Archive · 1 Jan 2026
India's 2025: Geopolitics, Economy, and Technology
In 2025, India faced many challenges and opportunities in a world that was changing quickly.
The country had to deal with problems like China restricting important minerals and the US putting high tariffs on Indian goods.
Despite these issues, India showed strength by making new trade deals, focusing on its own economy, and leading in areas like climate action and technology.
India also worked to be a friend to many countries without taking sides, which helped it stay strong in a world that was becoming more divided.
The country is now preparing for 2026, aiming to keep its balance between national interests and global responsibilities.
India faced geopolitical challenges in 2025, including China's restrictions on rare earth minerals and US tariffs on Indian exports.
The country demonstrated economic resilience by negotiating new trade deals, enacting labour codes, and maintaining stable fiscal fundamentals.
India's diplomatic efforts included deepening ties with the Global South, hosting the Russian President, and leading initiatives like the International Solar Alliance.
The year highlighted India's focus on technology and AI, with efforts to provide democratic digital alternatives and invest in AI innovation.
India's multi-alignment strategy allowed it to navigate a multipolar world, positioning itself as a bridge across global fissures.
- Who
- India, its government, and its people
- What
- India's geopolitical, economic, and technological strategies and challenges in 2025
- When
- Throughout 2025
- Where
- Globally, with a focus on India's domestic and international policies
- Why
- To navigate a multipolar world, promote national interests, and address global challenges
Pro-Multi-Alignment
Skeptical of Multi-Alignment
Foreign Policy Strategy
Pro-Multi-Alignment
India's multi-alignment strategy allows it to maintain relationships with various global powers without being beholden to any single one, ensuring strategic autonomy and resilience.
Skeptical of Multi-Alignment
Multi-alignment can lead to a lack of clear alliances, making it difficult for India to navigate complex geopolitical challenges effectively.
- Geopolitical Challenges
- China's rare earth mineral export restrictions and US tariffs on Indian exports.
- Economic Resilience
- India's stable fiscal trajectory and position as the world's fourth-largest economy.
- Diplomatic Initiatives
- Deepened ties with the Global South, visits from Russian President, and leadership in the International Solar Alliance.
- Climate Action
- India's push for equitable climate action and leadership in the International Solar Alliance.
- Technology and AI
- India's focus on AI innovation, digital public infrastructure, and reskilling the workforce.
- Digital Iron Curtain
- India's efforts to provide democratic, transparent digital alternatives to global giants.
- Economic Contrasts
- Protectionist rhetoric from Washington and the enactment of labour codes and the SHANTI Act.
- Global Leadership
- India's role as a bridge in a fractured world, championing multi-alignment and global responsibility.
Sources
From 'rage bait' to 'mewing': How 2025’s social media, AI and Gen Z slang reshaped our language
The year of talking big, saying nothing
Shashi Tharoor writes: India’s test in 2026 will be to remain, in a world of fissures, a bridge
Beyond the ‘Word of the Year’: Why 2026 needs a ‘Value of the Year’ and what should it be?
Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce engagement, Diddy sentencing to Coldplay kiss cam: Top 5 pop-culture defining events of 2025
