Despite its increasing prominence in international politics over the past decade, the concept of ‘Middle Power’ remains a controversial one and difficult to define clearly. Currently, there is no universally accepted definition that encompasses all states which can be defined as middle powers. Consequently, middle power remains an elusive term at times even more so when attempting to define it not only for scholarly purposes but also for policymaking.
Political significance: At a time when the U.S. is becoming less popular and the world is moving towards an era of unpredictability, it has become important to build alliances with middle powers like Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, and South Korea if India wants to have a stronger presence in global politics.
Global rise: The importance of aligning with other middle powers for India’s rise as a global power is substantial. Global middle power has the capacity to compete with the great powers and change a variety of international institutions to soften their impacts on smaller countries; it can also provide crucial support and alliances to weaker states.
Energy requirements: Middle power countries are aimed at strengthening partnerships in a changing global scenario. Apart from strategic significance in a region the oil-rich countries like Saudi Arabia are critical for India’s massive energy requirements. Thus, strong ties with these countries are important.
Countering China: India is no match for China when it comes to economic, military, and strategic might. However, balancing against China cannot be done by India alone. India needs its own middle powers in the region which would enable India to balance against China. After the free-trade agreement between India and Japan and Prime Minister Modi's trip to Australia and his efforts to cultivate a strong relationship with New Delhi's key partners — Japan, South Korea, and Australia - there are growing expectations that New Delhi will also try to strengthen these partnerships further with the goal of countering China's ever-expanding influence in Asia.
Economic significance: The rise of middle power countries is reflected in their economic growth. Countries like Brazil, South Africa, and South Korea are examples that have managed to grow at an astonishing rate. Apart from a burgeoning marketplace, there are vast natural resources located in these nations while their access to foreign capital has helped them grow. Thus, India could strengthen ties by investing and opening up opportunities for growth.
Nuclear energy: Japan will remain crucial to India for nuclear energy. Japan is a net exporter of nuclear energy. India has concluded an agreement with Australia and Canada that will provide the uranium. Additionally, if Japan and Australia join the Nuclear Suppliers Group, this will be a great advantage for the Indian government.
Defence: Military cooperation is a key area where India will look at the middle powers, especially Japan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s plan for joint naval exercises with Japan and Australia makes sense given China’s growing assertiveness in the Indian Ocean and globally. Nuclear and missile technology cooperation with Japan is also likely to be high on the agenda as New Delhi looks beyond the U.S. to counter China’s military build-up and its nuclear arsenal.
