Examining India's strategic role in South and Southeast Asia โ as a democratic, economically growing power capable of offering a credible alternative to authoritarian-led regional order.
China's rise has fundamentally altered the geopolitical landscape of Asia. Its Belt and Road Initiative, military expansion in the South China Sea, and economic leverage over smaller nations represent a new form of regional hegemony.
This series examines India's position as a credible democratic counterbalance โ its alliances, economic diplomacy, historical ties with neighbouring nations, and the strategic choices it faces in the decade ahead.
We approach this critically and without cheerleading for any state. Our analysis is evidence-based and focused on what genuine multipolarity and democratic cooperation require in practice.
Documenting how China uses debt, infrastructure, and diplomatic pressure to build dependency relationships โ and what the evidence shows about long-term outcomes.
The strategic case for a more proactive Indian foreign policy in South Asia โ examining the vacuum being filled by competing authoritarian influence.
Data-driven analysis of China's growing influence across economic, military, and diplomatic domains.
Visit Source โIndia's leading independent think tank on foreign policy and strategic affairs.
Visit Source โIndependent tracking of BRI projects, debt conditions, and outcomes across recipient nations.
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