26 June 2025

Fortress America: India’s gateway to global innovation

Ananya Raj Kakoti

This article is authored by Ananya Raj Kakoti, scholar, international relations, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Donald Trump’s return to the White House has reignited familiar fires: nationalist trade wars, stricter immigration, and a cold shoulder to international students and tech collaboration. But beneath the surface of this hardline resurgence lies a quiet irony—by closing its doors, America may be opening new ones elsewhere.PREMIUMUS President Donald Trump 

For India, this is not just an economic opportunity. It’s a strategic moment to step into the vacuum and shape the next wave of global innovation.

Already, we are seeing signals of a shift. Canada, Europe, Australia, and even Southeast Asian nations are wooing researchers, startups, and students displaced by the US’s policies. 

The idea of a multipolar innovation ecosystem—where talent circulates more freely between regional hubs—is gaining momentum.AI and deep tech: Build global research and development (R&D) partnerships and incubate indigenous solutions.

Green economy: Leverage India’s leadership in solar and emerging hydrogen capabilities.
Advanced manufacturing: Cement India’s place in the electronics and semiconductor supply chain.

No comments: