Ten things to watch in India in 2026

Abstract

Strategic hedging is now critical for India. Balancing its interests with those of BRICS peers while also concluding important trade deals will remain challenging. Relations with the US being complex, India may seek limited rapprochement with China. Faultlines on regional issues, internal security, and domestic politics are likely to persist. Here are ten things to watch as regards India in 2026. International: Holding the BRICS presidency will test India's multi-alignment strategy. As part of its Indo-Pacific strategy, New Delhi is likely to look for partners beyond the US. Regional: India-China relations may improve diplomatically but are unlikely to resolve high-politics issues such as border disputes. Ties with Pakistan are set to remain strained, if not worsen. Elections in Bangladesh and Nepal may require India to adopt pragmatism in its "Neighbourhood Policy." Trade and Energy: India's attention may shift towards increasing trade and technology cooperation with the EU. Liberalisation of civil nuclear energy production could strengthen relations with traditional partners in the field such as Australia, France, Japan, Russia, and the US. Domestic: The five state assembly elections are unlikely to reflect the "national mood" but may still reveal issues of importance, particularly around incumbency. The Maoist insurgency may be defeated, but tensions in Manipur could deepen. The centenary of India's most influential Hindu nationalist movement may signal a recalibration of Hindutva ideology, with implications for narratives on domestic cohesion and sovereignty.