India Advances Quad Cooperation in Semiconductors, 5G Amid Trump Tariffs, EU Defence Partnership, and PM’s China Visit

India is actively expanding its global collaborations through phased cooperation, cross-border sandbox testing, and joint digital projects with countries such as Singapore and the UAE, aiming to broaden market access. Despite the absence of a formal trade framework, the Quad alliance, which includes India, Japan, the US, and Australia, is advancing cooperation in key sectors like semiconductors, 5G, and clean energy, with an upcoming India summit expected to deepen these partnerships. However, the tightening of tariffs by the Trump administration on Quad allies including India and Japan has created tensions that China may exploit to increase its influence in Asia, particularly by capitalizing on potential rifts between Delhi and Washington in border and trade negotiations. In response to these dynamics, India’s Prime Minister is preparing an unusual visit to China, signaling a possible shift from India’s previous policy of distancing itself from China and Russia, influenced by Trump’s outreach to Beijing and Moscow. Additionally, India is exploring a Security and Defence Partnership with the European Union to leverage new opportunities in defense exports and mobility. China remains concerned about India’s market conditions potentially boosting Indian manufacturing, with the disputed border continuing to be a critical element of China’s India policy. Overall, India’s geoeconomic strategy is redefining its sovereignty by balancing protectionist measures with a domestic focus on scale, competitiveness, and innovation amid ongoing global trade tensions.