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The Asia Chessboard

India’s Strategic Evolution

Sep 5, 2023
C. Raja Mohan, a Senior Fellow with the Asia Society Policy Institute, discusses India's strategic evolution since the Cold War, its role in BRICS and changing relationships with Taipei, Japan, and Australia. The conversation concludes with an assessment of what India wants for its strategic future and its interaction with the international world order.
46:25

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • India's strategic outlook has been shaped by key factors such as the end of the Cold War and economic reforms, leading to closer alignment with the United States and Western partners while addressing China's rise.
  • The Quad, comprising the United States, Japan, Australia, and India, plays a crucial role in countering China's assertiveness and maintaining regional stability, with India's relationships with Japan and Australia strengthening the Quad.

Deep dives

India's Policy Transformations and Strategic Outlook

India's policy transformations and strategic outlook have been shaped by several key factors. One significant influence was the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union, which disrupted India's alignment with the Soviet Union and necessitated a reassessment of its geopolitical positioning. Additionally, India's economic reforms in the 1990s, which moved away from socialist economics towards liberalization, opened the doors for engagement with the United States. The US-India partnership has evolved through different presidential administrations, with some recognizing India's rise as being in America's interest. India's strategic outlook has also been shaped by its historical experiences, including its complex relationship with Britain and its perception of China as a principal challenge. The recognition of China's intentions in Asia, particularly concerning Taiwan, has played a role in reshaping India's strategic trajectory. Overall, India's policy transformations and strategic trajectory point towards a closer alignment with the United States and other Western partners, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by China's rise.

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