Q: Throw some light on new cold war era like situation prevalent now. Discuss the opportunities for India presented by current geopolitics. 

(Answer in 250 Words | 15 marks)

Source: February 9 2022 IASTODAY MASTER 2022.

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The 21st century new cold war era is between Sino-Russia front and expanding USA alliances. Recently Chinas economic rivalry and Russia’s political rivalry have united both towards their common enemy.

Sino Russia united front

Recently Chinas economic rivalry and Russia’s political rivalry have united both towards their common enemy.

Evidences:

1. Co-operation in the geopolitics of Asia. Eg. Afghanistan issue
2. China supporting Russia’s causes in Ukraine issue.
3. Chinese aggression in indo pacific
4. Putin’s demand to cease NATO expansion
5. WARSO pact of Russia to counter challenges from west.
6. Supports the nations that are restricted by USA. Eg. Iran.

Expanding US alliances

1. Withdrawal from Afghanistan .
2. Ongoing trade war with china.
3. CAATSA sanctions on Russia.
4. Focus other challenges in indo pacific. Eg. QUAD, AUKUS
5. US strong alliances like NATO providing an edge.
6. USA reaching out to ASEAN

Opportunities for India

1. Acting as a mediator like the non-Alignment movement.
2. Military co-operation with USA to counter china in indo pacific.
3. Co-operation with Russia could secure India’s interest in region especially with china.
4. Connect central Asia policy and soft diplomacy -Alternate route to Europe and Russia.
5. Alternatives than china for tech equipment and rare earth minerals.
6. Can pushback china over Doklam standoff using QUAD.
7. A trade war comes with higher chances for Indian exports to capture market.
8. Alternate supply chain with Australia, Japan..etc can reduce Chinese dependency.
9. Market for Indian goods in central Asia and service outsourcing to USA.

Threats /challenges for India

1. India needs to stay closer with one or deal with unhappiness of both.
2. Trust worthy partnership with Russia may get endangered if not mediated.
3. Sidelining can show deviation from Non-Alignment policy.
4. Trade dilemmas to co-operate b/w Russia & USA.
5. Investment in Afghanistan , Iran, Ukraine..etc.
6. To strike a balance for UNSC permanent seat.

Hence it’s clear that 21^st century new cold war era comes with opportunities and concerns. Even though there is a cold war like situation prevalent, a meticulous and calculated approach can prove beneficial for India in long run.