Valdai Club

For years, Central Asia has remained strategically important to India but difficult to access. Pakistan blocks direct land routes, Afghanistan remains unstable, and Eurasian connectivity remains limited. India’s “Connect Central Asia” policy recognised these constraints early, placing physical connectivity at the centre of its regional approach. Today, however, geopolitical shocks are pushing New Delhi to think about Eurasia in far more urgent terms.

The International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Chabahar Port in Iran have become the backbone of India’s effort to secure alternative connectivity into Eurasia. These are not projects of ambition but of insurance, designed to keep the trade moving even when the maritime trade is disrupted and the markets turn uncertain, writes Rupal Mishra.

As India sets its sights on becoming a US$30 trillion economy by 2047 under the Viksit Bharat (Developed India) initiative, recalibrating its foreign policy has become imperative, writes Rupal Mishra.

As tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, India has found itself navigating a complex web of economic, strategic, and security concerns. What began as conflict between Israel and Hamas now risks expanding into a broader regional conflagration involving Iran and its network of allies. India’s significant ties with key Middle Eastern countries mean that the stakes are high for New Delhi. In order to safeguard its interests, India must balance immediate challenges with strategic concerns, focusing on both short-term stability and a resilient long-term approach, writes Rupal Mishra, a participant in the Valdai – New Generation project.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term balances continuity and change in India's foreign policy, emphasising strategic autonomy, regional stability, and deeper engagement with the Global South. His “Neighbourhood First” policy, complex relations with China and Pakistan, and strengthened ties with Russia underscore India's commitment to a multipolar vision and a significant role in global governance, writes Rupal Mishra. The author is a participant of the Valdai - New Generation project.