China’s no-holds-barred intent and playbook in Asia and beyond have caused realignments of policies and approaches by nations in the region.
With the US deemed to be late in the game of regaining regional dominance and reasserting pushback against China, there is now increasing regional anxiety. In comes India. While Delhi has historically been a regional leader in the non-aligned movement since the Cold War, realities that entrap Delhi’s security outlook have created a new strategic clarity of the India First doctrine.
In this calculation, Washington has limited options, one being to compartmentalise and fashion ties with Delhi. Likewise, India too has limited options but to work with the US to secure its long-term security orientations.
