Amit's Blog

India: Navigating Trade, Defense, and Diplomacy in a Multipolar World India, with a $4.1 trillion GDP and a youthful demographic, stands as a pivotal global power, leveraging its multi-alignment strategy to navigate the U.S.-China rivalry, assert leadership in BRICS, and expand trade in goods and services with the United States, China, Russia, the European Union (EU), ASEAN, Quad countries (U.S., Japan, Australia), Middle Eastern energy producers, and Turkey. As the fastest-growing large economy and a voice of the Global South, India balances economic growth, defense modernization, and diplomatic finesse while addressing regional challenges from Pakistan’s China-Turkey alignment. This India-centric note provides an in-depth analysis of its geopolitical positioning, BRICS role, trade dynamics (updated for FY 2024-25, including services), defense procurement and reliance, and threats in trade and defense, contextualizing Pakistan’s challenges. 1. India’s Geopolitical Positioning: Multi-A...

  Executive Summary Over the past 25 years, India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have emerged as dynamic economic forces, each leveraging unique strengths to ascend the global stage. India has transformed from a state-controlled, agrarian economy into a services-driven powerhouse, fueled by a youthful workforce and digital innovation. ASEAN’s ten member states—Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—have capitalized on export-led industrialization and regional integration to establish themselves as a manufacturing and trade hub. This paper provides a detailed comparison of their economic trajectories, identifying ten major structural differences, areas of complementarity and competition, and the multifaceted impacts of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA). It examines India’s persistent trade deficit with ASEAN, the associated risks and opportunities for both sides, and the potential for narrowin...