Two major transformations defined the global geopolitics over the last decade guided by the relative decline in US influence-announcement of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the resurgence of the Indo-Pacific as a sphere of traditional Indian influence. While China promptly used money, technology and institutions like the AIIB to gain influence amongst various countries across the globe, India as a 'Vishwa Guru' crafted its own role as an undeniable leader and partner under the paradigm of the Indo-Pacific.