India Navigates US-China Bipolar Competition Through a 'G-Minus Two' Strategy

The "G-2" concept framing international relations around the United States and China is considered unworkable in a multipolar order, as it attempts to impose a bipolar hierarchy while excluding major regional powers such as India, the European Union, and Russia. Strategic competition between Washington and Beijing stems from China's challenge to US hegemony, prompting American containment strategies across key arenas including technology, trade restrictions, and sovereignty disputes in the South China Sea and Taiwan.

Despite tactical de-escalation marked by diplomatic summits and temporary trade arrangements, underlying geopolitical friction remains intense. China continues to establish parity with Washington by deploying economic and technological tools, including export restrictions on vital rare earth minerals, reciprocal tariffs, supply chain integration through the Belt and Road Initiative, and expanded diplomatic presence in Africa and Latin America.

This ongoing US-China dynamic presents both risks and strategic opportunities for India. While superpower rivalry gives New Delhi room to maneuver, deepens defense alignment with the US and Quad partners, and encourages supply chain relocation to India, direct military escalation or a sudden bilateral US-China accord could disrupt global markets and marginalize India's regional influence.

To prevent being trapped in bipolar hegemony, India and regional partners are pursuing a "G-Minus Two" strategy. Rather than aligning with a US-China bipolar framework, New Delhi is expanding flexible defense and economic partnerships with nations such as Japan, Australia, Indonesia, and South Korea to safeguard its strategic independence across the Indo-Pacific.