The renewed strength of NATO and the deepening US-Europe strategic partnership, especially after the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have reshaped global geopolitics. Though not a member, India stands to gain strategically and diplomatically from this evolving alignment.

Yes, it works well for India – Reasons and Examples

1. Checks Revisionist Powers like China and Russia

   • NATO’s increased focus on collective security and global norms helps limit Russia's aggression in Eurasia and China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.
   • Example: NATO’s 2022 Strategic Concept for the first time acknowledged China as a “challenge,” aligning with India’s concerns in the Indo-Pacific.

2. Frees Up US Focus Towards Indo-Pacific

   • A more self-reliant and assertive European security ecosystem enables the US to allocate more military and diplomatic bandwidth toward the Indo-Pacific, where India faces China.
   • Example: US-led initiatives like AUKUS and QUAD have received more attention post NATO’s realignment.

3. Stronger Global Rules-Based Order

   • A robust US-Europe alliance pushes back against authoritarian threats and reinforces a rules-based international order, which aligns with India's commitment to sovereignty and non-intervention.
   • India benefits from the normative weight such coalitions bring on global governance issues like maritime security and terrorism.

4. Enhanced Defence Cooperation and Technology Sharing

   • Strengthened NATO cooperation encourages defence technology transfers and joint exercises, where India indirectly benefits via the India–US and India–France strategic partnerships.
   • Example: India’s acquisition of Rafale jets from France and joint naval drills like Malabar and Varuna showcase convergence on strategic interests.

5. Support on Multilateral Platforms

   • The US and Europe have increasingly supported India’s role in global governance—such as reforms in UNSC and export control regimes (MTCR, Wassenaar).
   • Their partnership enhances India’s diplomatic leverage on climate action, technology, and global health.

Counter-Concerns

1. Risk of Global Polarisation and New Bloc Politics

   • Strengthened NATO may revive Cold War-style bipolarity, weakening multilateralism and marginalising countries like India that prefer strategic autonomy.
   • India’s non-aligned stance on conflicts like Russia-Ukraine may face increased pressure from both sides.

2. Strained India-Russia Defence Ties

   • NATO’s posture towards Russia could undermine India’s long-standing defence partnership with Moscow, which still supplies over 50% of India’s military hardware.
   • Example: The S-400 missile deal faces the risk of US CAATSA sanctions, complicating India’s defence diplomacy.

3. Pressure to Align on Foreign Policy Issues

   • India may be expected to side with the West on controversial issues like human rights, sanctions, and military interventions, potentially compromising its independent foreign policy.
   • Example: Western unease over India’s oil imports from Russia despite global sanctions.

4. Trade and Regulatory Challenges

   • A more assertive Europe may introduce policies like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) that disadvantage Indian exporters.
   • This could lead to non-tariff barriers in critical sectors such as steel, aluminium, and manufacturing.

5. Neglect of Global South Priorities

   • A NATO-focused Western alliance may underemphasize development concerns of the Global South, such as climate finance, food security, and vaccine equity, areas where India has taken global leadership.
   • Example: Limited Western response to India's call for TRIPS waiver on COVID vaccines.

6. Possibility of Security Dilemmas in Asia

   • NATO’s expanding interest in the Indo-Pacific may trigger security dilemmas with China, increasing regional instability.
   • India may get entangled in great power rivalries, complicating its engagement with ASEAN, Russia, and the Global South.

The expansion and strengthening of NATO and transatlantic ties broadly align with India’s long-term strategic goals, particularly in counterbalancing China and upholding a rules-based order. However, India must carefully calibrate its approach to retain strategic autonomy, continue engagement with Russia, and assert its role as a balancing power in the evolving multipolar world.