Mark Leonard's World in 30 Minutes Hedging diplomacy: New Delhi’s foreign policy in Trump’s world
Sep 26, 2025
James Crabtree, a former Financial Times bureau chief and author on India's foreign policy, joins Suhasini Haidar, a diplomatic editor renowned for her insights into India’s strategy. They explore how Trump’s tariffs have nudged India towards multi-alignment, reshaping its relationships with the US, China, and Europe. The duo discusses the implications of India balancing ties amidst border clashes with China and the allure of European partnerships for technology and defense. Expect a revealing look at India's shifting diplomatic landscape in a tumultuous global context.
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From US Tilt To Multi-Alignment
- India shifted toward the US because it needed investment, technology and defense to become a leading power.
- Trump-era volatility forced India to treat the US as transactional and seek other partners like Europe.
Practical All-Alignment Hits Limits
- India practised an 'all alignment' phase, engaging the US, Russia, China and Europe simultaneously.
- Multiple shocks (COVID, Ukraine, Gaza, border clashes) exposed limits and pushed New Delhi back toward strategic autonomy.
Tianjin Photo-Op As Strategic Signal
- Modi's Tianjin visit showed him hugging both Xi and Putin to signal New Delhi's alternatives to Washington.
- The photo ops aimed to tell the US that India has other friends and won't be a single-basket partner.
