Shashi Tharoor, a Congress Member of Parliament, addressed the NDTV World Summit, highlighting the international community’s recognition of India’s growth over recent decades. He stated that while India has made significant strides, its strategic and economic vulnerabilities have also become apparent on the global stage. Tharoor noted that the world is eager to engage with India, emphasising that the country is now viewed as more significant than it was in the 1980s or 1990s.

He expressed optimism about India’s evolving status, asserting that there are compelling reasons for other nations to seek collaboration with India. Tharoor remarked, “I think what’s working well for us is that we are recognised for all that we’ve grown to be in the last few decades.” This recognition, he believes, reflects India’s increasing importance in international affairs.

Challenges in India’s Foreign Relations

Despite the positive developments, Tharoor pointed out that India’s elevated global profile has coincided with the exposure of vulnerabilities. He cited the relationship with China as a notable example of this dynamic. Tharoor described the frustrations India faces due to China’s actions along their shared border, including territorial encroachments and China’s support for Pakistan during recent conflicts.

He highlighted that during a brief conflict last year, China allegedly supplied substantial military assistance to Pakistan, including real-time intelligence from satellites. Tharoor characterised this as a hostile act and underscored the need for India to be concerned about such developments. He further noted that despite these provocations, India’s dependence on Chinese imports has continued to grow, creating a challenging situation for the country.

Tharoor argued that this dependency on China, a nation not particularly aligned with India’s interests, has exposed vulnerabilities in India’s economic landscape, particularly regarding the trade deficit. He stressed that these issues must be addressed to strengthen India’s position on the global stage.

Diplomatic Uncertainties and Future Outlook

Tharoor also discussed the complexities of India’s diplomatic positioning, suggesting that the country may have taken certain bilateral relationships for granted. He cited the unexpected imposition of tariffs by former US President Donald Trump as an example of the unpredictability that can arise in international relations. Such actions can disrupt established partnerships and create uncertainty for India’s foreign policy.

He cautioned that while India has cultivated close ties with certain nations, this may have inadvertently led to a loss of trust with others. Tharoor acknowledged that global affairs are inherently unpredictable, and it is essential not to assume that India’s current growth trajectory guarantees success amid shifting global dynamics.

Tharoor concluded by emphasising that the transition from one global order to another may not yield the anticipated outcomes for India. He stated, “With all of these challenges out there, it’s not going to be necessarily a given that we will come out of this transition from one order to the next as great triumphant victors.” This statement reflects the complexities and uncertainties that lie ahead for India’s foreign policy as it navigates a rapidly changing world.

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