This paper examines the geopolitical implications of India's defence production programme and the roles of China, Russia and the US. It argues that in spite of the war mongering rhetoric between Washington DC and Beijing, the two most powerful nations are likely to remain “ de facto” partners in the new world order that is emerging, bound as they are by mutual economic interest. Russia and India, on the other hand, are in the process of strengthening their strategic cooperation in order to retain an independent dependent in role without aligning with either of the two global hegemons, thus making possible for a third bloc or force to exist.
