A quarter-century after 9/11, the terror strikes significantly reshaped global geopolitics. America's ensuing "forever wars" in Afghanistan and Iraq, coupled with subsequent xenophobia and erratic policies, arguably fostered a loss of US confidence. This created a vacuum, allowing China to strategically gain immense power and influence. The article suggests 9/11's aftermath fueled a "great game" in West Asia, with US actions like supporting Israel potentially pushing the region Eastward. Ultimately, the US is seen as ceding strategic space, profoundly impacting the global power balance and influencing India's future path.