Mon Sep 15 13:51:16 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version in the style of a news article:
**Summary:**
In an interview with *The Hindu*, former Indian Ambassador to the UN, T.S. Tirumurti, discusses the complexities of India’s foreign policy in a rapidly changing global landscape. He addresses India-China relations, emphasizing that despite some symbolic progress, significant issues like border disputes, trade imbalances, and China’s growing influence in the region remain. He also analyzes the turbulent relationship between India and the U.S., suggesting that Washington needs to clarify its vision for India’s role and avoid episodic crises and punitive measures. He defends India’s strategic autonomy and calls for a more active role in global conflicts like the Ukraine war and the situation in West Asia, arguing that India can no longer afford to prioritize economic growth without addressing geopolitical challenges. He also commented on the situation in the Gaza Strip. He emphasized the need for India to be proactive in the new global order and to advocate for reforms in international institutions.
**News Article:**
**India Navigates a Shifting World Order: Former UN Envoy Urges Proactive Foreign Policy**
**Chennai, India – September 16, 2025** – India must proactively address geopolitical challenges and abandon the notion that economic growth can be achieved in isolation from global affairs, according to T.S. Tirumurti, former Indian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations. In a wide-ranging interview with *The Hindu*, Tirumurti offered insights into the complex foreign policy landscape facing India, specifically its relations with China, the United States, and Russia.
Tirumurti expressed skepticism about a “new normal” in India-China relations following Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit. While acknowledging initial steps like resuming airlinks and visa liberalizations, he stressed that major hurdles remain, including border disputes, trade imbalances, and China’s growing activity in India’s neighborhood. He warned the old template for dealing with China is insufficient.
Turning to U.S.-India ties, Tirumurti argued that Washington must define India’s place in its strategic calculations and avoid subjecting the relationship to repeated crises, particularly over trade issues. He criticized punitive tariffs, noting that these tactics haven’t worked with India, as the country values the relationship but not “at any cost.”
The former envoy defended India’s stance on the Ukraine war, saying it was the correct decision to abstain on the UN Security Council resolutions. However, he also advocated for a more active Indian role in the conflict to mitigate criticism and demonstrate engagement on issues of global concern.
Regarding West Asia, Tirumurti noted the complexities of the situation in Gaza and the evolving dynamics between Gulf states and Israel. He suggested that India’s historically pro-Israeli tilt may be becoming untenable given the devastation and unrest in the region.
Tirumurti firmly defended India’s policy of “strategic autonomy,” calling it essential for maintaining independent decision-making in a multipolar world. He emphasized that a rising power like India must be proactive, contributing to the global commons while also playing a bigger role in resolving conflicts and navigating geopolitical complexities.
“We need to get our geopolitics right,” Tirumurti stated, underscoring the need for India to adapt its foreign policy to the realities of the shifting global order.
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