Vadodara: The global order is witnessing its third major transformation in international relations, with shifting power centres and changing strategic priorities redefining geopolitics, former Indian ambassador to the United States, Arun Kumar Singh, said during a lecture at Parul University.Speaking to faculty members, research scholars and students on the theme, ‘The World in Disorder: Navigating India-US Relations,‘ Singh said the international landscape is increasingly characterised by geopolitical competition, as major powers seek to expand their influence through economic, political, technological and strategic means. While the US has attempted to lead global responses to emerging challenges, it has also encountered strategic setbacks in several regions, he noted.Commenting on US foreign policy under President Donald Trump, the former envoy said Washington DC has prioritised preventing rival powers from expanding their influence in the Americas while encouraging regional groupings aligned with its strategic interests. He also pointed to a gradual shift in US strategic focus from Europe towards Latin America and the Pacific, alongside a transition from the Indo-Pacific framework to a more Pacific-centric approach.Describing the 2008 India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement as a turning point in bilateral relations, Singh said cooperation between the two democracies has since deepened across defence, security, technology, trade and regional stability. He added that the future global order would be shaped largely by the strategic dynamics among the US, China and Russia, and stressed that India must continue pursuing an independent and balanced foreign policy while safeguarding its national interests and strengthening key strategic partnerships.
