'The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China's supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China's political and economic dominance.' Explain this statement with examples.

Gives a concrete China-dominated supply chain where India is trying to build alternative capacity, with partnership routes.

• China's export controls on rare-earth magnets and materials in April 2025 exposed global manufacturers' dependence on one supplier and disrupted Indian automakers.
• In November 2025 the Cabinet approved a ₹7,280 crore scheme for 6,000 tonnes a year of sintered magnet capacity; its March 2026 global tender drew 20 bids.
• Suggest joint ventures abroad through KABIL and partnerships in the Minerals Security Partnership and the Quad.

Gives the semiconductor supply chain as an example of India positioning itself as a China+1 alternative.

• The government is pitching India as a trusted destination in the global 'China+1' diversification of chip supply chains.
• SEMICON India 2026, organised by ISM with the global association SEMI, drew more than 500 companies from over 20 countries.
• Note India's large design talent base, with many global firms already designing chips in India.

The H-1B proposal shows the limits of the West's courtship of India: strategic partnership coexists with curbs on the mobility of Indian talent.

• DHS's proposed rule would make a laid-off H-1B worker leave at once unless they hold another authorisation, ending a grace period in place since 17 January 2017.
• The H-1B cap is 65,000 a year plus 20,000 for U.S. master's holders, and Indian outsourcing firms are among its leading users.
• The proposal comes after a one-time $100,000 fee on H-1B applications under a September 2025 proclamation, adding to uncertainty for Indian professionals and firms.