Context:

• PM Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia reflects a maturing bilateral relationship.
• Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS), Saudi Arabia is undergoing profound political, economic, and social transformation.
• The visit signifies a transformative bilateral engagement, strategic recalibration in India’s West Asia policy and Saudi Arabia’s shift toward global multi-alignment.

Historical Context - From Neglect to Strategic Priority:

• Underperformance in earlier decades:
  • Indian Prime Ministerial visits to Saudi Arabia between 1947–2014: Nehru (1955), Indira Gandhi (1982), Manmohan Singh (2010).
  • Reflects past under-prioritisation due to ideological posturing, Pakistan-centric concerns, and low political investment.
• Shift since the 21st century - Turning points:
  • Jaswant Singh’s visit (2000) and King Abdullah’s visit to India (2006).
  • Initiated de-hyphenation of Saudi Arabia from Pakistan in Indian foreign policy.
  • Manmohan Singh’s 2010 visit broadened strategic cooperation, especially in counterterrorism.

India’s Strategic Reorientation under Modi:

• Modi’s diplomatic outreach:
  • Three visits to Saudi Arabia (2016, 2019, 2024).
  • Elevation of the Gulf region, particularly Saudi Arabia, in India’s Act West Policy.
• Key areas of cooperation:
  • Energy security: Continued reliance on Saudi crude oil.
  • Economic collaboration: Investment, infrastructure, and digital economy.
  • Technology and connectivity: Collaboration in digital infrastructure and logistics.
  • Security cooperation: Counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, maritime security.

The MbS Era - Reform, Realignment, and Resurgence:

• Consolidation of power:
  • MbS appointed Crown Prince in 2017, Prime Minister in 2022.
  • Shift from consensus-based governance to centralised authority.
  • Increase in administrative efficiency but concerns over authoritarian tendencies.
• Vision 2030 - Economic diversification:
  • Launched in 2016 to reduce oil dependency.
  • Focus on:
    • Tourism (e.g., NEOM project).
    • Technology and innovation.
    • Entertainment and renewable energy.
    • Partial privatisation of Saudi Aramco to attract FDI.

Social Liberalisation in the Kingdom:

• Progressive reforms:
  • Women’s rights expanded: Right to drive, increased workforce participation.
  • Public entertainment normalised: Cinemas, concerts, tourism initiatives.
• Promotion of moderate Islam:
  • Critical for global counter-extremism.
  • Realignment of Saudi religious identity to promote tolerance and coexistence.

Foreign Policy Shift - From Dependence to Multi-Alignment:

• Assertiveness and pragmatism:
  • Military intervention in Yemen, blockade on Qatar, opposition to Iran.
  • Subsequent diplomatic recalibration: Rapprochement with Qatar, Turkey, and Iran.
• Expanding strategic horizons:
  • Move beyond US dependence: Stronger ties with China, Russia, and Global South, and its decision to join the expanded BRICS grouping.
  • Engagement in multipolar diplomacy: Mediation in Ukraine crisis, dialogue facilitation between US-Russia.
• Normalisation with Israel:
  • Conditional support for Israel-Palestine peace process (Two-State solution).
  • Strategic balancing in regional geopolitics.

Convergence with India’s Middle East Policy:

• Parallel leadership trajectories:
  • Modi (2014) and MbS (2015–17) symbolise assertive, pragmatic leadership.
  • Both leaders focus on interest-based diplomacy, domestic modernisation, and global positioning.
• Strategic alignment: India and Saudi Arabia share:
  • Non-ideological pragmatism.
  • Focus on economic transformation.
  • Drive toward regional leadership and global engagement.

Conclusion - The Road Ahead:

• Modi’s visit reflects the deepening Indo-Saudi partnership grounded in mutual strategic interests.
• Saudi Arabia’s domestic reforms and foreign policy realignment under MbS present new avenues for India’s energy security, diaspora welfare, economic cooperation, and geopolitical influence in West Asia.

Q1. Examine the factors responsible for the transformation of India–Saudi Arabia relations in the 21st century.

Ans. Key factors include de-hyphenation from Pakistan, energy and economic cooperation, counterterrorism collaboration, and high-level political engagement under Vision 2030 and India's Act West Policy.

Q2. Discuss the significance of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 for India's foreign policy interests.

Ans. Vision 2030 opens avenues for India in investment, infrastructure, technology, and skilled labour mobility, aligning with India's economic and strategic objectives in the Gulf.

Q3. How has Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman altered the domestic and foreign policy orientation of Saudi Arabia?

Ans. MbS centralised governance, liberalised social norms, launched Vision 2030 for diversification, and adopted a pragmatic multi-alignment approach in foreign policy.

Q4. What are the key strategic domains of cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia in recent years?

Ans. The major areas include energy security, defence and counterterrorism, digital infrastructure, diaspora welfare, and regional connectivity.

Q5. Critically analyse the role of pragmatism in shaping India’s and Saudi Arabia’s contemporary foreign policies.

Ans. Both nations have moved from ideology-based approaches to interest-driven, flexible diplomacy to secure national interests and enhance regional influence. 

Source:IE

Context

• As India and China commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations, the occasion marks more than a ceremonial milestone; it represents a pivotal inflection point in both Asian and global geopolitics.
• The bilateral relationship, once nurtured by idealistic visions of pan-Asian solidarity, has evolved into a strategic balancing act shaped by contested borders, economic interdependence, and geopolitical rivalry.
• Yet, despite the deep mistrust, the India-China equation remains layered with opportunities for cooperation, demanding a nuanced and forward-looking policy framework.

Indian Foreign Policy Challenges with Respect to China

• The China Lens: A Structural Challenge
  • China has emerged as the most consequential external factor shaping Indian foreign policy.
  • Nearly every strategic decision, ranging from border security to trade diversification, is influenced by what is termed the China lens.
  • This relationship is defined by a duality: the need to deter aggression while preserving diplomatic channels; safeguarding sovereignty while acknowledging economic entanglements; and navigating competition while maintaining coexistence.
  • The legacy of the 1962 war, compounded by the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clash, has left deep scars and recalibrated India’s China policy.
  • Today, the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains tense and heavily militarised, with more than 60,000 troops stationed in Eastern Ladakh.
  • Infrastructure buildup on both sides reflects a long-term military posture, underscoring that engagement cannot obscure the reality of persistent strategic divergence.
• Economic Paradox: Deterrence Meets Dependence
  • Even amid geopolitical strain, economic interdependence continues.
  • China remains one of India’s largest trading partners, with a trade imbalance nearing $100 billion in 2024–25.
  • While India has implemented measures such as banning Chinese apps and curtailing certain investments, it remains reliant on Chinese components, particularly in critical sectors like pharmaceuticals and electronics.
  • This paradox, military deterrence coupled with marketplace dependence—renders full economic decoupling unrealistic in the short term.
  • Consequently, India’s evolving strategy is best described as one of “competitive coexistence.”
  • India competes with China in regional infrastructure, defence, and influence, while maintaining diplomatic engagements through platforms like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
  • Simultaneously, India collaborates with democracies in the Quad to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific.
  • The challenge lies in maintaining strategic agency while managing adversarial flashpoints.

Regional Influence, the Battle of Narratives, and the US Factor

• Regional Influence and the Battle of Narratives
  • Nowhere is the India-China competition more evident than in South Asia.
  • China’s expanding influence, manifested in projects like the Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka, the Pokhara Airport in Nepal, and infrastructure investments in the Maldives, has challenged India’s traditional dominance.
  • In response, India has ramped up development aid, defence partnerships, and crisis response mechanisms.
  • However, reactive diplomacy must now give way to proactive, long-term strategies aimed at winning hearts and establishing lasting regional leadership.
  • Diplomatic nuances, such as recent remarks by Bangladesh’s interim leader about India’s northeast being landlocked, underscore the power of narratives.
  • Though geographically accurate, such statements, especially made in Beijing, reinforce China’s strategic framing.
  • India must close infrastructure gaps and shape regional discourse through trust-building and connectivity.
• The U.S. Factor and Strategic Autonomy
  • Complicating India’s China calculus is the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency.
  • His renewed unilateralism and intensified U.S.-China rivalry may pressure India to align more closely with Washington, particularly in defence and Indo-Pacific matters.
  • However, India must balance this partnership with the principle of strategic autonomy.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on the Lex Fridman podcast in March 2025 highlighted a recalibrated narrative.
  • By referencing historical India-China synergy and advocating for healthy competition, Modi conveyed multiple signals: openness to dialogue with China, independence from U.S. pressure, and assurance of stability to domestic audiences.

A Tentative Thaw: Symbolism and Substantive Signals

• China’s positive response to Modi’s overtures, resuming verification patrols along the LAC, reopening dialogues on hydrological data-sharing, and restarting discussions on religious tourism, indicates a cautious willingness for rapprochement.
• These symbolic gestures may not resolve underlying tensions, but they suggest a mutual interest in de-escalation, or what might be termed a thaw without illusions.
• Nonetheless, core challenges persist. China’s proposed dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo near Arunachal Pradesh has reignited fears of water weaponisation.
• With no water-sharing treaty in place and limited transparency, the potential for ecological and strategic mismanagement looms large.

The Way Forward

• Towards a Coherent China Policy
  • Military Readiness – Ensuring deterrence along contested borders without provoking escalation.
  • Economic Diversification – Reducing critical dependencies while maintaining trade where beneficial.
  • Diplomatic Engagement – Sustaining dialogue through multilateral platforms and bilateral mechanisms.
  • Narrative Control – Shaping regional and global perceptions through strategic communication.
  • This approach requires institutional agility, faster implementation of regional projects, and a mindset geared towards long-term strategic planning.
  • As Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has articulated, the path forward must be guided by the “three mutuals”—mutual respect, sensitivity, and interest.
• A Moment for Strategy, Not Sentiment
  • As India and China mark 75 years of bilateral ties, nostalgia must give way to strategic clarity.
  • China will remain a structural challenge, but it also functions as a mirror, reflecting India’s aspirations, capabilities, and constraints.
  • India’s objective must be to carve out an autonomous, influential role in a world defined by flux and rivalry.

Conclusion

• In managing its relationship with China, India must not see itself hemmed in by competition but empowered by it.
• The framework of ‘competitive coexistence’ offers a realistic and responsible roadmap, one that acknowledges rivalry while working to prevent friction from igniting conflict.
• In that delicate balance lies the opportunity for India to lead, not just react, in a reshaped global order.

Q1. What defines the current India-China relationship?
Ans. It is best described as one of "competitive coexistence"—balancing rivalry with cooperation.

Q2. Why is full economic decoupling from China not feasible for India?
Ans. Because India remains heavily dependent on Chinese components in key sectors like pharmaceuticals and electronics.

Q3. What are the “four pillars” of India’s China policy?
Ans, Military readiness, economic diversification, diplomatic engagement, and narrative control.

Q4. How is China expanding its influence in South Asia?
Ans. Through infrastructure investments like ports, airports, and loans in countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives.

Q5. What recent diplomatic gesture suggested a thaw in India-China relations?
Ans. The resumption of verification patrols along the LAC and talks on hydrological data-sharing. 

Source:The Hindu

Context

• India’s legacy of innovation stretches deep into its history, spanning disciplines as diverse as metallurgy, medicine, astronomy, and the arts.
• Yet, as the country accelerates towards its vision of becoming a $5 trillion economy, a crucial shift is required, a renewed commitment to creativity and innovation, particularly at the grassroots level.
• The evolving dynamics of the global creative economy offer a compelling case for why India must strategically harness and nurture its rich creative potential. 

The Global Creative Economy: A Rising Force

• Creativity has emerged as a cornerstone of economic growth worldwide.
• According to the Creative Economy Outlook 2024 by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the global trade in creative services reached a staggering $1.4 trillion in 2022 — a 29% increase since 2017.
• Exports of creative goods also rose by 19%, totalling $713 billion. Collectively, the creative economy now generates over $2 trillion in annual revenues and supports nearly 50 million jobs globally.
• The sector’s most prominent contributors include software services (41.3%), research and development (30.7%), and advertising, market research, and architecture (15.5%).
• These data underscore the transformative impact of creativity-led sectors and the opportunities they offer to emerging economies like India.

India’s Creative Economy: Promise and Paradox

• India has already demonstrated its capacity to contribute meaningfully to the global creative economy.
• In 2019, the country’s creative goods and services exports totalled around $121 billion, with creative services comprising the bulk at nearly $100 billion.
• Within goods, the design sector accounted for 87.5% of exports, while traditional arts and crafts contributed approximately 9%.
• As of 2024, India’s creative industry is valued at $30 billion and employs about 8% of the workforce. Creative exports grew by 20% in the previous year, generating more than $11 billion.
• Despite these impressive figures, the paradox lies in the underutilization of grassroots creativity.
• While urban centres attract substantial investment in traditional creative sectors, there remains a disconnect between rural creativity and its translation into scalable innovation.

Understanding Creativity and Innovation

• Creativity is a precursor to innovation, the spark that ignites novel ideas.
• Research categorises creativity into four types: deliberate-emotional, deliberate-cognitive, spontaneous-emotional, and spontaneous-cognitive.
• Furthermore, creativity may be endogenous (internally motivated) or exogenous (externally triggered), and can arise episodically during crises or climate events.
• Local innovations in India often stem from the deliberate and spontaneous cognitive domains.
• However, the conversion of creative concepts into impactful innovations is stymied by a lack of institutional support and investment.
• While creativity can thrive independently, innovation demands a structured ecosystem for development, scaling, and market integration.

The Way Forward

• Bridging the Creativity-Innovation Gap
  • India’s creative wealth is evident, but its potential is often left unrealised due to the absence of a robust mechanism to convert ideas into tangible innovations.
  • Grassroots organisations like the Grassroot Innovations Augmentation Network (GIAN) have made laudable efforts to spotlight local ingenuity, from pedal-powered washing machines to the MittiCool clay refrigerator.
  • Yet, many such initiatives remain isolated successes without broader institutional or commercial backing.
  • A case study from Indonesia offers an illustrative model.
  • The Antrodam Project, developed by students at Binus School, leveraged biomimicry inspired by Indian Harvester ants and other natural elements to design a flood protection system.
  • This solution, deeply rooted in creative thinking, has the potential for global application, if supported by investments for scale.
• Policy Interventions
  • Enhanced Investment: Direct more capital towards grassroots and informal innovations, including those tackling climate adaptation and sustainable development.
  • IPR Reform: Strengthen intellectual property rights (IPR) frameworks to protect indigenous and community-led innovations.
  • District-Level Initiatives: Expand the successful "One District One Product" initiative to include a parallel "One District One Innovation" program.
  • Public-Private Collaboration: Facilitate partnerships between local innovators, private investors, research institutions, and government bodies to foster innovation pipelines.
• Community-Driven Creativity
  • Despite the climate tech sector in India receiving nearly $2.85 billion in 2023, grassroots innovation receives a disproportionately small share.
  • Redirecting even a fraction of these funds toward community-driven creativity could yield transformative socio-economic and environmental outcomes.

Conclusion

• India’s journey from a historically rich creative civilization to a globally recognised innovation powerhouse hinges on its ability to support creativity at all levels.
• As the global creative economy continues to expand, India must create an enabling environment that bridges the gap between individual creativity and institutional innovation.
• With the right policies, investments, and cultural appreciation, India can ensure that its creative economy not only grows but thrives, from the grassroots to the global stage.

Q1. What is the current value of India’s creative industry?
Ans.  India’s creative industry is currently valued at $30 billion as of 2024.

Q2. What is the main challenge in India’s creative economy?
Ans.  The main challenge is the lack of support to transform grassroots creativity into scalable innovations.

Q3. Which sectors dominate the global creative economy?
Ans. The global creative economy is dominated by software services, research and development, and advertising, market research, and architecture.

Q4. What is the role of grassroots creativity in innovation?
Ans. Grassroots creativity generates original and practical ideas, but these often need institutional support and investment to develop into large-scale innovations.

Q5.  What policy suggestions are made to boost local innovation?
Ans. A key suggestion is to implement a “One District One Innovation” policy, modeled after the “One District One Product” initiative. 

Source:The Hindu