Current Affairs 2pm October 17,2024, Sunil Saksena will lead a Current Affairs discussion about India’s economy, its politics, the state of its democracy, its foreign policy and whether Washington’s growing friendship with India will yield the results it expects.

India’s rise as a global power is marked by its growing economic, military, and strategic significance. With the world’s largest population and a burgeoning economy projected to be the third largest in the world by 2027, India is increasingly seen as a pivotal player on the global stage. Its strategic importance is underscored by its role in regional and international alliances, such as the Quad and BRICS, and its leadership among the Global South. Geopolitically, India is central to the Indo-Pacific region, where great power competition is intensifying. Its strategic partnerships, particularly with the United States, have strengthened, driven by shared concerns over China’s regional ambitions. The US-India relationship has deepened through defense cooperation and technology transfer, positioning India as a key partner in maintaining a “free and open Indo-Pacific”.

For US foreign policy, India’s rise offers both opportunities and challenges. The US views India as a potential counterbalance to China, aligning with its vision for regional stability and prosperity. However, India’s commitment to strategic autonomy and its longstanding ties with Russia present complexities in this partnership. Despite these challenges, India’s democratic framework and growing geopolitical influence make it an essential component of US foreign policy in Asia.