‘The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategically to counter China’s political and economic dominance.” Explain this statement with examples. (2024, 10 Marks)

Paper	GS Paper 2
Word Limit	150 words
Syllabus Topic	Effect of policies and politics of developed countries on India’s interests

Model Answer

Covid-19 and US-China trade tensions showed the risk of depending on one country. Western firms now follow a China+1 strategy. India, with its large market and workforce, is a natural choice.

Supply Chain Examples

• Electronics: Apple’s partner Foxconn assembles iPhones in India, helped by the PLI scheme.
• Semiconductors: Micron is building a chip assembly and test plant in Gujarat.
• Minerals: India joined the US-led Mineral Security Partnership (2023).
• Resilience: Supply Chain Resilience Initiative with Japan and Australia.

Strategic Examples

• The Quad (India, US, Japan, Australia) for a free Indo-Pacific.
• iCET on critical technologies with the US.
• IMEC corridor, announced at the G20 New Delhi summit (2023).

Limits

• India still imports key inputs, like electronic parts, from China.
• India follows strategic autonomy and is not a Western ally.

Conclusion

This shift is a chance for India to become a manufacturing hub. India should use it for its own growth, on its own terms.

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