Where the Mind is Without Barriers
Welcome to the first edition of The Indian Radius. This newsletter examines the breadth and depth of India’s foreign policy, economic imperatives and security strategies. In a world of changing power equations and contested global governance, it is vital to understand and anticipate India's next moves.
A radius is a defining measure that extends from the centre of a circle to its periphery, connecting the core to its outermost reach. In geopolitics, a nation’s radius determines the extent of its influence, engagement, and power projection. We uncover how India is expanding its arc by staying ahead of the curve.
In this week’s edition, we take a closer look at the Indian External Affairs Minister’s recent visits to the United Kingdom and Ireland along with Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Mauritius.
In the Seven Woods
In 1912, when Rabindranath Tagore visited England, he met the famed Irish poet William Butler Yeats. Yeats was so moved by Tagore’s Gitanjali that he not only wrote an introduction to the English edition, Song Offerings but also promoted his work among the British and Irish literary circles. This endorsement played an important role in Tagore winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913, making him the first non-European laureate, as is now well-known.
His discussions with Irish intellectuals reinforced his belief in the power of cultural nationalism as a means of resisting colonial rule. Tagore’s focus on the revival of indigenous education, art, and literature aligned with the goals of the Irish fighting against British colonial rule. While his visit was brief, it strengthened Indo-Irish ties. Hence, it should come as no surprise that on Dr Jaishankar’s most recent visit to Ireland, he paid floral tributes to the statue of Rabindranath Tagore in Dublin's St. Stephen's Green.
Recognising the importance of growing bilateral trade and economic ties, both sides agreed to set up an India-Ireland Joint Economic Commission. This initiative aims to consult on trade and economic issues and increase awareness of both countries' economic priorities among key decision-makers.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed to deepen institutional cooperation and facilitate experience sharing on training programs for diplomats. India-Ireland trade has steadily increased, reaching over €6 billion in 2024. Ireland’s favourable tax policies have attracted major Indian firms like TCS, Wipro, Infosys and HCL to establish European offices there. At the University College Dublin, Dr Jaishankar also delivered a talk on India's perspective of the world and interacted with prominent academicians and scholars, discussing global affairs.
Ye Banks and Braes
India and the UK have re-entered negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA), which commenced in January 2022. The 15th round of talks resumed last month after a year-long suspension due to disagreements over issues such as visa regulations and tariffs.
Bilateral trade between the two nations was valued at more than £40 billion in the year leading up to September 2024, with significant growth observed in sectors such as technology and life sciences. An FTA is expected to double their trade by 2030, benefiting sectors like automobiles, financial services, and textiles.
What are India’s interests? First, India seeks easier work visas for professionals in IT, healthcare, and engineering. Second, India wants lower tariffs on textiles and agricultural goods. Lastly, Indian firms investing in the UK demand stronger legal protections against regulatory changes. India imposes high tariffs on scotch whisky (150%) and luxury cars (100%), which the UK wants to be reduced. The UK also seeks a dispute resolution mechanism favourable to foreign investors.
During the EAM Jaishankar’s recent visit, discussions focused on technological cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and labour mobility. The minister inaugurated two Consulates General, one in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and another in Manchester, enhancing India's diplomatic presence in the UK. He also engaged in a comprehensive discussion at Chatham House in London, addressing pivotal aspects of India's foreign policy.
While India is concurrently negotiating a trade agreement with the European Union (EU), it remains to be seen which deal—the India-UK FTA or the India-EU FTA—will reach a conclusion first.
Prime Minister’s visit to Mauritius
Prime Minister Modi is on a visit to Mauritius as the Chief Guest for the country’s 57th National Day celebrations. He is accompanied by a contingent of the Indian Defence Forces and an Indian Navy ship, symbolising defence cooperation between the two countries.
The PM is scheduled to call on President Dharambeer Gokhool and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. Discussions are expected to focus on enhancing strategic ties, economic collaboration, and regional security. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Civil Service College and the Area Health Centre, both constructed with Indian grant assistance.
In October 2024, the United Kingdom agreed to transfer the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The agreement allows the UK and the United States to retain control over the military base on Diego Garcia for a 99-year lease period.
India has historically backed Mauritius' claims over the Chagos Archipelago. Modi's visit reaffirms this support and India's advocacy for decolonisation and respect for territorial integrity. Further, India views the U.S. military presence in Diego Garcia as a counterweight to Chinese expansion in the Indian Ocean. Finally, a stable and friendly government in Mauritius ensures continued cooperation on maritime security, anti-piracy efforts, and regional stability.
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What We’re Reading and Listening to
[Opinion] Read the second issue of India’s World magazine where Pranay Kotashthane and Lokendra Sharma make the case of an ‘Open Technology Maitri’ towards building techno-strategic autonomy
[Book] Do politicians lie about trade? Read former trade negotiator Dmitry Grozoubinski’s amusing take on how international trade, the greatest commercial show on earth, works.
[Podcast] In this episode of All Things Policy, Manoj Kewalramani talks to Lisa Singh, CEO of the Australia India Institute, about how Australia is adjusting to Trump’s second term and the future of India-Australia ties