India's Growing Trust Deficit in Global Affairs

For India, aligning its foreign policy with emerging global realities has become an increasingly daunting task. The traditional approaches rooted in the 1930s to 1950s appear outdated, requiring urgent adaptation to contemporary global scenarios. A significant challenge is the perceived loss of geopolitical relevance, as India's trust deficit grows amidst a changing international environment.

Challenges in Foreign Policy

• U.S. Influence: The advent of President Donald Trump has complicated multilateral and plurilateral foreign policy efforts, demanding significant adaptability from India.
• India’s Isolation: Despite India's growing economic power, it is increasingly viewed as an 'outlier' in global affairs, impacting its influence and relevance.

Recent Global Events

• Gaza Peace Settlement: The recent peace process in Gaza, led by the U.S. with support from Türkiye, Egypt, and Qatar, highlighted India's exclusion and perceived irrelevance in West Asian politics.
• Gen Z Revolution in Nepal: India's conspicuous absence during the Nepalese Gen Z revolution underscored its lack of strategic depth and engagement even in its immediate neighborhood.

Regional Dynamics

• Strategic Realignment: Countries like Türkiye and Saudi Arabia are forming strategic alliances, diminishing India's influence in regions where it once held sway.
• Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations: Hostilities in the region pose significant threats, and India's strategy should focus on creating conducive atmospheres for peace.
• India-China Relations: Despite efforts to patch differences, underlying tensions, particularly post-Galwan, require cautious engagement with China.

Geopolitical Shifts

• China’s Expanding Influence: China's strategic expansion in East and Southeast Asia threatens to eclipse India's regional influence.
• Decline of U.S. Influence: As U.S. power wanes in the region, a China-led order is emerging, necessitating India's vigilance and adaptation.

In conclusion, India faces critical foreign policy challenges, requiring a reassessment and realignment to preserve its strategic interests and geopolitical relevance. The need for vigilance and adaptation is paramount to address the evolving dynamics in global and regional politics.