Ian Bremmer: India Now in 'TACO' Zone Where Trump Always Chickens Out
Ian Bremmer says India is on the 'TACO' scale as Trump always chickens out against strong nations like India.
India’s evolving economic strength is quietly reshaping global power equations, particularly in its relationship with the United States. Unlike countries that rely heavily on American trade access, India’s rapid growth has reduced its vulnerability to external pressure. This shift has given New Delhi greater freedom to engage Washington on its own terms, rather than responding out of urgency or dependence.
Geopolitical analyst Ian Bremmer recently described this shift using a blunt framework: the divide between countries that face consequences when they challenge power and those strong enough to push back. In this view, India is no longer in the category of nations that must tread carefully. Instead, it is emerging as a player confident enough to resist pressure, knowing that sustained economic and political strength limits the effectiveness of coercion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s long tenure and political stability further reinforce this confidence. With India projected to grow at over seven percent in the near term, trade negotiations with the United States are no longer seen as existential. New Delhi does not face immediate costs for delaying or rejecting proposals that do not align with its domestic priorities, whether on tariffs, market access, or regulatory demands.
Also Read: Israel Raises Concerns Over Trump’s Gaza 'Board of Peace'
This confidence also reflects a broader strategic recalibration. India has diversified its global partnerships, strengthened domestic demand, and invested heavily in infrastructure and manufacturing. These moves have reduced reliance on any single external market, allowing policymakers to prioritize long-term national interests over short-term diplomatic concessions.
As global power becomes increasingly multipolar, India’s position illustrates how economic resilience translates into diplomatic leverage. Rather than reacting to pressure, New Delhi is choosing patience and independence. In doing so, it signals that its rise is not just about growth numbers, but about the ability to shape outcomes without being forced into alignment by stronger powers.
Also Read: Trump Takes Chair of Gaza Peace Board in Major Plan Move
