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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATION, MODERN MANAGEMENT, APPLIED SCIENCE & SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJEMMASSS) [ Vol. 8 | No. 1 (III) Special Issue | January - March, 2026 ]

Indo-Europe: A Strategic Response to US-China Rivalry and Eurasian Instability

Shubham Gupta, Anshu Yadav & Prof.(Dr.) Harsh Kumar Sinha

The current evolving international order, marked by increasing US-China rivalry and resulting instability in the Eurasian region, has compelled both middle and regional powers to seek alternative strategic frameworks to protect their interests. In this context, the emerging strategic alignment between India and Europe is playing a crucial geopolitical role in navigating the new power balance and systemic uncertainty. The strengthening political, economic, technological, and security ties between India and Europe offer a vital pragmatic approach to maintaining a rules-based international order while reducing over-reliance on any single major power. This crucial partnership is driven by shared concerns over supply-chain vulnerabilities, coercive economic practices, maritime and national security, and the erosion of multilateral norms, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Eurasian regions. The closer engagement between India and Europe not only transcends the US-China rivalry but also enhances strategic autonomy by diversifying defence cooperation, technology access, and diplomatic partnerships. For Europe, it offers an opportunity to expand its strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific, manage risks arising from Eurasian conflicts, and balance relations with both Washington and Beijing. This cooperation is also relevant amidst Russia's aggressive behaviour towards Europe, disruptions in energy security, and unbalanced connectivity projects in Eurasia. By promoting aspects of connectivity, digital governance, climate cooperation, and maritime security, India and Europe can act as a stabilizing bridge between the Indo-Pacific and Europe. This study argues that the India-Europe alignment is not directed against any power but rather serves as a strategic hedge aimed at fostering resilience, stability, and a multipolar balance. This highlights the potential of India and Europe to form a flexible and inclusive framework capable of mitigating great power rivalry and contributing to long-term Eurasian stability.

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