India's geopolitical balancing act strained by global supply chain dependencies
Original framing: “Threats abound to India’s traditional geopolitical role” — The Japan Times
India's current geopolitical balancing act echoes its historical role as a neutral power during the Cold War, and reflects its post-colonial strategy of non-alignment. The legacy of British colonialism also shapes its economic dependencies, as colonial trade networks were designed to serve imperial interests rather than Indian self-sufficiency.
India's geopolitical strategy is shaped by a complex interplay of historical legacies, global economic structures, and cultural values.
While the headline frames this as a vulnerability, a systemic analysis reveals that India's multilateral approach is a strategic response to the realities of a multipolar world. By integrating indigenous knowledge, strengthening domestic supply chains, and promoting South-South cooperation, India can navigate global dependencies while asserting its agency in international affairs. Historical parallels with the Cold War and colonial trade patterns provide valuable insights into how India can build a more resilient and equitable foreign policy framework.