As the Trump administration continues to shake the global order, experts highlight India's evolving strategy amid growing economic clout and changing international relations. According to Harsh Pant from Observer Research Foundation, India initially benefitted from the first Trump administration and assumed it could manage his unpredictability. However, tensions escalated dramatically after a military confrontation with Pakistan last year, during which Trump claimed to mediate the resolution, profoundly impacting India's relations with the U.S., and causing a significant drop in trust that will take time to mend.

Simultaneously, as India reevaluates its ties with the U.S., it has successfully negotiated a long-awaited free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union. This step is seen as a strategic diversification of India's economic partnerships, especially in the wake of American tariffs. Experts note that traditional trade structures are failing globally, and India must seek alternatives to ensure its economic resilience. The new FTA with the EU represents not only a significant economic shift but also a response to the need for a strong supply chain that is less dependent on both the U.S. and China, focusing instead on establishing ties with politically aligned nations like Japan, Australia, and South Korea.

Moreover, the geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific play a crucial role in these developments, with India looking to bolster cooperation with these countries to affirm the principles of the rule of law. With India's growing stature as a middle power, the country is positioned to forge a path that balances its traditional relationships while navigating the uncertainties of global politics.