Is it time to deepen ties with EU?

Who can predict trade deal outcomes when the trump card is a joker?

- RAJESH MEHTA & MANU UNIYAL

In the continually changing currents of international geopolitics, who can predict trade deal outcomes when the trump card is a joker? Or maybe there is a method in the madness that carves out a new geoeconomic order through calculated unpredictability. The key question is: will the new order favour India? We can either wait for the answer while precariously hanging from the geopolitical precipice, or be positively proactive by strengthening ties with the Nordics and the wider European Union (EU).

Ultimately, India's international economic engagements should deliver four core outcomes for its citizens: improving quality of life through social welfare and equity; generating meaningful employment; fostering ideation and innovation; and enhancing national security by countering China's hegemonic ambitions. On all four fronts, the EU not only aligns with India's strategic objectives but, in many cases, outperforms the US. Within the EU, the Nordic countries distinguish themselves further—consistently setting global benchmarks and offering compelling models in each of these areas.

EU'S AWAKENING: During his first term, US President Trump hinted that he saw the EU treating the US as both a fall guy and a Man Friday. Most EU leaders then dismissed him as a petulant child throwing tantrums. That dismissiveness grew stronger, as hardly anyone in the EU thought that Trump could return to power.