Recent global diplomatic events have brought into light India’s complex role amid intensifying US-China-Russia tensions. The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Shanghai showcased the close partnership between China and Russia. Meanwhile, the Alaska summit between the US and Russia ended without progress on the Ukraine conflict. India’s balancing act between these powers remains crucial yet challenging.
The SCO Summit and Sino-Russian Alliance
The SCO summit reinforced the strong bond between China and Russia. China supports Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine through oil purchases and military aid. Russian President Vladimir Putin secured China’s backing before initiating the invasion. This alliance signals a shared geopolitical agenda. India’s participation was largely symbolic, reflecting limited influence in this axis.
US-Russia Alaska Summit and Ukraine Conflict
The Alaska summit was marked by failure. Despite US hopes for a quick resolution, Russia rejected peace talks outright. Moscow appears confident in its military gains and unwilling to compromise. This hardened stance has united the US and Europe more closely than during the Trump presidency. The conflict’s prolongation affects global stability and geopolitics.
India’s Diplomatic and Economic Challenges
India’s global stature faces challenges amid these developments. While India and the US maintain friendly ties, Trump-era tariffs threaten key Indian exports, especially software services worth over $205 billion, with the US as the largest market. The trade imbalance with China remains a concern, with a $100 billion surplus favouring China. Chinese goods flood Indian markets despite political tensions.
India-China Relations and Border Issues
India’s relationship with China is strained by unresolved border disputes. China controls about 45,000 sq km of Indian territory, comparable to Switzerland in size. Historical conflicts and China’s support for Pakistan deepen mistrust. Despite shared cultural heritage and long periods of peace, China’s expansionist policies under past and present leaders fuel security concerns for India.
Strategic Importance of US-India Relations
Given China’s regional dominance and proxy influences in South Asia, India views the US as a vital strategic partner. Both countries share interests in counterbalancing China’s power. Despite political rhetoric and occasional diplomatic friction, Indo-US relations remain fundamentally strong. Cooperation in technology and defence is increasingly critical for India’s security.
Future Security and Technological Needs
Emerging threats such as advanced drone warfare show India’s need for cutting-edge technology. In potential future conflicts with China, India will rely heavily on allies like the US for technological support. This puts stress on the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and modernising India’s defence capabilities to meet evolving challenges.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the impact of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on regional security dynamics in South Asia.
- Analyse the role of economic sanctions and tariffs in shaping India-US trade relations and their broader geopolitical implications.
- Examine the historical and contemporary factors influencing India-China border disputes and their effect on bilateral relations.
- Point out the strategic significance of technological collaboration between India and the United States in countering modern warfare threats.
