India's Expanding Footprint: Navigating the Global Geopolitical Landscape

India's Expanding Footprint: Navigating the Global Geopolitical Landscape

India stands at a pivotal juncture in its global trajectory, increasingly recognized as a significant economic and geopolitical force shaping the evolving international order. Its robust economic expansion and growing strategic importance have positioned it as a crucial player in addressing global challenges and forging new partnerships. Since the turn of the millennium, India's share in the global economy, measured by purchasing power parity, has witnessed a remarkable ascent, reaching approximately 7.5% by 2023 and with projections indicating a further rise to around 10% by the end of the decade. This upward trajectory underscores India's growing influence in international financial systems and trade dynamics. Despite a complex global economic environment, India has consistently maintained its status as the world's fastest-growing major economy, demonstrating its inherent resilience and potential for sustained advancement. This economic dynamism provides a solid foundation for India's expanding engagements across various aspects of international relations. Furthermore, India's successful stewardship of the G20 presidency in 2023 served as a prominent demonstration of its enhanced international standing and its capacity to navigate intricate global challenges, showcasing its diplomatic capabilities and commitment to multilateralism.

Key Relationships Shaping India's Geopolitical Role

India's Geopolitical role is significantly shaped by its evolving relationships with major global powers, each marked by unique dynamics of cooperation and competition.

The United States: A Maturing Partnership

The strategic partnership between the United States and India is built upon the shared bedrock of democratic values and a mutual commitment to upholding a rules-based international system. This relationship has deepened and broadened across numerous domains, with defense cooperation emerging as a particularly robust pillar. Collaborative initiatives such as the "U.S.-India COMPACT" and "U.S.-India TRUST" are instrumental in fostering enhanced cooperation in military affairs, accelerating commerce, and promoting technological advancements, especially in critical and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence. The United States explicitly supports India's emergence as a leading global power and views it as an indispensable partner in safeguarding peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. This partnership has matured into a comprehensive global strategic alliance, increasingly driven by converging strategic interests, particularly in response to China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. The strong emphasis on defense and advanced technology collaboration signifies a long-term strategic alignment rooted in shared values and mutual geopolitical objectives.

While security cooperation forms a crucial aspect of this partnership, the robust economic ties underscore a significant interdependence. Bilateral trade in goods and services reached a record high of $157 billion in 2021, establishing the United States as India's largest trading partner and most important export market. Ongoing dialogues and incremental progress have been made in addressing existing trade irritants and enhancing mutual market access for goods and services. However, persistent trade imbalances and unresolved tariff issues remain as areas requiring continued negotiation and resolution to ensure a truly comprehensive and resilient partnership. The Aero India 2025 exhibition served as a prominent platform showcasing the enhanced defense ties and the growing cooperation in Indo-Pacific security between the two nations. The consistent and significant US participation, including the display of advanced military aircraft, underscores the importance of this event in fostering interoperability and strategic alignment. Furthermore, both the United States and India are key members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), providing an additional and significant multilateral platform that further solidifies their strategic alignment in their shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region.

China: Competition and Engagement

The relationship between India and China is characterized by a complex interplay of deep economic interdependence coexisting with significant strategic competition, particularly along their long and disputed border. While both nations have expressed a desire to stabilize their bilateral relations, with ongoing discussions focusing on enhancing cross-border cooperation and fostering people-to-people exchanges, fundamental challenges persist. Despite persistent tensions in other areas, economic ties between the two nations continue to expand, with China surpassing the United States to become India's largest trading partner in 2024. However, this robust trade relationship is significantly skewed in China's favor, resulting in a substantial trade deficit for India. The border between India and China remains a significant source of tension, marked by historical disputes and recent military standoffs, including the Doklam incident in 2017 and the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. These incidents have led to military build-ups on both sides and numerous rounds of disengagement talks. A notable breakthrough was achieved in 2024 with the announcement of successful disengagement in eastern Ladakh. However, the protracted border dispute continues to be a major point of contention, necessitating ongoing diplomatic and military engagement to prevent further escalations.

India has consistently voiced its strong reservations regarding China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly concerning the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which traverses territory claimed by India. India views the BRI with considerable suspicion, primarily due to concerns about its potential to undermine India's sovereignty and increase China's strategic and economic influence in the region, particularly through its close partnership with Pakistan. Despite the complexities and tensions in their bilateral relationship, India and China continue to engage and cooperate within various multilateral forums, including BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). These multilateral platforms provide crucial avenues for dialogue and cooperation between the two nations on shared global and regional issues, even as they navigate their bilateral challenges. However, India remains mindful of China's significant influence within these organizations and strategically engages to ensure its own interests are also effectively represented.

Russia: An Enduring but Evolving Bond

The relationship between India and Russia remains a significant one for both nations, as evidenced by high-level visits and consistent reaffirmations of its importance. The established tradition of annual summits and regular 2+2 ministerial dialogues underscores the consistent engagement between the two countries. Economic ties between India and Russia have witnessed a notable surge, with bilateral trade reaching an all-time high of $65.70 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24. This remarkable increase has positioned India as Russia's second-largest trading partner. The primary driver of this growth is India's increased imports of discounted Russian crude oil, particularly in the context of Western sanctions against Russia. The economic partnership between India and Russia has experienced a significant strengthening, primarily in the energy sector, largely influenced by the geopolitical fallout from the Ukraine conflict and the resulting sanctions on Russia. This has led to a substantial trade imbalance favoring Russia, raising questions about the long-term equilibrium of this economic relationship.

The long-standing military-technical partnership, which has historically been the cornerstone of the India-Russia relationship, has witnessed a gradual decline in the share of India's defense imports originating from Russia. This shift is attributed to India's deliberate efforts to diversify its defense procurement sources and its increasing focus on indigenous defense production. Delays in the delivery of Russian defense systems due to Russia's involvement in the Ukraine conflict have also contributed to this trend. While Russia continues to be a significant defense partner for India, the latter's strategic emphasis on diversifying its arms suppliers and achieving greater self-reliance in defense production is gradually reducing its traditional dependence on Russian military hardware. India has adopted a neutral stance on Russia's military actions in Ukraine, refraining from both condemning and condoning the conflict. This position is consistent with India's long-standing policy of strategic autonomy. However, India's continued engagement with Russia, particularly its increased oil imports, has drawn criticism from some Western nations, leading to discussions about potential secondary sanctions. India and Russia are actively exploring and developing new avenues for cooperation beyond their traditional areas of engagement. These include collaboration in the Russian Far East, the Arctic region, the Northern Sea Route, and the development of the Chennai-Vladivostok economic corridor. Cooperation in science and technology, encompassing space exploration and civil nuclear energy, also remains a priority.

The European Union: Strengthening Strategic Ties

The European Union has explicitly stated its intention to strengthen its strategic partnership with India, which has been in place since 2004. Recent high-profile visits by EU leaders to India, coupled with the anticipation of an EU-India summit, signal a renewed and intensified focus on elevating the relationship to a higher level. Negotiations are currently underway between the EU and India for a comprehensive free trade agreement, an investment protection agreement, and an agreement on geographical indications, aiming to deepen economic integration. Both the EU and India increasingly recognize the strategic importance of their partnership in the context of growing global uncertainties and are actively working towards enhancing their economic and strategic cooperation. However, the ongoing trade negotiations face certain hurdles, particularly concerning issues such as the EU's proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which India views as potentially detrimental to its domestic markets. The scope of cooperation between the EU and India extends across a wide spectrum of policy areas, encompassing security, climate and clean energy, connectivity initiatives, research and innovation, and space exploration. The launch of the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) represents a significant connectivity project involving the EU as a key participant, highlighting the collaborative efforts towards enhancing infrastructure and trade linkages. The strategic partnership between the EU and India is expanding beyond traditional economic engagement to encompass critical areas like security and connectivity, reflecting a shared vision for a more stable and interconnected global landscape. Trade in both goods and services between the EU and India has witnessed substantial growth in recent years. Furthermore, the EU stands as one of the top three sources of foreign direct investment into India, highlighting the strong existing economic linkages. The EU is also actively seeking to partner with India in the crucial domains of defense and security, including exploring potential collaborative projects under the EU's Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) framework and discussing the possibility of signing a Security of Information Agreement (SoIA). This growing interest from the EU in defense and security cooperation with India signifies a recognition of India's increasing importance as a strategic partner in addressing shared security concerns, particularly within the context of the Indo-Pacific region.

India's Active Role in Multilateral Forums

India actively participates in and contributes to several key multilateral forums, leveraging these platforms to advance its geopolitical interests and shape the global agenda.

BRICS: Driving the Agenda of the Global Market

India is a prominent and influential member of the BRICS grouping, which was established with the primary objective of fostering stronger economic cooperation among its member states. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Kazan for the BRICS summit underscores the significant importance that India attaches to this forum as a key element of its foreign policy strategy. India has been actively involved in shaping the BRICS agenda, aligning it with its own national priorities and focusing on critical issues such as addressing the climate crisis, promoting sustainable economic development, and advocating for the interests of the Global South. Unlike Russia and China, India, along with countries like Brazil and South Africa, prefers a balanced approach to global power dynamics and seeks to maintain strategic autonomy and a multipolar world order, for which BRICS serves as a vital platform. India strategically utilizes the BRICS platform to amplify the voice and represent the interests of the Global South on the international stage, advocating for a reformed global governance structure that provides greater representation and addresses the specific needs of developing nations. India views the recent expansion of the BRICS membership to include countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE as a positive development, as these nations share similar perspectives on various global challenges and opportunities. The inclusion of these new members, particularly major energy producers and nations with strong economic ties to India, has the potential to enhance India's influence within the BRICS bloc and strengthen its position on key global issues, including discussions around de-dollarization, where India favors a more gradual and cautious approach compared to some other members. The establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB), where India holds the position of the second-largest shareholder, represents a significant achievement for the BRICS grouping. The NDB provides crucial financial resources for infrastructure development and sustainable development projects in member countries and beyond. The NDB offers a viable alternative to traditional Western-dominated financial institutions, providing developing countries with greater access to funding for critical development needs and reducing their reliance on established players.

SCO: Navigating a Complex Regional Landscape

India was granted full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in June 2017, marking a significant step in its engagement with the Eurasian region. The SCO's agenda encompasses a wide range of areas, including fostering cooperation in trade, transportation infrastructure, energy security, educational exchanges, and environmental protection. India's key priorities within the SCO framework include promoting the development of start-ups and innovation, advancing digital technologies, supporting traditional medicine practices, and addressing the pressing challenges of climate change. India views its participation in the SCO as a strategic imperative for enhancing regional security, strengthening counter-terrorism efforts, and fostering greater economic connectivity with the Central Asian republics, which aligns with its broader "Act East" policy. However, India's engagement within the SCO is often complicated by the need to carefully navigate its complex relationships with other key member states, particularly China and Pakistan. India actively participates in the SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), which focuses on intelligence sharing and coordinated efforts to combat terrorism and extremism within the region. Counter-terrorism remains a critical area of focus for India within the SCO, as it seeks to address the persistent threats of cross-border terrorism emanating from neighboring regions. However, India's specific concerns regarding terrorism originating from Pakistan have not always found adequate resonance or action within the SCO framework, due to the differing strategic priorities and alignments of other member states. India held the rotating presidency of the SCO in 2023, providing it with an opportunity to shape the organization's agenda and host various high-level meetings with officials from other member states. However, India's presidency was characterized by a relatively low profile, culminating in a virtual summit rather than an in-person gathering of heads of state. India views the SCO as an important platform for promoting a multipolar world order and asserting its own strategic autonomy in the Eurasian region. India's participation in the SCO allows it to engage with key Eurasian powers, including China and Russia, and provides a forum to counterbalance the influence of Western-led alliances.

G20: Leadership and Global Governance

India assumed the prestigious presidency of the G20 on December 1, 2022, and successfully convened the annual G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi in September 2023, marking a significant moment in its diplomatic engagement. The overarching theme chosen by India for its G20 presidency was the profound and universally resonant phrase "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," which translates to "One Earth, One Family, One Future," emphasizing the interconnectedness of global challenges and the need for collective solutions. India's agenda during its G20 presidency was comprehensive and ambitious, encompassing key priorities such as promoting green development and climate finance, fostering accelerated and inclusive economic growth, accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), facilitating technological transformation and the development of digital public infrastructure, advocating for reforms in multilateral institutions, and championing women-led development. India's G20 presidency was a resounding success, providing a prominent platform to showcase its growing leadership capabilities and its unwavering commitment to addressing pressing global challenges through international cooperation. A historic achievement during India's G20 presidency was the unanimous decision to induct the African Union as a permanent member of the grouping, a move strongly advocated by India. This landmark decision reflects India's deep-seated commitment to fostering inclusive global governance and its consistent efforts to amplify the voices and representation of the African continent within prominent international forums. The culmination of India's G20 presidency was the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, an action-oriented document that underscored India's dedication to addressing a wide spectrum of global concerns, ranging from sustainable economic growth to the development of digital infrastructure. This consensus was achieved despite significant geopolitical complexities and divergent perspectives among member states. During its G20 presidency, India launched several key initiatives, including the Global Biofuels Alliance, aimed at promoting sustainable biofuel production and use, and actively championed the development and deployment of digital public infrastructure as a model for inclusive growth and development.

The Quad: Promoting a Free and Open Indo-Pacific

India is a central and active member of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), a strategic partnership that also includes the United States, Japan, and Australia. The primary objective of the Quad is to promote a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, underpinned by the principles of international law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. India has increasingly demonstrated its willingness to assume greater responsibilities and actively contribute to the Quad's agenda, signifying its growing commitment to playing a more prominent role in shaping the security and economic landscape of the Indo-Pacific. India's participation in the Quad is a clear manifestation of its commitment to a rules-based international order and its concerns regarding the increasing influence and assertiveness of China in the Indo-Pacific. India is scheduled to host the inaugural Quad Regional Ports and Transportation Conference in Mumbai in 2025, as part of the new Quad Ports of the Future Partnership. Furthermore, India will also host a new regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific in 2025. These upcoming initiatives underscore India's increasing importance and leadership role in the areas of regional connectivity and maritime security within the Quad framework, aligning with its "Security and Growth for All in the Region" (SAGAR) vision for the Indo-Pacific. The Quad's agenda has broadened beyond a singular focus on security issues to encompass the creation of alternative and resilient global value and supply chains, effectively leveraging India's inherent economic strengths and potential. While the United States, Japan, and Australia primarily focus on the security dynamics of the Western Pacific, India's core strategic interests remain centered on the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

India's Growing Economic Clout

India's expanding economic influence on the global stage is a key driver of its enhanced geopolitical role.

Trade, Investment, and Supply Chain Dynamics

India stands out as one of the world's most rapidly expanding economies, with its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) projected to grow at a robust rate of 7% in the fiscal year 2024-25. India's total trade in goods with the BRICS Plus nations reached an impressive figure of approximately $335 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24, underscoring the significant economic linkages with this grouping. India's strong and consistent economic growth positions it as an increasingly attractive destination for international trade and investment. Its substantial trade volume with key partners, including those within the BRICS Plus framework, highlights the significance of these economic relationships. However, it's noteworthy that India currently faces a considerable trade deficit with the BRICS grouping as a whole, particularly with China. India is actively engaged in efforts to reshape global supply chains, capitalizing on its large and relatively cost-effective labor force, improving infrastructure, and implementing policies aimed at attracting foreign investment in manufacturing. India's share of global manufacturing exports witnessed an increase of 1.2% in the year 2023, indicating its growing potential as a manufacturing hub. India is strategically positioning itself as a viable and increasingly attractive alternative within global supply chain networks, encouraging businesses to diversify their sourcing and reduce their dependence on other countries, particularly China. India has achieved a remarkable milestone in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), with cumulative inflows reaching $1 trillion since April 2000. In the first half of the current fiscal year, FDI inflows saw a significant increase of nearly 26%, reaching $42.1 billion. However, FDI inflows in the calendar year 2023 experienced a decline compared to the levels seen in the preceding years. While India continues to be a compelling long-term destination for foreign investment, the recent fluctuations in FDI inflows suggest a potential sensitivity to prevailing global economic conditions and highlight the ongoing need for consistent policy reforms to maintain and further enhance investor confidence.

The Impact of Initiatives like 'Make in India'

The 'Make in India' initiative, launched by the Indian government in 2014, serves as a cornerstone of its strategy to transform the nation into a global center for design and manufacturing across a wide range of sectors. This flagship initiative has yielded significant positive outcomes, including a notable increase in manufacturing output, substantial growth in both domestic and foreign investments, and the creation of numerous employment opportunities across various sectors of the economy. Over the past decade (FY 2015-24), FDI inflows have surged by an impressive 119% compared to the preceding ten-year period (FY 2005-14), demonstrating the initiative's success in attracting foreign capital. India has emerged as the world's second-largest manufacturer of mobile phones, significantly reducing its dependence on imports in this crucial sector. Furthermore, the nation's defense exports have witnessed a remarkable surge, indicating the growing capabilities of its domestic defense industry. The 'Make in India' initiative has played a crucial role in bolstering India's domestic manufacturing capabilities, attracting significant foreign investment, and enhancing its overall export competitiveness. This has, in turn, strengthened India's economic influence on the global stage and positioned it as a more reliable and capable player in international supply chains, particularly in high-value manufacturing sectors.

Modernizing for Security: India's Military Posture

India is undertaking significant efforts to modernize its armed forces and forge strategic defense partnerships to enhance its regional and global security posture.

Defense Modernization Efforts and Partnerships

India is currently undertaking a comprehensive and ambitious program to modernize its armed forces across all three services, with a dual focus on indigenous development of defense technologies and the acquisition of advanced weaponry from international partners. Key indigenous initiatives include the development and induction of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas fighter jets, the commissioning of INS Arihant, India's first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, and the continuous upgrading of its indigenous missile systems like Agni and BrahMos. India is also actively pursuing strategic defense partnerships with several key global players, including the United States, Russia, France, and Israel. These partnerships focus on various aspects of defense cooperation, such as joint research and development, co-production of military equipment, and the transfer of advanced defense technologies. India's multifaceted approach to military modernization is primarily driven by its evolving security challenges, particularly along its contested borders with China and Pakistan, as well as its overarching ambition to establish itself as a leading power in the strategically important Indo-Pacific region. The strong emphasis on both indigenous development and strategic international partnerships reflects India's long-term goal of achieving greater self-reliance in defense while simultaneously accessing cutting-edge military technologies. The defense partnership between the United States and India has witnessed significant momentum, with the launch of initiatives like the "U.S.-India COMPACT" and the "India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem" (INDUS-X). These initiatives are specifically designed to foster closer collaboration between the defense industrial bases and research institutions of both countries, promoting the co-development and co-production of advanced military systems. Discussions are currently in advanced stages regarding the potential co-production of key defense platforms such as the Javelin anti-tank guided missiles and the Stryker infantry combat vehicles in India. While Russia remains a historically significant and important defense partner for India, the share of India's defense imports originating from Russia has gradually declined in recent years. This trend is primarily due to India's strategic decision to diversify its defense procurement sources, seeking advanced technologies from other countries like France and Israel, and its increasing emphasis on indigenously developed military systems.

Implications for Regional Stability

India's ongoing military modernization program has a significant and multifaceted impact on the balance of power dynamics in the South Asian region and its complex relationships with key regional actors such as Pakistan and China. While the primary objective of India's military modernization is to strengthen its national defense capabilities and enhance its deterrence posture, it inevitably has broader implications for regional stability. The continuous build-up of military capabilities can be perceived by neighboring countries as a potential shift in the regional balance of power, potentially leading to a cycle of military build-ups and heightened tensions. In a significant development in 2024, India and China reached a consensus on establishing patrolling arrangements in the contentious areas of Depsang and Demchok along their disputed border, leading to a complete disengagement of troops in these specific sectors. The progress achieved in disengaging troops from these key friction points along the border with China represents a positive and significant step towards de-escalating tensions and promoting greater stability in the region. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the fundamental border dispute between the two nations remains unresolved, highlighting the need for continued diplomatic efforts. India's ongoing naval modernization program is aimed at significantly enhancing its maritime capabilities and establishing its dominance in the strategically crucial Indian Ocean Region. A strong and capable navy is considered vital for safeguarding India's extensive maritime interests and projecting its power in the Indo-Pacific. However, India's growing naval presence and capabilities have implications for the maritime security dynamics of the broader region and could be interpreted by some neighboring countries as a potential shift in the balance of naval power.

Addressing Global Imperatives

India is actively engaging with global challenges such as climate change, counter-terrorism, and cybersecurity, demonstrating its commitment to international cooperation.

Climate Action and International Cooperation

India has made a firm commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by the year 2070 and is actively implementing a wide range of measures aimed at both mitigating the causes of climate change and adapting to its inevitable impacts. These initiatives encompass a broad spectrum of actions, including the vigorous promotion of renewable energy sources, significant enhancements in energy efficiency across various sectors, ambitious programs for increasing forest and vegetation cover, and the development of climate-resilient infrastructure to withstand the adverse effects of a changing climate. India is actively engaged in numerous international collaborations and partnerships focused on addressing climate change. These include the "U.S.-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership," a significant bilateral initiative, and India's leadership role in the International Solar Alliance (ISA), a global consortium dedicated to promoting solar energy deployment. Furthermore, India played a pivotal role in ensuring that the 2023 G20 Summit placed a strong emphasis on the critical importance of green and sustainable growth. India is demonstrating a strong commitment to tackling the global challenge of climate change and is positioning itself as a responsible and proactive leader in the transition towards a more sustainable future.

Countering Terrorism: A Multifaceted Approach

India maintains a firm and unwavering "zero-tolerance" policy towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and has developed a comprehensive and robust ecosystem to effectively combat this persistent threat. India's counter-terrorism strategy encompasses a wide range of initiatives, including the enactment of legal amendments to empower counter-terrorism agencies, the implementation of deradicalization programs aimed at preventing and countering violent extremism, and the adoption of stringent measures to disrupt and dismantle terror financing networks. India actively engages in extensive international collaboration on counter-terrorism efforts, participating in joint working groups with key partners such as the United States and the United Kingdom. It also plays a significant role in multilateral forums like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF). Furthermore, India currently holds the co-chairmanship of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts' Working Group (EWG) on Counter-Terrorism, highlighting its leadership role in regional counter-terrorism cooperation.

Cybersecurity: Building Capabilities and Collaborations

India is increasingly facing a staggering volume of cyberattacks, highlighting the critical need to continuously strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure and capabilities across both the public and private sectors. The Indian government has launched several key initiatives to bolster the nation's cyber defenses, including the establishment of the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) as the national nodal agency for responding to cyber incidents, the formulation of the National Cyber Security Policy to provide strategic guidance, and the creation of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to effectively combat cybercrime. The recent enactment of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act aims to further strengthen data security and protect the digital rights of citizens. Recognizing the global nature of cyber threats, India is actively fostering international collaboration in the field of cybersecurity. This includes engaging in joint initiatives with key partners like the United States, as well as actively participating in multilateral platforms such as the Quad cybersecurity partnership, aimed at enhancing the security of software and protecting critical information infrastructure.

Projecting Influence: India's Soft Power

Cultural Diplomacy and Shaping Global Perceptions

India's soft power, deeply rooted in its rich and diverse cultural heritage, its vibrant democratic values, and its extensive global diaspora, plays an increasingly significant role in enhancing its international standing and fostering positive global perceptions. India actively employs various cultural diplomacy initiatives to project its influence, including the global promotion of yoga (highlighted by the annual International Yoga Day), the widespread appeal of Bollywood cinema, the growing international popularity of Indian cuisine, the promotion of traditional Indian medicine systems like Ayurveda, and the facilitation of cultural exchange programs. The "Incredible India" campaign serves as a prominent example of leveraging cultural heritage to promote tourism. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government has placed a strong emphasis on showcasing India's rich cultural heritage and has actively promoted a narrative that positions India as a "Vishwa Guru," or "world teacher," highlighting its ancient wisdom and contributions to global civilization. India strategically utilizes its soft power assets to cultivate goodwill, build strong international relationships, and enhance its global image and overall influence. The extensive and influential Indian diaspora around the world acts as a significant force multiplier for India's soft power, serving as cultural ambassadors and promoting India's interests in their adopted countries.

Trends in India's Foreign Policy Thinking

India's foreign policy has undergone a notable evolution in recent years, shifting from its long-standing principle of non-alignment towards a more pragmatic and flexible approach characterized by multi-alignment and a strong emphasis on maintaining strategic autonomy in its decision-making. There is an increasing prioritization of economic diplomacy in India's foreign policy engagements, with a significant focus on fostering international trade, attracting foreign investment, and promoting technological cooperation as key drivers of its global interactions. India is demonstrating a growing inclination to adopt a more proactive stance on the global stage, moving beyond a reactive approach to actively shaping international norms and contributing to global governance as a responsible and influential power. The Indian government has articulated specific foreign policy priorities aimed at strengthening its immediate neighborhood through the "Neighbourhood First" policy and enhancing its engagement with the broader East Asian region through the "Act East" policy. While maintaining its historically strong relationship with Russia, India has also witnessed a growing convergence of its foreign policy interests with those of Western nations, particularly the United States and its allies. India's foreign policy thinking has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, marked by a shift towards greater pragmatism, increased assertiveness, and a clear focus on advancing its core national interests in an increasingly complex and multipolar global environment.

India's Evolving geopolitical Trajectory

India's role in global geostrategy is increasingly prominent and influential, primarily driven by its sustained high economic growth, its significant demographic dividend, and its increasingly proactive and assertive foreign policy agenda. India actively participates in and contributes to the agendas of key multilateral forums, positioning itself as a leading voice for the interests and concerns of the Global South on a wide range of critical global issues. Navigating the complex and often delicate balance in its relationships with major global powers, including the United States, China, and Russia, while simultaneously strengthening its strategic partnerships with the European Union and maintaining a strong focus on its immediate neighborhood and the broader Indo-Pacific region, remains a key challenge and a top priority for India's foreign policy establishment. India is steadily emerging as a pivotal player in the evolving global order, strategically leveraging its unique strengths and cultivating key partnerships to navigate the complexities of a dynamic and often unpredictable geopolitical landscape. Its unwavering commitment to the principles of multilateralism, its steadfast pursuit of strategic autonomy, and its proactive engagement in addressing pressing global challenges collectively position India for an even more significant and influential role in the international arena in the years to come.