India’s Balancing Act in a Divided World
Currently, discussions on the global stage often involve the influence of American President Trump, and in Asia, India is frequently highlighted for its rising power, largely attributed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. China, with its significant presence in Asia, is also a key player. Over the past three to four years, the dynamics shifted following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with Trump playing a pivotal role in rallying international opposition against President Putin. However, recent developments over the past few months have also brought Russian President Putin, the leader of the world's second superpower, into the spotlight. In these evolving scenarios, Trump is increasingly seen as a controversial figure. During this period, the India-Pakistan conflict occurred, and Trump claimed credit for the ceasefire multiple times. After Prime Minister Modi stated that India halted the conflict only after Pakistan pleaded due to the extensive damage from Operation Sindoor, Trump has been displeased. In retaliation, he has imposed a new tariff on India, raising it to 50%. Additionally, he disapproves of India's oil purchases from Russia.
The way the results of all these developments are visible, India will only become stronger and Russia has emerged as a tested and trusted friend of India as always. If Putin can inform India about his meeting with Trump from Moscow, especially PM Modi, then the strength of the relationship can be gauged from here. In this context, the proposed talks between Modi and Xi Jinping have also given rise to such new possibilities which can trouble America. Therefore, India will emerge as a superpower in the coming days. All this is also a warning signal for Trump. The big thing is that today the big countries of the world are discussing a new alliance of Russia, India and China i.e. RIC.Today, if there is a discussion on the international map about the bullying of American President Trump, then in the Asian continent, India is also mentioned for its growing power, the mastermind of which has been Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Here, China should also not be ignored, which has a big presence in Asia just like India. If we talk about the last three-four years, the situation changed after the war between Russia and Ukraine and Trump did a great job in creating an international environment against President Putin. But whatever has happened in the last two-three months, the face of the world's number two superpower, Russian President Putin, has also emerged. In all the new angles that are being created, Trump is emerging as a villain. Meanwhile, the India-Pakistan war took place, to take credit for the ceasefire of which Trump must have fired at least 25 times. When PM Modi clarified that India stopped the war only after Pakistan begged for the massive destruction caused by Operation Sindoor, Trump has been upset ever since. In anger over this, he has burst a new tariff bomb against India and has increased it to 50%. It is a different matter that he does not like India buying oil from Russia either.
The visible outcomes of these developments indicate that India is set to grow stronger, while Russia continues to be a reliable ally for India. If Putin can brief India, particularly PM Modi, about his meeting with Trump from Moscow, it reflects the strength of their relationship. In this scenario, the proposed discussions between Modi and Xi Jinping have opened up new possibilities that could concern America. Consequently, India is poised to become a superpower in the near future. This also serves as a warning for Trump. Notably, major countries around the world are now discussing a new alliance involving Russia, India, and China, known as RIC.
Trump is displeased with our longstanding friendship with Russia. Although challenges persist today, with Modi's leadership, anything is achievable, and India will resolve everything. Since gaining independence, our relations with Russia have been robust and are expected to remain so. Both nations share this confidence. After Russia's disintegration, our relations faced difficulties but remained amicable, while America emerged as a superpower. The U.S. was displeased with India due to our Pokhran nuclear tests. In 1996, President Bill Clinton made history by being the first global leader to sign the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which prohibited nuclear testing and explosions. However, in 1998, when India conducted nuclear tests in Pokhran, America imposed economic sanctions on us. President Bill Clinton's actions were not morally justifiable on a global scale, but over time, circumstances evolved. Thanks to India's foreign policy and firm stance, positive outcomes began to emerge.
These comprehensive sanctions imposed by the US on India also affected the relations between the two countries in many areas. The purpose of these sanctions was to isolate India and discourage it from making nuclear weapons. However, these sanctions were not permanent, as these sanctions were lifted within a few months of their imposition. This was a big victory for India. In 1999, everything went in India's favour. India was accepted as a true nuclear power. With time, as the relations between India and the US gradually improved. After the 9/11 terrorist attack on the US, the atmosphere created at the international level prepared the ground for coordination between the two countries in terms of security. Trump got irritated over India's purchase of oil from Russia. For a few days after returning to power, he remained good towards India but later started showing disagreement with India. Otherwise, PM Modi had always supported him on the global stage. Now, China has protested on record against the way Trump is bullying India over tariffs and has clearly said that it stands with India on this issue. From imposing sanctions after the nuclear test to now becoming a 'global strategic partnership', the relationship between India and America has come a long way.
Russia has supplied India with sophisticated weaponry such as the Sukhoi-30, T-90 tanks, and the S-400 missile defense system. Additionally, Russia has been a key partner for India in areas like energy sector technical cooperation, space-nuclear collaboration, economic partnerships, and education-science-technology cooperation. The collaboration between India and Russia could strengthen further in response to Trump's policies. Facing US sanctions itself, Russia is interested in forming a new economic and strategic alliance with India. This partnership would not only enhance bilateral trade but also bolster both nations' standings on global platforms, which Trump disapproves of. An alliance between India, Russia, and China could offer numerous advantages. It could position India as a new force in global trade. By aligning with Russia and China, India could further solidify its role in the global supply chain and mitigate US economic pressure. Currently, India and China are producing over 300 global products, and PM Modi is attempting to sever ties by purchasing oil from them and imposing a 50% tariff on India. The world is observing these developments, and Trump is aware of India's strong ties with Putin. Trump also recognizes China's influence, but eventually, he will need to resolve the tariff conflict with India. While Trump sometimes meets with Pakistan Army Chief Munir and promotes him, Modi is advancing with a vision of the world as a family. Thanks to PM Modi's balanced vision, India is generally accepted by China as well. In the future, India is poised to assert its presence under its peaceful and balanced vision, adhering to the policy of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vishwas.'