image sourced from original article at In 2025, global politics saw a return to intense great power competition, with trade, technology, and security becoming tools of rivalry rather than cooperation. India faced significant challenges to its strategic autonomy, particularly after the United States imposed steep tariffs on Indian exports, testing the resilience of their partnership. In response, India diversified its trade, maintained energy ties with Russia and West Asia, and refused to yield to external pressure, signaling its commitment to long-term autonomy. Diplomatic strains affected regional alliances, but pragmatic cooperation continued, especially within the Indo-Pacific framework.
Ongoing conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and escalating tensions around Taiwan, highlighted the limits of diplomacy and the dangers of bloc politics. In the Middle East, deepening crises and a fragile ceasefire underscored the region's volatility, while India's balanced approach reflected its need to manage diverse interests. The resurgence of terrorism, both domestically and internationally, exposed vulnerabilities and heightened India-Pakistan tensions, with no progress towards meaningful dialogue.
Amid these challenges, India reaffirmed its strategy of active multi-alignment, engaging flexibly with global partners while resisting coercion. The year underscored the need for restraint, responsibility, and strategic clarity as India navigated an increasingly fragmented world order, aiming to shape a more balanced and inclusive international system.
