India's Geopolitical Landscape and Challenges in 2025

India stands at a significant crossroads in its history, characterized by strong economic growth and political stability amidst a shifting global economic and geopolitical landscape. While India currently projects an atmosphere of peace, it faces numerous external challenges that could disrupt this stability.

Global Political Challenges

• Global Conflicts: The year 2024 witnessed global political uncertainties with multiple concurrent conflicts, particularly in Europe and West Asia.
• Ongoing Conflicts: The Gaza conflict and the Ukraine situation pose potential threats to global peace.

India-China Relations

• Recent Developments: Recent border negotiations and disengagement at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh have taken place.
• Continued Challenges: Despite these negotiations, the border conflict remains unresolved, requiring ongoing vigilance by India.
• Chinese Influence: China is strengthening its security cooperation with the Global South, potentially outflanking India.
• Strategic Moves: China's diplomatic activities, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit, have aimed to diminish India's influence.

Regional Dynamics in South Asia

• Bangladesh Political Changes: The ouster of the Sheikh Hasina regime has raised questions about India's neighborhood policy.
• Regional Isolation: India appears isolated in the region, with emerging regimes in neighboring countries displaying hostility or lukewarm relations.
• Pakistan and Afghanistan: Pakistan remains adversarial, and Afghanistan is not a major focus for India currently.
• Bhutan's Changing Stance: Bhutan is balancing its relations with China under its current king.

West Asian Developments

• Syria's Political Shift: The ouster of the Assad regime and the rise of the Sunni group 'Hayat Tahir al Shams (HTS)' mark significant changes.
• Implications for India: The change in Syria could affect India's relations and influence in the region, given its Shia and Sunni populations.
• Regional Power Shifts: The decline in Iran's influence and the rise of Israel and Türkiye as major players are noteworthy.

Digital Threats

• Rising Cyber Threats: There is an increasing threat from cyber attacks, with a notable rise in incidents during the latter part of 2024.
• Infrastructure Risks: Convergence of technologies poses unprecedented risks to national infrastructure.
• Exponential Increase: Cyber threats are expected to grow significantly during 2025 and beyond.