At the same time, India is expanding its strategic options. Stronger ties with Russia and China, renewed momentum in EU trade talks, and a potential shift in Nepal’s leadership all signal a more assertive foreign policy. Europe, despite voicing concerns about Russian oil, remains deeply engaged with India, and both sides are pushing toward a mutually beneficial trade pact. Meanwhile, India’s refusal to be pressured has highlighted its rising economic clout and importance in the Indo-Pacific strategy. This moment could mark a new inflection point in global diplomacy,one where India chooses partnerships on its own terms. Mahua Venkatesh and Sushma Ramachanadran in this episode of Global Capsule, unpack the shifting dynamics of India’s global trade strategy, the sharp turn in U.S.-India relations, and how geopolitical pressure is reshaping India’s economic alliances.