India Watch Briefing #16
From Barcelona to Brussels: Stay Tuned for What’s Next!
Editor’s note
This edition will be brief, as I am wrapping up my research at CIDOB and other commitments before heading back to Brussels – Time flies! While I miss Brussels’ “chilly” January and February, I am looking forward to returning in March (still cold and grey at times, but definitely way bearable). I am also excited to share that in the next edition, or the one after, I will be announcing the third India-related project I am launching. My initial plan was quite ambitious, but I have decided to break it down and integrate it as part of this newsletter – Let’s see where it goes!
I have many other ideas and projects in mind, but balancing them with a full-time job means I need to pace myself. For this edition, I have come across some fascinating readings. A standout discovery for me has been Anunita Chandrasekar, now at the Centre for European Reform – her paper is excellent (Gracias to Amaia for the tip!). As always, I would love to hear from you – feedback, suggestions, or recommended readings are welcome at cogomoralespatrizia@gmail.com. Always happy to learn from others!
PS. Cannot wait to follow how von der Leyen’s visit to India goes!
Please subscribe to this newsletter to help us improve and provide an even more nuanced selection of sources on Indian foreign policy.
Our main highlights for this edition:
“Soft balancing in South Asia: India’s strategic response to China’s influence in Sri Lanka” by Nihar Kodandpani Kulkarni for Asian Journal of Political Science
“This article examines India’s post-2014 foreign policy toward Sri Lanka as a reaction to China’s presence in Sri Lanka through the theoretical perspective of soft-balancing in international relations. In the last decade, China’s infrastructure development and visits by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) have increased in Sri Lanka, which is a concern for New Delhi. Therefore, the article examines China’s presence that causes strategic concerns to India and India’s policy response to counterbalance China in Sri Lanka. The article demonstrates that India has adopted a non-zero-sum (Soft) balancing strategy, which includes enhancing comprehensive and sustainable partnerships in various areas, including connectivity, infrastructure development, security, and improving people-to-people ties with Sri Lanka. It shows that instead of indulging in a Zero-Sum balancing strategy such as economic sanctions, complex balancing, forming alliances, etc., India is focusing on a sustainable, long-term approach in fostering ties with Sri Lanka and balancing China’s presence.”
“Strategic Alliances for a Changing World: Spain and India in the 21st Century” by Carmen Grijalba Gil for Observatorio España-India
(Originally in Spanish) “This document was prepared following the visit to Spain by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on January 12 and 13, 2025. The trip confirmed the significant progress that diplomatic relations between the two countries are experiencing, as it aimed to strengthen cooperation in strategic areas such as trade, investment, technology, renewable energy and security, in addition to promoting cultural and academic exchanges. During his agenda in Madrid, the minister met with His Majesty the King, the President of the Government, the Minister of Defense Margarita Robles and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares. In addition, an agreement on sustainable urban development and another on sports cooperation were signed. The minister also participated in the IX Conference of Ambassadors, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, as a special guest, where he gave the opening speech entitled "A foreign policy with its own identity." This Outcome paper is based on the round table discussion organized by the Spain-India Council Foundation, in which Jose Manuel Albares and Subrahmanyam Jaishankar participated under the title "Strategic alliances for a changing world: Spain and India in the 21st century," held at the headquarters of the Ramón Areces Foundation.”
“Navigating Asian Rivalries Israel’s ties with China and India” by Nicolas Blarel for the Middle East Institute at NUS
“India and China’s growing key interests in the Middle East have been forcing them to rethink the tools they can develop to support their interests and roles in the region in a more expansive way. It is critical to understand this role transition for India and China and how it has interacted with Israel’s own foreign policy aspirations over the past decade. Under Netanyahu’s extended stint as prime minister from 2009 to 2021, Israel embraced growing engagement of developing markets like China and India to diversify its export destinations and limit its traditional dependence on ties with Western partners. However, given the deadlock in the negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with India since 2010, Netanyahu’s government launched free trade negotiations with China in 2013, notably to ensure greater access for Israeli companies to the Chinese market and to ease Chinese foreign direct investments in Israel.”
Indian Foreign Policy in Brief
“Inside Modi Govt’s War Room to Whitewash Global Indices” by Shreegireesh Jalihal for The Reporters' Collective
An impressive journalist work that traces how Modi’s government has systematically operated to discredit and “fix” global rankings on the quality of democracy, gender gap, perceived corruption, undernutrition among children, inter alia. Part 2 and the Concluding section deserve attention, as you might be surprised (or not) to find out the involvement of certain organizations in creating an indigenous democracy index for India.
“Aging: A Strategic Opportunity for the Quad” by Sakshi Kataria for CSIS
“In 2024, Quad nations accounted for 24.9 percent of the global 65 and over population. Currently, 29.8 percent of Japan's population is over 65 with only 1800 board-certified geriatricians to provide specialized care. By 2050, the U.S. expects a 47 percent rise in its elderly population, burdening older Americans with high long-term care costs not covered by Medicare. Australia anticipates 4.5 million seniors between the ages of 65 to 74 by 2066, with rural seniors struggling to access healthcare. India's current fertility rate is 2 births per woman, and by 2046, its elderly will outnumber children. Aging societies have created shared challenges like chronic diseases, and social isolation of the elderly across the Indo-Pacific. By 2050, one in four people in Asia and the Pacific will be over 60, demanding urgent attention.”
“Vacuous Diversity: Caste and Secularism in Indian Diplomacy” by Sankaran Krishna for The Hague Journal of Diplomacy
“Through the life and times of Mani Shankar Aiyar (b. 1941), this article shows the centrality of caste in the conduct of Indian diplomacy and the ways in which a commitment to an anaemic secularism diverts our attention from such casteism. Aiyar exemplifies the schizoid character of an Indian diplomatic class wherein a rhetorical commitment to egalitarianism, secularism and anti-racism is often accompanied by casteist elitism and disdain for those regarded as less meritorious and cultured than oneself. Diplomatic practice, facility in English and allegiance to a narrow definition of secularism are critical components in the production and sustenance of inequality, distinction and status within India. By focusing on Aiyar’s memoirs, public pronouncements and political life, this study critically engages the study of diplomacy and international relations in post-independence India.”
Spotlight on EU-India Relations
“It’s time to upgrade the EU-India relationship” by Anunita Chandrasekar for the Centre for European Reform
“Until recently, few Indian companies had been sanctioned by the EU for helping Russia to obtain sensitive embargoed goods, and there was little criticism of the Indian government, even after Modi’s visit to Moscow last year. But recent US and EU sanctions on the so-called Russian shadow fleet of oil tankers have led to many of them being turned away from India, which is likely to reduce Moscow’s revenues. This does not, however, mean that India is likely to downgrade its broader relations with Russia, though it is concerned by the growing closeness between Russia and China – as the EU is. Unlike the EU, however, New Delhi sees its relationship with Moscow as a means to prevent complete Russian dependency on China.”
“From India Stack to EuroStack: Reconciling approaches to sovereign digital infrastructure” by Chloe Teevan, Raphael Pouyé, and Gautam Kamath for European Centre for Development Policy Management
“India and a range of international institutions and foundations have championed Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs) – secure and interoperable digital systems, designed to help societies access essential public or private services. The global discussion about DPIs has built on the success of India’s Aadhaar digital ID system, universal payments interface and exchange layer that make up the 'India Stack’. The term DPIs is gaining global traction, with Brazil adopting it while building on existing systems rather than starting from scratch. These experiences offer valuable insights for other countries, but it is vital that different geographies develop DPIs and wider digital infrastructures that respond to their own developmental challenges. Meanwhile, Europe is engaged in a conversation about competitiveness and tech sovereignty that has crystallised in the discussion on building a ‘EuroStack’ of sovereign European digital infrastructure, including hardware and software. Alongside a focus on much-needed investments in hard infrastructure and strengthening Europe’s governance model, this includes a number of EU-wide DPI initiatives, like the EU digital wallet, and member state innovations that will be crucial for sovereign innovation. To shape the global discussion around tech sovereignty, the EU must partner with others, engaging with their priorities and jointly widening the debate about sovereign digital infrastructure.”
Spotlight on “Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai”
“Sri Lanka’s balancing act with India and China” by Shruti Jargad at Deccan Herald
“A major difference between the two joint statements can be seen in the modes of implementation. Chinese statements emphasise making Sri Lanka a part of China-led global initiatives such as the ‘BRI Green Development Coalition’ and ‘Asian Alliance for Cultural Heritage Protection.’ Further, there is greater prominence than in previous statements in 2024, 2023, and 2016, on the leadership of Xi and his ‘major ideas and proposals’ — the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisational Initiative. In contrast, India’s mode of operation seems more bilateral and focused on individual projects. India also expressed support for Sri Lanka’s presence in the existing regional frameworks like the IORA and BIMSTEC.”
“Beijing ‘ready’ to fill the void left by US in Nepal” by The Annapurna Express
“The Communist Party of China (CPC) has conveyed that Beijing is prepared to provide support if critical areas in Nepal are affected by US President Donald Trump’s executive order, which has halted all humanitarian assistance for the next 90 days. At least two leaders from Nepal’s major communist parties stated that CPC representatives have informally assured them that China is ready to step in, particularly in countries of the Global South. A senior leader of CPN(Maoist Center) requesting anonymity said: “A CPC representative told me that China is willing to provide assistance if Nepal faces challenges in key sectors such as humanitarian aid, health, and education.”
“Charting a Course for Deeper India-Taiwan Cooperation” by Sana Hashmi and Kalpit A. Mankikar for Observer Research Foundation
“For Taiwan, the deterioration of cross-Strait relations underscored the need to diversify trade partnerships and bolster connections with regional democracies—a key objective of the New Southbound Policy. This shift aligned with India’s changing stance, as New Delhi began to move past the constraints of China’s so-called ‘red lines’ that had limited its interactions with Taiwan. Though India’s adherence to the One China Policy vis-àvis Taiwan had always been ambiguous, the post-2020 landscape has provided a clearer and more actionable framework for cooperation. India’s revised approach signals a commitment to economic resilience, strategic autonomy, and regional stability. In tandem with this recalibration, Taiwan’s proactive outreach efforts have showcased a mutual determination to break through traditional constraints, setting the stage for a more robust and enduring partnership.”
“India-Indonesia near BrahMos missile deal aimed at China” by Rahul Mishra and Harshit Prajapati for Asia Times
“India and Indonesia are apparently near a deal that will see the former to supply the latter with the BrahMos supersonic missile, a potential game-changer for security dynamics vis-à-vis-China in the southern reaches of the South China Sea. A BrahMos missile deal was reportedly discussed during Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s recent visit to India as a guest of honor at India’s Republic Day. Prabowo met jointly with BrahMos CEO Jaiteerth Joshi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the trip.”
Upcoming Events on India's Foreign Policy and Governance (& Opportunities)
“India Budget FY2026: Prospects and Challenges”: If you are Singapore, join a panel discussion on India’s Budget FY2026, featuring Amitendu Palit, Priyanka Kishore, Vivek Chhabra, and Vinod Rai. The panel will analyze the budget’s impact on economic growth, fiscal policies, and key sectors, offering insights into the opportunities and challenges ahead. The event takes place on 12/02. You can register here.
“Women, Peace, and Security” – Call for Papers: India Quarterly invites submissions for a special issue on Women, Peace, and Security, featuring original research on topics such as feminist perspectives on war, women in peacebuilding, and the impact of climate change on women. This issue, guest-edited by Dr. Rina Kashyap, will be published in September 2025. The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2025. More info here.
Thank you for reading India Watch Briefing! Subscribe for free to receive updates on Indian foreign policy, with insights into its relations with the EU and China.