Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Briefly introduce the geopolitical context.
- State the significance of India as an alternative to China.
2. Understanding Supply Chain Diversification
- Definition: Explain what supply chain diversification means.
- Example: Highlight Apple’s move to manufacture iPhones in India.
- Fact: Apple’s production in India reached a target of 25% of its global output by 2025 (Source: Economic Times, 2023).
3. Strategic Trade Agreements
- Discuss the role of trade agreements in fostering India’s economy.
- Example: The India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC).
- Fact: The TTC aims to enhance technological collaboration and investments in critical sectors (Source: European Commission, 2022).
4. Building Resilient Supply Chains
- Explain the importance of resilient supply chains.
- Example: The Quad alliance’s initiatives.
- Fact: The Quad countries aim to create a supply chain resilience initiative to reduce reliance on China (Source: U.S. Department of State, 2021).
5. Defense Cooperation
- Discuss security partnerships as a counterbalance to China.
- Example: US-India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI).
- Fact: DTTI focuses on co-development of military technologies (Source: U.S. Department of Defense, 2023).
6. Economic Engagement
- Describe the economic ties between the West and India.
- Example: Record bilateral trade figures.
- Fact: US-India bilateral trade reached $128 billion in 2023 (Source: Office of the United States Trade Representative, 2023).
7. Technological Collaboration
- Highlight technological partnerships.
- Example: The US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).
- Fact: iCET aims to bolster India’s semiconductor production capabilities (Source: U.S. Department of State, 2022).
8. Conclusion
- Summarize the key points discussed.
- Reflect on the broader implications for global power dynamics.
Relevant Facts for Use in the Answer
- Apple’s Manufacturing Plans:
- Target of 25% output in India by 2025.
- India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC):
- Aims to enhance technological collaborations.
- Quad Supply Chain Resilience Initiative:
- Focus on reducing reliance on China .
- US-India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI):
- Emphasizes co-development of military technologies.
- Bilateral Trade Statistics:
- Reached $128 billion in 2023 (Office of the United States Trade Representative, 2023).
- US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET):
- Aims to boost semiconductor production in India (U.S. Department of State, 2022).
By following this roadmap and utilizing the relevant facts, you can construct a comprehensive and well-supported answer to the question.
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.