India’s Strategic Positioning in the Decolonized Geopolitical Economy: From Peripheral Player to Global Architect of Tech-Sovereignty and Trade Networks
Original framing: “India and the Reordered World” — Bloomberg
India’s economic trajectory is deeply shaped by historical patterns, such as the *Dastkar* (craft) economies of the Mughal era, which thrived on global trade before being disrupted by British colonial policies like the *Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act*. These acts systematically dismantled indigenous economic structures to favor export-oriented industries, creating a legacy of economic dualism that persists today—where a small, globally competitive sector coexists with vast informal economies. The post-colonial era saw India adopt a mixed economy model, balancing state-led industrialization (e.g., *Hindustan Aeronautics Limited*) with market reforms, a strategy that mirrors the *Swadeshi* movement’s dual focus on self-reliance and global engagement. The current 'reordered world' narrative overlooks how India’s economic policies today are both a reaction to and a continuation of these historical tensions, particularly in sectors like agriculture and technology where colonial legacies continue to distort market dynamics.
India’s role in the 'reordered world' is not merely a reaction to global power shifts but a deliberate reshaping of economic structures that challenge the legacy of colonialism and the dominance of Western-led capitalism.
The systemic analysis reveals how India’s policies—from digital sovereignty initiatives like Aadhaar to agricultural reforms and BRICS alliances—are rooted in historical patterns of resistance, such as the *Swadeshi* movement and the *Licence Raj*, as well as cross-cultural strategies seen in other Global South nations like Brazil and Vietnam. Marginalized communities, whose voices are often silenced in elite-driven narratives, are both the beneficiaries and victims of these changes, highlighting the fragility of India’s economic model and the need for more inclusive governance. The trickster lens further exposes how India’s economic approach is a playful subversion of Western orthodoxy, using cunning and satire to navigate global pressures while building its own rules. Future modelling suggests that India’s success will depend on its ability to balance decoupling from Western supply chains, deepening ties with emerging blocs, and addressing internal contradictions—all while integrating indigenous knowledge systems and centering marginalized voices. By adopting these strategies, India can transition from a passive participant in global capitalism to a co-architect of a new economic order that prioritizes equity, sustainability, and cultural autonomy.