Q. “The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.” Explain this statement with examples.

Model Answer:

The statement reflects the West’s strategic shift in response to China’s growing influence and the need for supply chain diversification. This approach manifests in two key areas:

1. Reducing dependence on China’s supply chain:

• The West is actively encouraging companies to relocate manufacturing to India.
• Examples include:
– The US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), focusing on semiconductor production and AI cooperation.
– Japan’s $42 billion investment pledge for manufacturing and infrastructure in India over five years.
– The EU’s efforts to negotiate a free trade agreement with India to boost economic ties.

2. India as a strategic ally to counter China’s dominance:

• The West sees India as a crucial partner in maintaining regional balance.
• Key initiatives include:
– The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) involving India, US, Japan, and Australia, aimed at ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
– Enhanced defense cooperation, such as India’s participation in joint military exercises like Malabar and RIMPAC.
– The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), launched by the US with India as a key partner, to counter China’s economic influence.

These efforts are reinforced by India’s own initiatives, such as the “Make in India” program and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, which align with Western interests in creating an alternative manufacturing hub.

However, challenges remain, including India’s historical non-alignment policy, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory hurdles.

Conclusion: The West’s fostering of India represents a significant geopolitical shift, balancing economic interests with strategic imperatives in an evolving global landscape.