Global Horizons

In this issue, the author focuses on the growing uncertainties and disruptions that mark the world scene today. 

While the Western world remains focused on the Ukraine conflict, humanitarian suffering continues to deepen in Gaza as Israel seeks the complete destruction of Hamas. 

Meanwhile, the much anticipated summit between the Presidents of the US and Russia held in Alaska on August 15 resulted in no ceasefire and no clear signs of a way forward to end the conflict in Ukraine. Russia, given a long rope by the US, continued to pursue its military objectives. 

The Trump administration’s policies have by now further upended the structures of international relations set in place since WW II and modified after the end of the Cold War. 

As the rise of China and its challenge to US primacy looms large, it is to China that the US is making concessions. 

US-India nosedived further on account of a fresh spate of false narratives and allegations from senior US officials, and the continuing overhang of 50% tariffs imposed on India. 

The Trump administration’s policy of forcing concessions from allies and partners reflects short term thinking  with long term consequences, including a turn towards strategic autonomy and the rise of alternative plurilateral structures. 

India’s diplomacy saw a busy month, with a landmark visit by PM Modi to Japan on August 29-30, which firmed up a new chapter of the India-Japan strategic partnership across the sectors of investment, innovation, economic security, technology, health, mobility and people to people ties. A vision statement for the next decade and a new joint statement on security cooperation were among the outcomes of the visit. 

PM Modi attended the SCO summit in Tianjin on August 31- September 1, where he also held structured bilateral meetings with the Presidents of China and Russia. Differences in focus with China remained, and the path to further normalisation of bilateral relations will require a special effort, particularly on the part of China. 

President Xi presided over a massive military parade on September 3, flanked by a number of world leaders, including those of Russia and DPRK. The moment was not lost on the US and its allies. 

The author concludes with the observation that despite current strains, it is in the mutual interest of India and the US to restore normalcy to ties given the increasingly complex international situation.

To read this issue of Global Horizons, Vol. III, Issue 8, please see the PDF attached.