The Southeast Asian theatre is central to the Great Power contest between the US and China. It’s also a landscape where middle powers—France, the UK, Turkey—are shaping the strategic environment.
Modi govt does not appear to recognise that international politics is spiralling towards a ‘soft war’ where all issues are linked to security and political interests.
There is no doubt that once the world has conquered the coronavirus pandemic, there will be a tectonic shift in the global balance of power. India cannot be a lone crusader.
India’s strategic decisions suggest a pragmatic reading of the US' duality. While defence cooperation with the US has accelerated, India continues to diversify its military suppliers.
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