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Mark Leonard's World in 30 Minutes

Europe’s Asian pivot: India and the quest for strategic autonomy

Mar 28, 2025
Janka Oertel, head of ECFR’s Asia programme, James Crabtree, a distinguished fellow with expertise in Asia, and Rudra Chowdhury, director at Carnegie India, discuss Europe's strategic shift towards Asia amidst the unpredictable Trump administration. They explore Europe's evolving ties with India, Japan, and South Korea, highlighting the need for strategic autonomy. The panel also examines India's warm view of Trump and its potential role as a bridge in global diplomacy, while considering the complex dynamics with China and the implications for European capitals.
29:34

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Europe is reevaluating its strategic autonomy and partnerships with Asian nations like India in response to U.S. policy shifts.
  • India is positioning itself as a crucial partner for Europe in defense and technology sectors while managing its relationship with China.

Deep dives

Shifts in European Perspectives on Asia

European views on Asia are evolving in response to the changing geopolitical landscape, particularly due to shifts in U.S. policy under Trump. In France, there's a push for strategic autonomy, allowing Europe to redefine partnerships independently of the U.S. Conversely, Italy expresses concern about over-reliance on Chinese investments, highlighting a desire for a balanced relationship. Meanwhile, Germany's discussions about its future ties with China are still nascent, as the country grapples with the implications of its new government, signaling a call for a more coordinated European approach towards like-minded partners in Asia.

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