Summaries by Sudipto Mundle

India's multi-alignment strategy is vital in a turbulent world marked by evolving regional conflicts and alliances. Brics emerges as a significant cross-regional force for developing nations. The author stresses India's need to cooperate with middle powers to secure its global interests. While recognizing India's current US-Israel alliance tilt, the piece recommends rebalancing by sustaining historic ties with Iran/Palestine and fostering deeper cooperation with the UK/EU. Ultimately, India's international leverage depends on effectively managing its neighbourhood relationships to ensure its role.

India must track West Asia's complex geopolitical shifts. The old global order dissolves into intricate regional alliances, beyond a US-China binary. Israeli-Palestinian conflict and US-Iran war are central. Iran’s successful, China-Russia-aided resistance diminished US influence. Consequently, US allies like Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt seek accommodation with Iran. The Makkah Agreement (Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Türkiye) signals a major shift towards independent collective security. This promises moderated US influence, increased Chinese presence, curbing aggression and rivalries, fostering peace.

India faces a multifaceted crisis from the Iran war, causing import blocks, capital flight, currency depreciation, slowing growth, and inflation. The author urges urgent policy reversals, advocating market-driven solutions. Key recommendations include letting the rupee find its market-clearing level, tightening monetary policy to stem capital outflow and inflation, and fully passing through global fuel and fertilizer price increases to protect finances. Diversifying trade partners is also crucial. These steps are vital for navigating the crisis and enabling future structural reforms, positioning India for high growth.