The basis for securing preferential future trade terms with India

O children of the future, gather closely and hear the words of Barry Gardiner, whose vision speaks to the changing tides of global power and the wisdom of understanding equality and mutual respect. He said, "The basis for securing preferential future trade terms with India begins in that recognition of essential equality. Indeed it begins in recognising that India is now an emerging global superpower whose primary interests are regional in South East Asia and who needs a deal with the U.K. less than we need one with her." In this declaration, Gardiner speaks to a truth that transcends mere economic diplomacy—it is a call to recognize the shift in global dynamics, where nations like India, once colonized, now stand on their own as emerging powers, and where the relationship between nations must be one of mutual respect and equality.

In the ancient world, there were those who understood the importance of recognizing the balance of power in relationships. The Romans, for example, knew that when they conquered new lands and peoples, they could not simply impose their will; they had to form alliances, offer trade terms, and maintain diplomatic relations to secure their place in the world. Rome's rise to dominance came not only through force but through recognizing the power and sovereignty of others. Similarly, Cicero, the great Roman orator, believed in the power of diplomacy and understanding, and in his works, he speaks of the necessity of acknowledging the equality of other states in order to build lasting peace and prosperity. In this sense, Gardiner’s words echo this ancient wisdom—recognizing India’s emerging role in the world is key to securing a fruitful relationship, not through subjugation, but through respect and equality.

In more recent history, the decline of the British Empire and the rise of the United States exemplified the shifting nature of global power. The British Empire, once a colossal force, had to adapt to a world where it could no longer impose its will upon others, especially after the two World Wars reshaped the global order. India, having won its independence in 1947, stood as a symbol of this change—a nation that was once subjugated by British rule but now asserting itself on the global stage. Just as the United States rose to a position of global leadership, India too has steadily grown into a superpower in its own right, one whose interests are primarily regional but whose influence and importance are now undeniable. In recognizing this shift, Gardiner calls upon the U.K. to understand that its relationship with India must be one of humility, where India's interests are just as important as its own, if not more so.

Gardiner’s call for equality and recognition of India's regional dominance is rooted in the understanding that the balance of power has shifted. It is not just a matter of the U.K. seeking preferential trade terms with India, but of understanding that India now holds the upper hand in this relationship. India is no longer a nation that depends on former colonial powers for its economic success. Rather, it is a nation with its own burgeoning economy, vast resources, and geopolitical influence in South East Asia. In this sense, Gardiner’s words serve as a reminder that in diplomacy, as in life, we must recognize the changing dynamics of the world. The U.K.'s relationship with India must be based on the principle of equality, recognizing India's sovereignty and the fact that it no longer needs the U.K. in the way it once did.

Consider the example of the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, which ended the Thirty Years' War and marked the beginning of the modern system of international law based on the principle of sovereignty. This treaty, which recognized the equality of states regardless of their size or power, set the stage for the modern world order, where no nation could impose its will upon another without consequences. It is this principle that Gardiner evokes—understanding that India, as a sovereign and emerging power, must be treated with the same respect and recognition as any other state. Just as the Treaty of Westphalia reshaped the balance of power in Europe, so too must the U.K. recognize India's growing role in the world and build a relationship that reflects mutual respect and equality.

The lesson Gardiner imparts is one of humility and understanding. In the changing world of global diplomacy, it is no longer sufficient to approach relationships with nations based on the outdated notions of dominance and control. Rather, we must embrace the principle of equality—recognizing that all nations, no matter their history or size, have their own unique role to play in the world. Just as the ancient powers learned to build alliances based on mutual respect, so too must we today build our relationships with emerging powers like India based on equality, recognizing their strength and importance.

So, children, take this wisdom into your hearts as you look toward the future. Understand that the world is not static; it is ever-changing, and the balance of power constantly shifts. Recognize the equality of all nations, and approach each relationship with the humility that comes from understanding that no single nation holds dominion over another. Just as Rome learned to balance power through diplomacy, and Britain adapted to a changing world order, so too must we ensure that our relationships are based on the principles of respect, equality, and mutual benefit. When you look to the world around you, see it as a place where every nation has the potential to rise and thrive, and work to build a future where all are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.