Who Are India’s Friend and Enemies As Per Chanakya Niti?

In ancient India, Chanakya (Kautilya) devised the Mandala Theory, a timeless model of geopolitical strategy outlined in his Arthashastra. Rooted in realpolitik, it views the international arena as a circle of states—where allies, enemies, and opportunists revolve around a central power, the Vijigishu (aspiring king). According to Chanakya, your neighbor is your natural enemy, and your enemy’s enemy is your friend. In today’s world, this framework remains highly relevant for India, especially as it faces new challenges from aggressive neighbors, shifting alliances, and economic warfare like the recent U.S. tariff escalation.

1. Vijigishu (The Conqueror / Central Player)

  • India
    India aspires to be a civilizational, economic, and strategic power — the central kingdom in this Mandala, surrounded by friends, enemies, and opportunists.

2. Ari (Enemy – Immediate Threat)

  • Pakistan – Terrorism, Kashmir, nuclear threat, diplomatic hostility.
  • China – Border aggression, CPEC in PoK, maritime encirclement (“String of Pearls”).
  • Bangladesh- Post Sheikh Hasina Bangladesh Is Hostile
  • USA – Now partially in this camp due to:
    • 50% tariffs on Indian exports
    • Cozying up with Pakistan
    • Blocking tech transfers
    • Undermining Indian interests in multilateral forums

Chanakya’s lens: A nation that weakens you economically while arming your enemies is an enemy.

3. Mitra (Friend of the Enemy’s Enemy – Trusted Ally)

  • Japan – Shared Indo-Pacific vision, tech & investment, consistent support.
  • France – Defense (Rafale), space, nuclear, strong anti-China stance.
  • Israel – Strategic partner in agriculture, defense, cybersecurity.
  • Vietnam – Counterbalancing China, growing defense alignment.
  • Australia – Quad partner, maritime coordination, trust-based ties.

All five oppose China or Pakistan or both, and stand by India.

4. Ari-Mitra (Enemy’s Ally)

  • Turkey – Vocal on Kashmir, close to Pakistan, anti-India rhetoric at UN.
  • Iran (partially) – Recently tilting towards China and Pakistan due to Chabahar delays and U.S. pressure.
  • USA – Through its tilt to Pakistan and strategic use of economic weapons, it increasingly acts like an Ari-Mitra.
  • Qatar – Hosts anti-India preachers, media; funds Islamist networks.

5. Mitra-Mitra (Friend of the Friend – Core Strategic Support)

  • UAE – Strong economic ties, support on Kashmir, investment.
  • Saudi Arabia – Improved ties, intelligence cooperation, counter-radicalism.
  • Brazil – BRICS partner, neutral-to-supportive globally.
  • Indonesia – Culturally close, Indo-Pacific cooperation.

6. Udasina (Neutral – Uncommitted)

  • Sri Lanka – Torn between Indian aid and Chinese debt-traps.
  • Nepal – Cultural ally, but politically inconsistent.
  • Malaysia – Politically fluctuating, neutral in most India-related matters.
  • South Africa – BRICS partner, largely non-aligned.

7. Madhyama (Middle Power – Influences Both Sides)

  • Russia – Longtime partner, but now dependent on China. Still sells weapons, supports in UNSC, but walks a tightrope.
  • ASEAN Bloc – Regionally balanced; wary of Chinese dominance, but economically tied to it. India is a soft power competitor.

8. Dvidhībhūta (Divided/Unstable Ally – Two-faced)

  • Maldives – Alternates between “India First” and “India Out” governments.
  • Bhutan – Loyal but vulnerable to Chinese pressure and border tactics.
  • Afghanistan (under Taliban) – Unpredictable; old ties gone, new regime is anti-India and pro-Pak-China.

9. Parshnigraha (Backstabbing Ally – Pretends to be Friend)

  • Canada – Publicly democratic, but harbors Khalistani extremists, ignores Indian concerns.
  • Qatar – Pretends neutrality, funds anti-India activities, diplomatic backstabbing.
  • UN & OIC as institutions – Systematically hostile on Kashmir and human rights, driven by Islamist bloc and Western guilt.

Summary Table: Mandala Theory Applied to India (2025)

Mandala CategoryRoleCountries
1. VijigishuAspirant powerIndia
2. AriEnemyPakistan, China, USA (economic hostility) , Bangladesh (Post Sheikh Hasina)
3. MitraTrusted allyJapan, France, Israel, Australian, Japan, Vietnam
4. Ari-MitraEnemy’s allyTurkey , Iran , Qatar, USA
5. Mitra-MitraAlly’s allyUAE, Saudi, Brazil, Indonesia
6. UdasinaNeutralSrilanka, Nepal, Southafrica
7. MadhyamaMiddle playerRussia , Asean
8. DvidhībhūtaUnreliable allyMaldives, Afghanistan , Bhutan
9. ParshnigrahaDeceptive “friend”Canada, Qatar, UN

Final Chanakya-Style Insight:

“In diplomacy, trust actions—not words. A smiling ally who sharpens the knife behind your back is more dangerous than an enemy with a sword.”

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