New Delhi, March 5 (NationPress) The strategies employed by the Donald Trump administration have prompted a shift in the previously strengthening India-US alliance, as highlighted in a notable journal article.

Initially, Indian officials believed that the United States would consider their partnership vital to a broader initiative against China. However, this expectation was not met, compelling New Delhi to seek out new alliances, according to the findings in Foreign Affairs.

The piece emphasizes the significance of the trade deal finalized in January with the European Union, marking a pivotal alteration in New Delhi's geoeconomic agenda. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, hailed it as the "mother of all deals," projecting an anticipated €30 billion in export benefits for both parties. The agreement was further complemented by a fresh defense pact and numerous additional agreements. Such bilateral arrangements, including the one with Brussels and recent pacts with Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and others, are expected to assist India in enhancing its economy and reducing dependence on any single nation.

The article advocates for India’s entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), viewed as a key trade coalition in Asia.

Established in 2018, the CPTPP was formed after US President Trump exited an earlier agreement—the Trans-Pacific Partnership—aimed at creating a premier trade zone across the Pacific Rim. The CPTPP works to eliminate or lower tariffs on a broad range of goods and services, while also obligating members to adhere to rigorous shared standards in various sectors, such as labor rights and intellectual property. These standards drive genuine structural reforms within member economies. Even in the absence of the United States, the agreement now includes 12 members that collectively represent around 15% of the global economy, comprising Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. Several potential new members, including Cambodia and South Korea, are expressing interest in joining.

Although there are notable challenges for India in joining the bloc, the advantages are also substantial. CPTPP nations would gain preferential access to India’s extensive market, while the group would benefit from incorporating a future global superpower. For India, joining would expedite its integration into regional supply chains and substantially boost exports, the article concludes.