Mumbai: Increasing geopolitical tensions involving United States, China, and Russia are encouraging Europe and Canada to enhance their economic and strategic collaboration with India, positioning the country as a potential “third pole” in global geopolitics, according to a new report.
The report published by The National Interest states that rising global hostility among major powers is compelling policymakers in Brussels and Canada to intensify their engagement with India. It highlights that India provides economic scale without the geopolitical complexities often associated with China.
The analysis suggests that while India cannot replace the United States as a global security provider or replicate China’s extensive manufacturing ecosystem, it has the potential to emerge as a strong alternative power centre in an increasingly fragmented global economy.
India’s growing manufacturing sector, competitive labour costs, strengthening legal framework, advancing technological capabilities, and large domestic market were cited as major factors supporting its strategic importance.
The report also noted that Europe and Canada are facing challenges arising from policy unpredictability in the United States and the political risks of deeper engagement with China. As a result, they are accelerating trade partnerships and defence-technology cooperation with India.
It further observed that Donald Trump has shown comparatively restrained pressure on India regarding its Russian oil imports, particularly when compared to his stricter stance toward Europe in recent months.
Meanwhile, European leaders from France, United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain have recently visited or are planning visits to Beijing to secure market opportunities.
However, these moves could create political complications, as European nations have long promoted a strategy of reducing reliance on China due to supply-chain risks, national security concerns, and Beijing’s alignment with Moscow.
The report added that European governments are also facing domestic criticism from voters and human rights organisations, which accuse leaders of prioritising economic gains over democratic values, making deeper engagement with China politically sensitive.
With inputs from IANS