For almost thirty years, globalization ruled the world economy. Borders opened wide. Supply chains spread across continents. Efficiency stood as the highest goal. Companies made goods where costs were lowest. Capital moved without barriers. People thought geopolitics would follow economics. That time is clearly over now.
A New Era of Friendshoring Emerges
Today, a fresh principle organizes global trade. We call it friendshoring. Trust and political alignment drive this change. Strategic security gains equal or greater importance than cost efficiency. Nations now prefer trading with allies and partners. They seek reliable supply chains over cheap ones.
India's Rising Role in the Shift
India emerges as a central player in this transformation. The China Plus One strategy gains momentum worldwide. Businesses diversify away from relying solely on China. They view India as a pivotal alternative. This shift boosts India's economic and strategic position.
Protectionism Grows as Multilateralism Fades
Protectionist measures increase across many countries. Trade barriers rise quietly. Meanwhile, multilateral trade agreements lose their earlier strength. The quiet retreat of multilateralism marks a significant change. Nations now focus more on bilateral and regional deals.
The grammar of world trade is being rewritten. Efficiency once dominated every discussion. Now security and trust shape new rules. This transition affects global economies deeply. India stands to benefit from these evolving dynamics. The world watches how these new patterns will develop.