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In the Trump era, India needs to adjust its strategic approach.

This year's Indian Independence Day was marked by two significant developments stealing the limelight

In the Trump administration, India requires a strategic reevaluation
In the Trump administration, India requires a strategic reevaluation

In the Trump era, India needs to adjust its strategic approach.

In the dynamic world of global politics, several significant events have unfolded in recent times.

The Pahalgam attack and the subsequent downing of Indian Air Force planes by Chinese planes and missiles serve as a stark reminder of Pakistan's continuing defiance. This incident underscores the need for strategic and dynamic thinking from national security advisers, akin to the role America's former NSA Condoleezza Rice played in handling a trijunction of diplomacy, defense, and intelligence.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced protection for Indian farmers in his Independence Day address, signaling India's unwillingness to concede to the US demand for opening the agriculture and dairy sectors. This move is a testament to India's resilience in maintaining its sovereignty and protecting its domestic interests.

The India-US relationship, once considered untouchable due to India's critical role in balancing China's rise, has faced a setback with President Trump's "America First" approach. However, the Modi government's response to this has been proactive, with next-generation reforms announced to reduce the impact of US tariffs and expand exports to regions like Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

The Modi government also announced the development of a comprehensive missile system for defense and attack, named "Sudarshan Chakra". This move reflects India's commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities in the face of geopolitical challenges.

The contemporary global environment, particularly in the Trump era, demands that the Indian government recalibrate its strategy, with unity at home and Machiavellian prowess abroad. To tackle President Trump, the Indian ambassador in Washington requires a unique set of skills, including golfing skills, partying craft, networking with Trump's family, and outreach to billionaires.

The Putin-Trump summit in Alaska began with a red-carpet reception and a fly-past by US military aircraft. During the summit, President Putin defended Trump's old denials of any Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and endorsed Trump's claim that the Ukraine war in 2022 would not have occurred had Trump been the US President. However, despite some progress, no deal was made, and no Ukraine ceasefire was achieved.

India's public sector oil companies continue to import Russian oil, unfettered by the government, despite Trump's comments about India losing as an oil client. This decision underscores India's energy security priorities and its ability to navigate complex geopolitical relationships.

China is planning to fix gaps in Pakistan's missile defense system, which allowed India to strike Pakistan's military facilities and assets. This development highlights the delicate balance of power in the region and the importance of robust defense systems.

Pakistan has successfully wooed President Trump with exaggerated accounts of its oil, gas, and rare minerals reserves. It is now seen as a nuclear weapons-possessing Sunni power, balancing Shia Iran. This shift in alliances underscores the complexities of global politics and the need for strategic thinking.

The Russian regression to an authoritarian order, breaching Ukrainian sovereignty, demonstrates that new weapons systems do not solve diplomatic and geostrategic issues. This incident serves as a reminder that diplomacy and strategic thinking are as crucial as military might in navigating the complexities of global politics.

Former US President Ronald Reagan initiated the Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) in 1983, a satellite-based, laser-using and computer-assisted command and control system. Although not fully implemented during his presidency, the SDI led to subsequent anti-missile systems and the loosening of Communist control in the Soviet Union. This historical event underscores the far-reaching impact of strategic decision-making in global politics.

In conclusion, the world of global politics is a dynamic and complex arena, where strategic thinking, diplomacy, and resilience are key to navigating the challenges and opportunities that arise.

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