In an era marked by a waning Russian influence and an increasingly unpredictable United States, the idea of a “Third Pole” has gained relevance in global geopolitics.
- This concept refers to a strategic alignment of India with Germany and by extension Europe and other middle powers
- The third global power center can shape a multipolar world order based on shared values of strategic autonomy, economic openness, technological cooperation, democratic norms, and rule-based global governance.
How can India leverage the third global pole:
- Diversification of strategic partnerships: Reducing excessive dependence on any single power bloc (US or Russia).
- Economic resilience: Mitigating risks from unilateral trade actions through deeper integration with the EU and Germany.
- The Third Pole can shape global economic architecture by diversifying away from US–China supply chains and south south economic co-operation.
- Strengthening industrial ecosystems: Through co‑production in defence, technology, and critical supply chains.
- Credible voice in global governance: India can push for UN Security Council reform, WTO reforms, IMF/World Bank restructuring etc.
- Leadership in the Global South: By advocating for climate finance, debt relief, and development justice.
