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Subject: International Relations

  • How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics ?

    The I2U2 grouping was formalized in 2022 as a minilateral platform to promote cooperation in food security, energy, technology, and infrastructure. It is termed as the West Asian Quad.

    Six Key Areas of Cooperation

    Health

    Water

    Energy

    Transportation

    Food Security

    Space

    I2U2 Transforming India’s Position in Global Politics

    Geopolitical Transformation

    Positions India as a bridge between the Indo-Pacific and West Asia, linking Act East and Link West policies.

    Strategic autonomy – cooperation with the US and Israel while maintaining relations with Iran and the Arab world.

    Elevates India as a regional stabilizer in a volatile West Asian geopolitical landscape.

    Countering China’s influence in West Asia

    Geoeconomic Dimension

    Joint investments in infrastructure, energy, and food security. Eg- UAE funding a $2 billion food corridor in Gujarat.

    Integrates India into emerging West Asia–Indo-Pacific supply chains.

    Defence and Security Cooperation

    Strengthens intelligence sharing and counterterrorism collaboration.

    Supports maritime security and enhances India’s strategic depth in the Western Indian Ocean region.

    Connectivity and Infrastructure

    Aligns with India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

    Enhances security in chokepoints like the Suez Canal.

    Enhances India’s credibility as a reliable partner in minilateral frameworks (Quad, BRICS, SCO, G20).

    Challenges Associated with I2U2

    Complex strategic balancing: Balancing ties with Iran while deepening cooperation with US–Israel–UAE bloc.

    Regional Instability: Ongoing Israel–Palestine conflict and tensions in Iran–US relations.

    Limited Institutional Framework: Absence of a formal secretariat or enforcement mechanism.

    Uncertainty of US Leadership under Trump

    China may view I2U2 as a containment alliance, increasing competition in West Asia.

    Way Forward

    Institutionalize I2U2 with clear mechanisms for project implementation and funding.

    Leverage the platform to promote peace and stability in the region.

    Expand the agenda to include climate resilience, humanitarian aid, and disaster response.

    Strengthen linkages with Quad, IMEC, and G20 initiatives.

    The I2U2 marks a paradigm shift in India’s diplomacy and emergence as a bridge nation between East and West, consolidating its role as a key pillar in 21st-century multipolar global politics.

  • India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka the light of the preceding statement.

    India and Sri Lanka share civilizational, cultural, and economic linkages dating back over 2,500 years, rooted in Buddhist ties, maritime trade, and shared colonial history.

    Financial Assistance

    India extended over USD 4 billion in assistance through credit lines, currency swaps, and grants

    Provided a USD 1 billion credit line for essentials such as food, medicines, and fuel.

    Supplied over 400,000 MT of fuel, life-saving drugs, and rice consignments

    USD 400 million currency swap under the SAARC framework and deferred USD 515 million in ACU payments, easing liquidity pressure.

    Support for Debt Restructuring and IMF Assistance

    India became the first country to provide written assurance to the IMF supporting Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring plan, crucial for securing the USD 2.9 billion IMF bailout.

    Advocated for equitable debt treatment among all creditors.

    Trade, Connectivity, and Energy Cooperation

    Advanced the India-Sri Lanka Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) and Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) for economic revival.

    Revived strategic projects such as the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm modernization and proposed India-Sri Lanka power grid interconnection.

    Symbol of Age-Old Friendship

    Non Reciprocity (Neighbourhood First Policy) – India’s assistance came without strategic strings.

    Embodied the ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, upholding regional solidarity and stability.

    Reaffirmed India’s role as a trustworthy regional leader and first responder in crises.

    India’s response reflected its “humanitarian diplomacy”-guided by empathy, not conditionality.

  • Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation?

    According to S. Jaishankar, SAARC has become a dead horse. In this context, BIMSTEC, established in 1997, to promote regional cooperation among South and Southeast Asian countries has emerged as a pragmatic alternative to SAARC.

    BIMSTEC as a Parallel Organisation like the SAARC – Similarities

    Regional Cooperation Objective to promote economic, technical, and social cooperation. Eg- SAFTA and BIMSTEC FTA negotiations

    Developmental Focus: Emphasis on poverty reduction, trade, connectivity, and sustainable growth. Eg- BIMSTEC Transport Connectivity Master Plan

    Consensus-Based Decision-Making: Eg- BIMSTEC Charter, 2022 was adopted only after all members’ approval

    Institutional Mechanisms: Function through summits, ministerial meetings, and working groups. Eg- BIMSTEC Leaders’ Summit

    Multi-sectoral Agenda: Cooperation in transport, energy, agriculture, health, environment, and security. Eg- SAARC 11 priority sectors and BIMSTEC 14 priority areas

    Differences

    BIMSTEC connects South and Southeast Asia, while SAARC is confined to South Asia.

    SAARC includes Pakistan, leading to frequent political blockages. BIMSTEC is ‘SAARC-Pakistan’

    SAARC is primarily a political and developmental forum, whereas BIMSTEC focuses on sectoral partnerships in economy, connectivity, and technology.

    SAARC functioning is largely stalled, whereas BIMSTEC is expanding sectoral cooperation, adopted its Charter in 2022 and established a permanent Secretariat in Dhaka

    SAARC has limited security cooperation, whereas BIMSTEC actively engages in counter-terrorism, cyber security, maritime security, and disaster management. Eg- BIMSTEC National Security Advisers’ Meetings

    SAARC maintains Permanent Observer Status at the UN whereas BIMSTEC does not.

    BIMSTEC Fulfilling India’s Foreign Policy Objectives

    Regional Integration – Provides a Pakistan-free alternative to pursue regional cooperation and development.

    Bridge to Southeast Asia: advances India’s Act East Policy. Eg- IMT Trilateral Highway.

    Neighbourhood First and Indo-Pacific strategies – Increased connectivity, humanitarian cooperation, and development projects project India as a responsible power.

    SAGAR Vision: Reinforces India’s role as a “Net Security Provider” in the Indian Ocean through cooperation in maritime security, disaster management, and coastal resilience.

    Tapping Trade Potential in the Bay of Bengal through blue economy initiatives and port-led development.

    Group’s cohesion and sustainability is key to realise ‘Vision 2030’ adopted in the recent 6th BIMSTEC summit.

  • ‘Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos’. Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO(International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security.

    The oceans cover nearly 71% of the Earth’s surface and are the foundation of planetary life. The IMO, a UN specialized agency established in 1959, plays a critical role in promoting safe, secure, and environmentally sustainable use of the seas.

    Sea as an Important Component of the Cosmos

    It regulates climate, supports biodiversity, and drives global trade (over 80% of international trade by volume)

    Oceans absorb about 30% of global CO₂ emissions, produce half of the world’s oxygen, and absorb 90% of excess heat generated.

    Biodiversity and Life: Marine ecosystems host nearly 80% of all life forms

    Moral Value as part of the “common heritage of mankind”

    Engine of the Blue Economy: fisheries, renewable ocean energy, tourism, and seabed resources

    Role of IMO in Environmental Protection

    Net-Zero Framework – a global mechanism to price carbon emissions from ships and use the proceeds to help developing countries transition to green shipping.

    Pollution Prevention through MARPOL convention:

    Regulates oil, chemical, sewage, garbage, and air pollution.

    Enforce low-sulphur fuel standards and Energy Efficiency Design for new ships

    IMO’s Initial GHG Strategy targets 50% reduction in ship emissions by 2050 (from 2008 levels).

    Promotes green shipping and alternative fuels (LNG, methanol, hydrogen), and carbon intensity.

    Prevents transfer of invasive aquatic species through Ballast Water Management Convention

    IMO’s Polar Code addresses safety and environmental protection in polar waters

    Role in Maritime Safety and Security

    IMO provides a legal and technical framework for cleaner and safer shipping.

    SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea, 1974) is IMO’s flagship convention, setting global ship design and emergency standards.

    STCW Convention (1978): Mandates uniform global training and certification for seafarers.

    ISPS Code (2002): Strengthens ship-port security against terrorism and piracy.

    IMO assists regional frameworks like Djibouti Code of Conduct (Somalia Basin) and ReCAAP (Asia) to combat piracy.

    Introduced e-navigation and Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) to improve real-time communication.

    Challenges

    Weak Enforcement: IMO relies on flag states’ compliance.

    Developing countries face technological and financial limitations for meeting emission targets.

    Emerging Threats: Cybersecurity and illegal fishing.

    Slow Decision-Making due to consensus-based model.

    Climate-Trade Dilemma: Balancing decarbonization with global trade competitiveness remains difficult.

    Recently, negotiations on the net zero framework have been adjourned for a year after opposition from the US and Saudi Arabia.

    Way Forward

    Stronger Monitoring Mechanisms through real-time tracking.

    Capacity Building of developing nations under a “Common but Differentiated Responsibility” framework.

    Strengthening R&D : green shipping corridors, hydrogen fuel, and maritime innovation hubs

    Global Cooperation among IMO, UNEP, UNDP, and regional maritime bodies like IORA

    As seas sustain both life and livelihood, global cooperation under IMO’s leadership is essential to achieve a safe, secure, and sustainable ocean future.

  • ‘The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well in India.’ What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.

    The NATO, Cold War-era collective defence alliance, has been revitalized after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (2022), leading to strengthening of US-Europe strategic convergence.

    While India is not a NATO member, this development aligns with many of India’s strategic interests in maintaining a stable, rules-based international order.

    NATO Strengthening Works Well for India

    A stronger NATO balances Russia-China “no-limits partnership” (2022) that could undermine India’s strategic space in Eurasia.

    NATO’s stand against territorial aggression (Ukraine invasion) reinforces the sovereignty principle, resonating with India’s stance on border integrity (Galwan Clash).

    Strategic Convergence with the West – NATO’s pivot to the Indo-Pacific (NATO 2022 Strategic Concept) opens opportunities for India-NATO dialogue on maritime and cyber security.

    Countering China – A stronger transatlantic alliance allows US to share security responsibilities with Europe, freeing bandwidth for the Indo-Pacific focus under Quad and AUKUS.

    Western unity enables India to access cutting-edge defence technology and enhanced intelligence sharing. Eg- India-France Rafale Deal.

    Value-Based Convergence – Reinforces shared democratic values, human rights, and rule of law. Eg- India’s participation in the Summit for Democracy.

    Trade and investment flow – Stability in Europe can facilitate greater cooperation in trade, connectivity and technology domains. Eg- Recent India-UK trade deal

    Challenges

    NATO’s expansion risks reviving Cold War-style bipolarity, which goes against India’s principle of strategic autonomy and multi-alignment.

    USA’s policy of Bait and Bloodletting by prolonging Russia-Ukraine war undermines India’s policy of peaceful resolutions of disputes.

    NATO’s confrontation with Russia complicates India’s long-standing defence and energy ties with Moscow. Eg- US sanctions on Russian Oil

    A tighter US-Europe nexus could monopolize advanced technologies and make India dependent on Western supply chains.

    NATO’s eastward expansion and Russia’s isolation weaken Eurasian platforms (like SCO and BRICS) which can limit India’s influence in Central Asia.

    The West’s climate and trade protectionism undermines developing nations’ interests. Eg- EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

    Way Forward

    Strategic autonomy with issue based partnerships based on enlightened self interest (S. Jaishankar)

    Waivers for Chabahar Port and Russian oil and defense imports to preserve Strategic Autonomy

    Strengthening Bilateral Relations with EU and other European powers like UK, France. Eg- early conclusion of India-EU FTA

    Promoting Atmanirbharta in defence sector. Eg- make in India-make for the world.

    As per Shivshankar Menon, foreign policy is about Mini-maxing i.e. minimising harm and maximising gain. Multi-vector diplomacy and strategic autonomy is the way forward.

  • ‘Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO’. In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating problems.

    The SCO, evolved from the Shanghai Five (1996), was founded in 2001, as a Eurasian political, economic, and security organisation.

    Virus Conflict within SCO

    China-India border tensions (Galwan 2020) – undermine mutual trust.

    India-Pakistan rivalry over terrorism. Eg- Pahalgam Attack

    The China-Pakistan-Russia axis creates an internal power imbalance.

    China’s BRI expansionism – violates sovereignty. Eg- CPEC through PoK.

    Russia-Ukraine conflict divides members’ geopolitical alignments.

    Afghanistan instability – differing member approaches toward Taliban.

    India’s Role in Mitigating Problems

    Dialogue-based dispute resolution – SCO as a platform for engagement with China and Pakistan. PM Modi (2023): “SCO must not be divided by barriers of mistrust.”

    Act as a Balancer to China – Supported by CAR and Russia

    Enhancing Economic and Connectivity Alternatives – Promotes Chabahar Port and INSTC.

    Pushes for energy partnerships and supply-chain diversification with Central Asia.

    Encourages collaboration in AI, digital governance, and fintech. Eg- UPI as Model for CARs

    Active role in RATS (Tashkent) to share intelligence on terrorism. Calls for zero tolerance against extremism and radicalisation.

    Promotes respect for territorial integrity and international law. Advocates transparency in connectivity and infrastructure projects.

    Supports inclusive multipolarity in global and regional affairs. Acts as a moderating voice against bloc politics.

    Using India’s civilizational linkages to bridge ideological divides. Eg- Buddhist and sufi diplomacy with Central Asian nations.

    Climate Cooperation – joint action on climate resilience, renewable energy, and green hydrogen initiatives.

    SCO can help realise India’s ambitions on “multi-alignment”, “strategic autonomy” and becoming a “balancing power” in the world.

  • Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.

    With over 32 million PIOs and NRIs spread across 200 countries, the Indian diaspora has become one of the most influential transnational communities in the world.

    Indian Diaspora Scaling New Heights

    Kamala Harris – Vice President of the USA

    Sundar Pichai – CEO of Alphabet (Google)

    Rishi Sunak – Prime Minister of the UK

    Anita Anand – Minister of Defence, Canada

    Leo Varadkar – Prime Minister of Ireland

    Indra Nooyi – Former CEO of PepsiCo

    Leena Nair – CEO of Chanel

    Economic Benefits

    Remittances – strengthen foreign exchange reserves and domestic consumption. Eg- In 2024-25, India received $135 billion, the highest in the world (World Bank).

    Investment – Successful diaspora members invest in Indian startups, real estate, and venture capital. Eg- Silicon Valley-Bangalore corridor

    Trade and Business Networks – Diaspora acts as a bridge for exports and market access. Enhances India’s competitiveness in Western markets.

    Indiaspora network and initiatives like Pratham, Akshaya Patra, IIT Alumni Foundations channel diaspora philanthropy to education and health.

    Knowledge Transfer – Highly skilled diaspora professionals contribute to knowledge flow, R&D collaboration, and technological innovation in India.

    University Collaborations- Diaspora academics help forge institutional tie-ups. Eg- Indo-US Science & Technology Forum.

    Brain Circulation- Reverse migration of skilled professionals enhances India’s innovation capacity.

    Political Benefits

    Lobbying and Advocacy for India-friendly trade, defense, and immigration policies. Eg- Strong diaspora lobbying contributed to the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal (2008).

    Soft Power Promotion through festivals, yoga days, and cultural events. Eg- Diwali celebration in White House

    Representation in International Platforms elevate India’s presence in multilateral decision-making. Eg- Gita Gopinath – Chief Economist, IMF.

    Bilateral Relations – facilitate closer diplomatic ties and mutual understanding between India and host countries. Eg- Kamala Harris (US) and Rishi Sunak (UK)

    Countering Anti-India Narratives- Diaspora think tanks and professionals help counter misinformation on Kashmir, CAA, or farmers’ protests.

    Challenges

    Security Threats – Eg- Khalistani groups in Canada

    Issues of discrimination and racism

    Brain Drain concerns

    As PM Narendra Modi noted, “The Indian diaspora is our global ambassador of talent, trust, and transformation.” Thus, sustained institutional dialogue is essential.

  • Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security’. Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level.

    Terrorism refers to the use of violence or threat to create fear and achieve political, ideological, or religious objectives by targeting civilians and governments.

    Terrorism as a Threat to Global Peace and Security

    Non-traditional global security challenge undermining state sovereignty, human rights, and economic stability.

    Evolving nature – cross-border networks, online radicalization, financing through illicit trade, and use of emerging technologies (drones, crypto-assets).

    Threats

    Economic – Terrorism and organised crime linkage. Eg- role of D-Company in Bombay Blasts 1993

    Bioterrorism – Eg- use of chemical weapons in Syria

    State sponsored terrorism – Eg- Pakistan

    Cyber terrorism – Eg- online radicalization by ISIS

    Regional Instability – Eg- Taliban in Afghanistan

    United Nations Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and Associated Bodies

    Established under UNSC Resolution 1373 (2001) after 9/11.

    CTC’s mandate: Enhance state co-operation and capacity building to deal with global terror

    Associated Bodies:

    CTED (Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate): Provides technical assistance to member states.

    UNOCT (UN Office of Counter-Terrorism): Coordinates UN counter-terror programs.

    FATF : Monitors terror financing and money laundering globally.

    Positive Role

    Global Framework: Universal adoption of Resolution 1373, creating a global legal framework.

    Capacity Building: Support to developing states in border management, cyber surveillance, and financial tracking.

    Curbing Terror Financing: Criminalization of fund-raising and cross-border money flows.

    Information Sharing: Enhanced coordination among INTERPOL, UNODC, and regional organizations (ASEAN, AU, SAARC).

    1267 Sanctions Regime: Travel bans and arms embargoes on listed terrorist entities.

    Limitations

    No Universal Definition of Terrorism: Political differences hinder cohesive action.

    Enforcement Limitations: CTC cannot impose sanctions; compliance depends on state will.

    Selectivity and Geopolitics: Veto politics within UNSC prioritizes strategic interests over global consensus. Eg- China blocking Masood Azhar terrorist designation

    TRF, designated a terrorist group by India, has not been formally designated as a terrorist organisation by the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee.

    Unequal Capacities: Developing nations lack financial and technological resources to meet obligations.

    Emerging Threats: Cyber-terrorism, lone-wolf attacks, and digital radicalization outpace global responses.

    Human Rights Concerns: Some counter-terror laws compromise due process and civil liberties.

    Lack of consensus – as per T.S. Tirumurti, the world has gone back to the era of “my terrorist” and “your terrorist” and consensus reached after 9/11, to fight terror comprehensively, has run its course.

    Way Forward

    3C Approach: Collaborate, Coordinate, and Cooperate among nations.

    UNSC Reforms: voice to Global South and democratization of decision-making.

    Early finalization of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT)

    A comprehensive consensus-based approach on zero tolerance for corruption is needed to tackle the menace of terrorism.


  • Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India’s maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition?

    The Maldives, located southwest of India in the central Indian Ocean, sits astride critical Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) that carry a major share of global oil and trade flows.

    Geopolitical and Geostrategic Importance of Maldives for India

    Strategic Location on Global Trade Routes through which over 80% of India’s crude oil and global container traffic transit.

    Energy Security Corridor- positions near the Eight Degree Channel are vital for the free flow of energy from the Persian Gulf to Indian and East Asian markets.

    As part of India’s SAGAR vision, Maldives strengthens India’s maritime domain awareness (MDA) through coastal radar systems integrated with India’s Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).

    Economic and Blue Economy Cooperation for trade connectivity and sustainable ocean management.

    Impact on India’s Maritime Security Amidst International Competition

    India’s partnership with Maldives enables real-time monitoring of sea lanes, joint patrols, and defense training, enhancing maritime security in the Arabian Sea-Central IOR belt.

    The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Chinese-funded infrastructure projects in Maldives (e.g., Sinamalé Bridge, port expansions) raise concerns of strategic encirclement (“String of Pearls”).

    Securing SLOCs Against Non-Traditional Threats like piracy, smuggling, terrorism, and illegal fishing.

    First-Responder Advantage- India’s humanitarian and disaster-relief operations (e.g., Operation NEER, COVID-19 aid) reinforce its role as the preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

    Impact on India’s Regional Stability Amidst International Competition

    Maintaining Balance of Power in the IOR- Maldives’ cooperation ensures that strategic outposts in the central Indian Ocean remain friendly to India and aligned with its Indo-Pacific vision.

    Shifts between pro-India and pro-China governments in Maldives (e.g., “India Out” campaigns) requires non-interference and developmental diplomacy to ensure long-term engagement.

    Regional Multilateralism and Cooperative Security through the Colombo Security Conclave and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

    India’s investments in infrastructure, tourism, and climate adaptation projects foster goodwill, ensuring Maldives remains a stable democratic partner in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific.

    Challenges

    India’s Panipat Syndrome – Reactive rather than proactive diplomacy

    Political Instability due to Chinese influence (Deep Pocket Diplomacy)

    India’s delivery deficit and Big Brother Syndrome

    Way Forward

    Expand joint naval patrols, intelligence sharing

    Gujaral Doctrine – non-intrusive, partnership-based approach

    Institutionalize Political and Strategic Dialogue- 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue

    Provide viable alternatives to Chinese Belt and Road projects via Neighbourhood First and SAGAR

    A stable, sovereign, and friendly Maldives is essential for India’s ambition of Net Security Provider in IOR.

  • The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples.

    The world order today is in ‘flux’ (M. K. Narayanan). In this context, “India is shaping up to be the trusted partner in a turbulent world.” (S. Jaishankar)

    China’s Dominance

    Political

    Alternative governance and development model of authoritarian capitalism

    Strategic assertion in South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and Indian Ocean. Eg- boiling frog strategy

    Dual-use infrastructure- Eg- BRI ports and bases (Djibouti, Gwadar).

    Economic

    Parallel institutional ecosystem- Creation of AIIB, NDB, and BRI

    Complex interdependence- 18% of world GDP, major supplier in 70% of global supply chains.

    Debt Trap diplomacy through BRI loans and surplus-deficit strategies. Eg- Sri Lanka

    Weaponisation of supply chains – Eg- export restrictions on rare earths

    India’s Emerging Role as an Alternative to China

    (A) Geoeconomic Dimension – Supply Chain Diversification

    “China+1” Strategy-

    Global firms (Apple, Foxconn, Dell, Samsung) shifting manufacturing to India.

    India’s PLI Scheme attracted global investment in electronics, semiconductors, and solar.

    Recent FTA with UK

    Resilient Supply Chain Initiative by India, Japan, and Australia to reduce dependence on Chinese manufacturing.

    US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET, 2023)- Cooperation in semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, and space.

    EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC, 2023)- Platform for technology, green energy, and digital infrastructure collaboration.

    (B) Strategic and Geopolitical Dimension

    Indo-Pacific Strategy-

    India is central to US-led Indo-Pacific vision ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

    Participation in QUAD (India, US, Japan, Australia) to balance China’s maritime influence.

    Increasing defence trade and interoperability under COMCASA, BECA, LEMOA agreements.

    Critical Minerals Partnership (2022) to counter China’s monopoly in rare earth supply chains

    Infrastructure Connectivity- IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, 2023) launched at G20 to provide an alternative to China’s BRI.

    (C) Multilateral and Institutional Cooperation

    India’s G20 Presidency (2023) strengthened its global credibility as a bridge between Global North and South.

    Western nations back India’s UNSC reform demand, recognizing its role in a multipolar world.

    ASEAN Countries and CARs as well as Russia support India’s role in ASEAN and SCO respectively as a counterbalance to China

    As the centre of gravity of world politics is shifting towards Indo-Pacific, India’s role is going to be critical in shaping 21st century great power dynamics.