Since becoming prime minister in May 2014, Narendra Modi has been trying hard to boost the Indian economy by encouraging foreign investments in different sectors. Prime Minister Modi’s sincere efforts help India emerge as an attractive destination for big investments. However, India’s success story depends not only on efforts made by the government, but also on the structure of the society and other major social and political changes. As far as India’s economic development is concerned, a lot depends on the current global geopolitical scenario. In a recently published article, noted Geopolitical Strategist Abishur Prakash has said that the performance of the Indian economy in the 21st century will depend on how well the South Asian country will tackle various geopolitical challenges.
The China Factor

India should realise the fact that its biggest geopolitical challenge is not Pakistan, but China. Of course, Pakistan is ‘enemy at the door’ for India…..but, New Delhi will have to lock horns with Beijing in other parts of the world in the coming years. Many countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia may join hands with India, if New Delhi manages to counter Beijing’s aggression in the region. Vietnam had offered India seven oil blocks located in the ‘disputed’ South China Sea in 2013. However, India has so far failed to grab the opportunity and to pose a serious threat to the Asian giant with the help of Vietnam. Interestingly, the situation was also favourable for India, as Japan and the Philippines, too, decided to co-operate with each other in an attempt to ensure regional security. If India really wants to challenge the Chinese hegemony in the region, it will have to enter the South China Sea militarily.
Friendship With Russia

Russia – once considered as India’s “all-weather friend” – is trying to create a new global hegemony with the help of China and Iran. Since the annexation of Crimea, Russia’s relations with the US and the EU have deteriorated. After Washington imposed economic sanctions on Moscow, Kremlin started exploring new markets in Asia, Africa and other parts of the globe. Apart from maintaining close ties with North Korea, Pakistan and some West Asian nations, Russia is also helping the Bashar al-Assad government in Syria fight the Islamic State terrorists. In recent times, President Vladimir Putin sorted out his differences with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and bolstered the anti-US coalition. Perhaps, this is the right time for India to revive its ties with Russia and to help its ‘old friend’ create an alternative financial system, rules for trade and currency use. Such a move could allow India to emerge as a key global player (only if India agrees to normalise ties with China and Pakistan). Friendship with Russia will also ensure a steady supply of petroleum and defence products. But for that, India will have to make a difficult and BOLD decision – either to stay with the US or to join the opposition camp. “Non-alignment” has no place in the modern world.
Afghanistan – The New Playground

After the (partial) withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, the war-ravaged South Asian nation is in dire need of foreign assistance. Afghanistan has already invited India to invest there and to become its development partner. As expected, Kabul’s invitation has sparked a competition between India, Pakistan, China and other Central Asian nations. Instead of co-operation, they are fighting against each other to increase their influence in the troubled nation. India decided to join this competition, as it didn’t want Afghanistan to become a risky bet. The Modi government in New Delhi has allocated a huge amount of man power and resources to help rebuild the country. A ‘prosperous’ Afghanistan will definitely help India corner Pakistan in South Asia in future.
The Water Crisis

India has started facing a major fresh water crisis. Without adequate supplies of fresh water, it will not be possible for India to survive. After the discovery of huge sub-ocean fresh water reserves, New Delhi has concentrated on this particular problem. The Modi government is well aware of the fact that it will have to attain new fresh water supplies through diplomatically or other measures, if the situation deteriorates. So far, India has failed to limit the actions of other nations (i.e. China building dams) and to forge new relationships with countries capable of supplying the South Asian nation with massive amounts of fresh water. In the coming years, India should strengthen ties with Russia and Canada in an attempt to overcome the water crisis.
Pakistan, The Immediate Neighbour

Pakistan – India’s long-term geopolitical challenge – is going through an unprecedented internal turbulence and chaos. Ahead of 2019 General Elections, the country is experiencing the rise of radical groups, which are influencing the major political parties for their own gains. As the friendship with China is yet to rescue Pakistan’s stalling economy, Islamabad will need regional partners in the coming years. It will bring an opportunity for India to boost trade and investment in the neighbouring country. Such a move will surely push bilateral ties to a new level. But before that, the two countries will have to establish dynamic, positive and secure relationships.
Taking On Major Powers

In Africa, India is not competing only with China. Other developed and developing nations – such as the US, Japan, Germany, Thailand and Brazil – are also trying hard to explore new business opportunities in the ‘Dark Continent’. So, India should be prepared to accept new challenges in Africa in the coming years. To prove itself as the ‘best alternative’ country as far as foreign investment is concerned, India needs to ‘balance’ its diplomatic ties with the African nations. It will not be an easy job for New Delhi because of Africa’s diverse political culture. The political culture of Egypt is completely different from Kenya’s. India can’t win the diplomatic battle against dozens of countries in Africa only by setting up a naval base in Djibouti.
The ASEAN Connection

Instead of strengthening its ties with the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) or the European Union (EU), India should think about the future of other important groupings, like SAARC, BRICS and ASEAN. If the SAARC, BRICS and ASEAN crate a perfect roadmap, it will be easier for India to boost its economy. But for that, New Delhi will have to build vital and strategic relationships with its neighbours and Russia.
Prime Minister Modi is a seasoned politician. Now, he has to deliver. Millions of Indians are waiting to see their country marching towards development – economically, socially and politically.

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Published by Koushik Das

Koushik Das (born on May 16, 1976 in Kolkata) is a career journalist. Based in the Indian capital of New Delhi, Koushik writes mainly about foreign policies and current geopolitical issues, and rarely about other topics. His own political ideas are highly influenced by Antonio Gramsci, Louis Althusser, Michel Foucault, Michael Oakeshott and others. English philosopher and political theorist Oakeshott (Dec 11, 1901-Dec 19, 1990) says that “in political activity, men sail a boundless and bottomless sea. There is neither harbour for shelter nor floor for anchorage, neither starting-place, nor appointed destination. But we have to keep afloat”. (Rationalism in Politics, 1962) As a student of Political Science, Koushik loves to share his views on issues, which have great impacts on his thought process (and also on India, South Asia and of course on the global community), with his readers through his website – Boundless Ocean of Politics. By doing so, he tries to keep himself afloat. You will find some of his articles in https://inserbia.info/today/ (https://inserbia.info/today/author/kou_das13_i/), as he has been trying to assess the global geopolitics since 2003. You can also mail him at kousdas@gmail.com View all posts by Koushik Das