Model Answer

Introduction

In the context of rising geopolitical tensions, the West is strategically fostering India to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain while also positioning it as a key ally against China’s political and economic dominance. This approach encompasses various dimensions, including supply chain diversification, trade agreements, and defense cooperation.

Supply Chain Diversification

The West is actively encouraging India to become a manufacturing hub. A notable example is Apple, which has begun manufacturing iPhones in India, significantly reducing its reliance on Chinese production facilities. This shift aligns with broader initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), which aims to enhance trade and economic engagement in the region (U.S. Department of State, 2022).

Strategic Trade Agreements

The establishment of trade councils, such as the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), is another critical effort. This council aims to enhance technological collaboration and drive investments in India’s industrial sectors, making it a global manufacturing powerhouse (European Commission, 2022).

Defense Cooperation

To counter China’s influence, the West is enhancing military partnerships with India. The US-India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) exemplifies this commitment, focusing on defense technology collaboration to bolster India’s military capabilities (U.S. Department of Defense, 2023). Additionally, joint naval exercises, like the Quad naval drills, serve as a demonstration of military cooperation among India, the US, Japan, and Australia, ensuring security in the Indo-Pacific region (Ministry of Defence, India, 2022).

Economic Engagement

Economically, US-India bilateral trade reached a record $128 billion in 2023, highlighting the West’s growing engagement with India as a reliable trade partner (Office of the United States Trade Representative, 2023). Furthermore, initiatives to invest in India’s semiconductor and renewable energy sectors, such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), aim to reduce dependency on Chinese technology and resources (International Solar Alliance, 2022).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the West’s efforts to foster India as a key alternative to China reflect a strategic pivot in global power dynamics, aiming for a more balanced multipolar world.