Geopolitically speaking, Europe and India stand at critical crossroads today. Europe is grappling with renewed assertiveness from emerging powers, internal political recalibrations within the continent, and a rapidly unravelling multilateral order. India is carefully navigating regional and global geopolitical uncertainties and is choosing to be more multi-aligned, moving more decisively into the Indo-Pacific, negotiating FTAs, and managing the rapidly rising China challenge in the region and beyond.
India and Europe need each other more than ever.
They have long sought to become each other’s strategic partners; the unprecedented geopolitical upheaval we are witnessing today may, in fact, convert that ambition into reality. Clearly, India and Europe are eager to turn their respective crises into opportunities.
This issue, Cultivating Europe, is dedicated to exploring India-Europe relations. From shifting alliances within NATO to the strategic autonomy of the EU; from the continent’s balancing act with China to its renewed focus on Indo-European partnerships; we examine how Europe is becoming a key partner for India in global geopolitics—and vice versa.
A few weeks ago, I spent a long morning with Hervé Delphin, the EU’s erudite ambassador to India, who convinced me that India and Europe are destined to play a crucial role together in shaping the emerging world order. The current issue begins with our conversation.
This issue features insights from experts such as C. Raja Mohan, Marc Saxer, Steven Everts, Sanjay Verma, Tobias Scholz, and Pranay Kotasthane, who will take you through space diplomacy, digital sovereignty, Europe-China relations, India and NATO, and much more.
There are over 30 articles, with a majority focused on history, culture, and art. We also feature conversations with Walter J. Lindner and Sanjaya Baru about their latest books.
I have two personal favourites in this issue. First, “Artisans on the runway: From handmade to haute couture,” in which Sofiya Azad explores how India’s rich artisanal heritage is both celebrated and threatened on the global fashion stage. It looks at rising homegrown talent, the problem of cultural appropriation by Western brands, and why stronger legal protections and credit-sharing are vital to safeguard the livelihoods of millions of artisans. I also recommend Marc Saxer’s insightful and provocative essay, “Europe and the New Wolf World.”
At 56000 words, this is our largest volume so far, but I promise you there won’t be a dull moment. We have carefully curated each article to ensure you’ll love every page!
I hope you find this issue as stimulating and insightful as the previous four. As always, I look forward to your thoughts and feedback. Write to me at editor@indiasworld.in and let me know what you think of our journey so far.
Read, subscribe, and be part of India’s World—as it unfolds like never before.