Geopolitical Shifts in 2025: Opportunities and Challenges for India
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 09)
| Topic: GS2 – International Relations |
| Context |
| ● The article explores India’s geopolitical prospects in 2025 amidst regional upheavals, global conflicts, and evolving alliances, highlighting challenges and opportunities for its foreign policy. |
Analysis of the news:
A Dynamic Geopolitical Landscape in 2025
- The year 2025 begins with notable geopolitical shifts, including Donald Trump’s return to the US presidency, regime changes in India’s neighborhood, ongoing conflicts, and evolving global alliances.
- These developments present both opportunities and challenges for India’s foreign policy and global engagement.
India’s Regional Neighborhood: Political Upheavals
- Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year rule ended amid protests, leading to her exile in India. The interim government under Muhammad Yunus faces domestic unrest and strained ties with New Delhi over her extradition.
- Sri Lanka: Leftist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s rise to power brings a fresh dynamic, with his approach to Tamil minority aspirations being closely watched.
- Maldives: Relations improved slightly under Mohamed Muizzu despite his initial anti-India stance.
- Nepal: K P Sharma Oli’s pro-China policies remain a concern, although his alliance with the Nepali Congress offers a degree of stability.
Global Conflicts and India’s Role
- Ukraine War: Peace talks are in motion, with China and possibly India playing critical roles in negotiations. India must weigh its contributions and potential risks of mediation.
- China Relations: Border de-escalation talks show promise, with troop drawdowns likely in 2025. Trust issues persist, but diplomatic engagements like PM Modi’s potential visit to China could help rebuild ties.
- Pakistan: Relations remain stagnant, with New Delhi maintaining its firm stance against engagement due to terrorism concerns and SAARC’s limited revival prospects.
Western Alliances: Opportunities and Challenges
- United States: Donald Trump’s return introduces unpredictability, but a Modi-Trump meeting could bolster ties.
- Canada: Relations are strained due to accusations of India’s involvement in a Khalistani separatist’s killing, complicating broader diplomatic engagements.
- Europe: Rising far-right movements and immigration debates pose challenges for Indian students and professionals. Negotiations on free trade pacts with the EU and UK continue amidst political uncertainty.
Engagement Beyond the West
- Africa: Renewed efforts for engagement could culminate in a summit, possibly hosted in Ethiopia, building on the success of the 2015 India-Africa Summit.
- Russia: President Putin’s visit to India and ongoing bilateral cooperation will be significant amid global scrutiny over the Ukraine war.
Conclusion: Balancing Promise and Peril
- India’s geopolitical strategy in 2025 will involve navigating regional instability, fostering alliances, and leveraging opportunities in Africa and the West.
- As global dynamics evolve, India’s diplomatic agility will be critical in shaping its role as a leading global player.
| Practice Question: Examine the geopolitical challenges and opportunities India faces in 2025, considering regional political changes, global conflicts, and evolving international alliances.(250 Words /15 marks) |
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