As the economic and geo-political center of gravity of the world has shifted towards the indo-Pacific,
India has emerged as an ideal ‘swing state’, especially pursued by the west to counter China.
India As An Alternative To Reduce Dependence On China’s Supply Chain
- Expanding Manufacturing Base: Companies like Apple and Samsung are ramping up production in India, reducing reliance on China’s manufacturing hubs.
- Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience: The Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) with Japan and Australia helps build secure, diversified supply chains outside of China.
- Revising Trade Privileges: Renegotiations under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) enhance India’s export potential to Western markets, directly competing with Chinese products.
India Being A Strategic Ally To Counter China’s Political And Economic Dominance
- Indo-Pacific Strategy: NATO’s support for India’s role in the Indo-Pacific strengthens its position in maritime security, providing a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the region.
- Multilateral Influence: India’s growing role in the Quad and BRICS enables it to assert influence on regional policies, effectively countering China’s dominance in global platforms.
- Military Modernization: India’s procurement of advanced defense systems from the US, Israel, and France strengthens its military capabilities, particularly along its contested borders with China.
- Naval Cooperation: The Malabar Naval Exercises with the Quad nations (US, Japan, and Australia) significantly enhance India’s naval capabilities and strategic presence along key maritime routes, countering China’s assertiveness.
- India’s diplomatic support from the UN and G7 summits during its border disputes with China highlights strong Western backing, reinforcing India’s global standing and regional influence.
- Defense Technology: The BECA agreement with the US improves India’s access to advanced defense technologies, giving it a crucial edge in surveillance and targeting capabilities against China.
- Tech Collaboration: The Indo-US Artificial Intelligence Initiative promotes joint technological development, reducing India’s reliance on Chinese technology while boosting its innovation capacity in key sectors.
| VALUE ADDITION Emerging global dominance of china China’s Supply Chain Control GloballyManufacturing Hub: China accounts for 28% of global manufacturing output Eg. It produces 70% of the world’s smartphones.Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) It involves over 140 countries and is projected to invest around $1 trillion to enhance trade connectivity across Asia, Europe, and Africa.China’s Political and Economic DominanceEconomic Growth: second-largest economy with a GDP of approximately $17 trillion, maintained an average growth rate of about 6% over the past decade.Geopolitical Influence: China is a permanent member of UNSC and plays a dominant role in international organizations like NSG,SCO,G20 and BRICS. |
As S. Jaishankar noted, while economics and demographics will bring India and the West closer, “the real difference would be made by politics and values.” For this partnership to thrive, both must align their worldviews and deepen collaboration to create a balanced global order.
