Engaging a Divided West
(Source: The Indian Express, Editorial Page)
Also Read: The Indian Express Editorial Analysis: 17 June 2025
Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis: 17 June 2025
| Topic: GS2: International Relations |
| Context |
|
PM Modi’s participation in the G7 summit highlights India’s continued efforts to engage strategically with key global powers amid rising multipolarity, regional tensions, and weakening Western consensus. |
Background
- The Group of Seven (G7) includes advanced economies like the US, UK, Germany, France, Japan, Italy, and Canada.
- Originally formed to coordinate global economic policy, it now increasingly addresses geopolitics, climate, and technological issues.
- India’s presence, though not a member, reflects its growing global influence and its role as a swing state between the West and the Global South.
India’s Strategic Calculus
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Geopolitical Signaling: By attending the summit, India signals its willingness to engage constructively with the West while maintaining strategic autonomy.
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Leverage Multipolarity: India seeks to use the disunity within the West to assert itself as a voice for the Global South.
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Balancing Act: India balances ties with the US and Europe on one hand, and Russia, Iran, and BRICS on the other.
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Disagreements on handling Ukraine-Russia war, China’s economic rise, and trade/tech policies weaken Western coherence.
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Europe’s strategic confusion contrasts with US assertiveness; this creates a vacuum India can engage with diplomatically.
India’s Diplomatic Leverage
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As a non-aligned partner, India engages with all major powers without binding commitments.
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G7 platforms help India project soft power and advocate for inclusive global governance reforms (e.g., UNSC reforms, debt relief for Global South).
Comparative Perspective of India’s Interests vs. G7 Agenda
| Key Agenda Item | G7 Position | India’s Position |
|---|---|---|
| Ukraine War | Strong anti-Russia stance | Balancing role; not aligned with sanctions |
| China & Indo-Pacific | Containment, economic de-risking | Strategic cooperation but not confrontation |
| Climate Change | Net-zero pledges, tech transfer debates | Focus on equity, climate finance, energy security |
| Trade & Technology | Rebuilding supply chains away from China | Seeks investment and tech without decoupling |
| Global South Outreach | G7 promises aid and cooperation | India presents itself as voice of the Global South |
Conclusion / Way Forward:
India must continue leveraging its participation in G7 and other global platforms to advocate for:
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A reformed multilateral order
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Strategic autonomy in geopolitics
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Balanced economic partnerships that promote resilience, not dependency
This calibrated engagement enhances India’s global influence while protecting its national interest in a volatile world.
| Practice Question: (GS-2 | 15 Marks | 250 Words) How does India’s participation in multilateral forums like the G7 summit reflect its evolving global strategy in a multipolar world? Explain with suitable examples. |
