In the good old days, we knew who was with and against whom. For us, the good guy was the USA, while Russia was the main enemy. That’s still somewhat true, with some nuances. It was different in the rest of the world. The USA was completely unacceptable, even if not everyone agreed with its efforts to preserve the world order that emerged from the ashes of World War II. The Soviet Union quickly became the opposing pole and the other superpower. Meanwhile, the rest of the world was more or less divided into the two superpowers’ spheres of influence. Only a few countries stood outside this clear structure. India became one of them, not by choice but because it was too poor and uninteresting when it gained independence. China chose its own path, seeking the joys of communism.
For years, we blindly trusted the known world order, even when the Soviet Union fell and a European vacuum emerged. The West naively believed the Western world order had won, and final victory was in sight. Oh, how wrong we were. The new world order began to take shape with the so-called emerging markets. The BRICS countries, especially South Africa, India, and Brazil, but also Russia, became the dream of politicians and businesspeople. The gold rush began. Unfortunately, these countries saw themselves not just as emerging markets but increasingly as global political players. They wanted influence and to secure their development on their own terms, defining their own interests.
One would think China’s rise had provided enough insight. We acknowledged China’s non-democratic path, but the others were expected to conform to our standards. The Ukraine war became the litmus test for the old world order’s stability and influence, with Europe and the West at its core. Meanwhile, the USA, under President Trump, questioned almost everything about US global leadership. We were surprised but continued to trust our own strength blindly. Unfortunately, this strength has been systematically and consistently eroded, not by others but due to our own inability to act and understand new trends. Yes, it takes time in the EU and NATO.
When President Putin is received with full honors in New Delhi, it’s an expression of India’s long-standing relationship with the Soviet Union and now Russia. Russia recognized India’s independence in April 1947, before India actually became independent in August 1947. From the start, Russia was India’s closest partner, developing a special strategic partnership based on military and energy cooperation over decades. Russia did what others wouldn’t or later didn’t dare to do.
We shouldn’t be swooning over the agreements signed or get upset about a warm hug. It’s logical and natural. India defends its strategic independence, strengthening cooperation in existing areas and focusing on shipping and the Arctic. Many have dreamed India would unconditionally join the group supporting Ukraine, but that’s not happening. It’s not about Ukraine; it’s the same with the Gaza war, past conflicts, and future ones. India gives full throttle to the visit, perhaps with a lesson for us in Europe: no matter how wrong the Ukraine war is, with its blatant breaches of global principles, there’s always a time after. If we haven’t kept communication open, we’re in trouble. The Indians know this.The new world disorder clearly requires sending clear signals to the USA and especially President Trump. There are and should be limits, even with suffocating pressure and tariffs. The Indians know this, and the visit sends a clear message to the White House: nothing can be taken for granted when it comes to India.India’s strategic independence should inspire us in Europe, especially when discussing European security. Maybe we should make our own pledge of the musketeers . If we dare, the new world disorder is an opportunity. Stop whining and let’s get to work properly. It still holds true: Europe should stop lecturing others; no one listens to this relic of colonial times.
Surely we should listen carefully to the outcome of this state visit.
The author is former Danish Ambassador (retired) to India and Japan, and is a global advisor and commentator. This article was originally originally published in the The Danish daily Borsen in Danish language.