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September 19, 2025
Weekly Must-Read: Why Modi Won’t Play Cowboys and Indians With Trump, Opting Instead for Strategic Autonomy
The Caixin Must-Read newsletter brings you the best of our coverage from the past week. If you find it valuable, please share it and invite others to subscribe. ... Read more
**Modi Chooses Independent Path in U.S. Relations, Prioritizing "Strategic Autonomy"**
In a world often defined by alliances and rivalries, India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is charting its own course, particularly in its relationship with the United States. This week's Caixin Must-Read newsletter delves into this complex dynamic, highlighting why Modi isn't simply falling in line with Washington's agenda, even under a leader as influential as Donald Trump. The newsletter's analysis points to a deliberate strategy of "strategic autonomy" guiding India's foreign policy.
The term "strategic autonomy" signifies India's commitment to making independent decisions based on its own national interests, rather than being dictated by the policies of any other nation. This approach is particularly evident in its dealings with the U.S., where despite shared concerns about issues like China's growing influence, India refuses to become a mere pawn in a geopolitical game of "Cowboys and Indians," a metaphor for unquestioning allegiance.
The Caixin Must-Read explores the nuances of this approach, suggesting that while India values its partnership with the U.S. on various fronts, including trade, technology, and security, it also recognizes the importance of maintaining independent relationships with other global powers, including Russia and even, to a certain extent, China. This balancing act allows India to pursue its own economic and strategic objectives without being constrained by the dictates of any single alliance.
The newsletter emphasizes that Modi's government understands the potential pitfalls of becoming overly reliant on any one nation, particularly in an increasingly multipolar world. By prioritizing strategic autonomy, India aims to retain its flexibility and maneuverability on the global stage, allowing it to adapt to changing circumstances and pursue its own vision for the future. This independent stance, while potentially frustrating for some in Washington, is ultimately seen as a crucial element of India's rise as a major global power.
The Caixin Must-Read newsletter provides essential insights into this significant geopolitical trend. Readers interested in understanding the complexities of India's foreign policy and its evolving relationship with the United States will find this week's edition particularly valuable.
In a world often defined by alliances and rivalries, India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is charting its own course, particularly in its relationship with the United States. This week's Caixin Must-Read newsletter delves into this complex dynamic, highlighting why Modi isn't simply falling in line with Washington's agenda, even under a leader as influential as Donald Trump. The newsletter's analysis points to a deliberate strategy of "strategic autonomy" guiding India's foreign policy.
The term "strategic autonomy" signifies India's commitment to making independent decisions based on its own national interests, rather than being dictated by the policies of any other nation. This approach is particularly evident in its dealings with the U.S., where despite shared concerns about issues like China's growing influence, India refuses to become a mere pawn in a geopolitical game of "Cowboys and Indians," a metaphor for unquestioning allegiance.
The Caixin Must-Read explores the nuances of this approach, suggesting that while India values its partnership with the U.S. on various fronts, including trade, technology, and security, it also recognizes the importance of maintaining independent relationships with other global powers, including Russia and even, to a certain extent, China. This balancing act allows India to pursue its own economic and strategic objectives without being constrained by the dictates of any single alliance.
The newsletter emphasizes that Modi's government understands the potential pitfalls of becoming overly reliant on any one nation, particularly in an increasingly multipolar world. By prioritizing strategic autonomy, India aims to retain its flexibility and maneuverability on the global stage, allowing it to adapt to changing circumstances and pursue its own vision for the future. This independent stance, while potentially frustrating for some in Washington, is ultimately seen as a crucial element of India's rise as a major global power.
The Caixin Must-Read newsletter provides essential insights into this significant geopolitical trend. Readers interested in understanding the complexities of India's foreign policy and its evolving relationship with the United States will find this week's edition particularly valuable.
Category:
World