In a rapidly shifting global landscape dominated by escalating rivalries between the United States, China, and Russia, Europe and Canada are accelerating economic and strategic partnerships with India. A recent report positions India as a ‘viable third pole’ in the international order, offering a balanced alternative free from the geopolitical baggage of major powers.
The analysis highlights how uncertainties fueled by Washington, Beijing, and Moscow have prompted Brussels and Ottawa to deepen ties with New Delhi. Unlike China, India brings substantial scale and capabilities without the ideological or territorial burdens, making it an attractive partner.
India stands neither as a substitute for America’s security umbrella nor a clone of China’s manufacturing prowess. Yet, in a fragmenting global economy, it emerges as a pivotal third force. Its surging manufacturing base, cost-effective labor, improving legal frameworks, skilled tech workforce, and massive domestic market uniquely equip it for this role.
Europe and Canada, grappling with U.S. policy unpredictability and the political costs of deep economic links with China, are prioritizing trade deals and defense-tech collaborations with India. This strategic pivot comes as Western leaders navigate tariff pressures and transatlantic frictions.
Notably, U.S. pressure on India over Russian oil purchases has been relatively mild compared to the stern stance toward Europe. Meanwhile, leaders from France, Britain, Germany, and Spain have engaged or planned visits to Beijing to secure market access, despite domestic backlash over ‘de-risking’ from China amid supply chain vulnerabilities and security concerns.
Human rights groups and voters are intensifying scrutiny on European governments, accusing them of prioritizing business over democratic values. This tension could prove politically expensive, underscoring the delicate balance in global realignments where India gains prominence as a stable, democratic counterweight.