pacific, which the USA unabashedly expects us to do. With the Quad foreign ministers meeting in New Delhi recently, the India-US-Japan-Australia grouping appears to be channelling the ‘Speak softly and carry a big stick’ adage attributed to a past president of the USA, Theodore Roosevelt.

PC: Fijivillage

• As reported, the meeting resulted in a series of initiatives in areas such as critical minerals, energy security, and maritime surveillance. There’s also a plan to build a port in Fiji. Mind you, the elephant in the room is China, which was quick to denounce the Quad meeting as an exclusive clique. India, for its part, has been clear that the Quad is not directed against any third country. That’s clever. Managing China requires India to walk a tricky tightrope, juggling historical territorial issues, economic interdependencies, and regional strategic questions. This is where India needs its own version of ‘speak softly and carry a big stick’. A sweet spot that smartly combines economic enticements and strategic national security guardrails.

PC: Entrackr

• Note that in March, GOI approved Press Note 2 to allow non-controlling stakes of up to 10% in Indian firms, without prior govt approval. It also pitched a 60-day expedited approval process for investments in priority manufacturing sectors. Both to accelerate FDI from China. Note, China has never been a major source of FDI for India – a mere $2.5bn between April 2000 and Dec 2025. It’s not that Chinese companies are shy of investing. But the fact is, despite recent loosening of rules, India still isn’t attractive enough for large investments, especially in manufacturing. From poor infra and red tape to weak enforcement of contracts, and an unpredictable business environment.Needless to mention, it’s time India steps up its own game with or without the USA, even if it means to court China for investments.