India’s civilizational heritage and historical memory are guiding the nation towards a future full of hope and possibilities.
India’s foreign policy is attracting more attention in an increasingly multipolar world. India today acquires a pivotal space in the global system with its economic attractiveness, strategic strengths and political heft. Its multi-aligned policy enables India to navigate the global divides with equal ease. The theme of its G20 presidency, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), underlined India’s civilizational vision of humanity and universalism. As the aspiration of the 1.4 billion Indians reflects through the diplomatic energy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the domestic and external dimensions of India’s foreign policy have come under the spotlight. Consequently, the literature on Indian foreign policy is witnessing a rapid growth. However, one seldom finds a comprehensive yet focused work encapsulating India’s foreign policy direction in the contemporary world.
“Transformation of India’s Foreign Policy: Shaping the Global Order as a Responsible Power”, edited by Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, the first woman Vice-Chancellor of the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University, the seat of international studies in the country, is a unique work amalgamating academic rigour with policy relevance. Composed of nine chapters, the volume examines some of the most important themes in Indian foreign policy today, including the role of leadership, economic and defence diplomacy, multilateralism, soft power and engagement with the diaspora. In her Introduction, the editor sets the tone for the book while outlining the glaring features of India’s international relations and foreign policy today. She notes the guiding value of India’s civilizational heritage and historical memory in guiding the nation towards a future full of hope and possibilities.
The chapter on the worldview of Prime Minister Narendra Modi dwells into the transformation of the foreign policy over decades, underlining the vision of regaining India’s status as the Viswaguru (abode of knowledge) while embodying the human universalism through the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. India’s relations with major powers, immediate and extended neighbourhoods, Global South and developed countries and how it manages strategic issues and internal politics are explained by examining political, economic and security dimensions.
The contributions of two External Affairs Ministers—Sushma Swaraj (2014-19) and Dr S. Jaishankar (2019-ongoing)—are discussed at great length by Rohit Kumar Sharma. The compassionate and innovative approach of Sushma Swaraj demonstrated through her unique diplomatic style helped bridge the gap between the masses and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The chapter showcases how Dr Jaishankar’s tenure helped India articulate its views and perspectives in the battle of narratives in a complex world that faces challenges like economic slowdown, conflicts in Europe and the Middle East and the geopolitical tensions between the US and China.
Multilateralism is another aspect that has characterized Indian foreign policy over the last decade. Anuradha Jangra highlights how the Indian position shifted to multi-alignment, exhibiting the “internationalism” of a rising power. She discusses how India’s relations with and expectations from the United Nations have come along, particularly in the quest for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. The chapter underscores the rationale for India joining multilateral groups like BRICS and the Indian Ocean Rim Association and promoting BIMSTEC.
Economy forms a vital part of the hard power of any state, which is discussed in the chapter by Sameena Hameed. Being one of the largest economies, the role of India is fast emerging as a provider of digital public infrastructure like UPI. The rising economic presence of India and its development assistance across various regions like the GCC, BIMSTEC, and ASEAN, as well as Africa and Latin America, is explained with relevant data and figures. Energy trade and connectivity form another part, including oil and gas, which find detailed analysis.
In the sixth chapter by Deepika Matange, historical analysis explains the soft power and heritage through Sanskrit, Buddhism, the epics, and Indian cultural influence across the broader region of Southeast Asia. Various facets of cultural diplomacy, such as yoga, are explained and have internationalized Indian heritage. Another resource of Indian soft power is the Indian film industry, especially Bollywood, which has expanded its reach by using OTT platforms. The author discusses India’s health diplomacy during Covid-19, which benefited many smaller and poorer countries, where India’s status became synonymous with the pharmacy of the world.
Diaspora forms another living bridge between various countries. In this, India has a diaspora tracing from the colonial period of “indentured labour” to Indians who have immigrated to various regions, like the Gulf, North America, Europe and Oceania, after independence. Irfan Ahmed Nazir explains the role of the Indian diaspora as Rashtradoot (nation’s ambassadors). Using a data-driven approach to explain the presence of Indians and persons of Indian origin across various parts of the world, the chapter explains the holistic approach of the 4Cs—care, connect, celebrate and contribute.
The eighth chapter by Prabhat Jawla covers aspects of national and global security. It explains in detail the institutional reforms that have clarified India’s defence policy, followed by discussions on the government’s proactive approach to safeguarding the borders with Pakistan and China. The chapter explains the government’s increased emphasis on defence production, exports, and defence diplomacy, as well as increased joint military exercises, through appropriate tables and primary data. Moreover, discussions are made on India’s nuclear policy and its role in promoting international security, like UN peacekeeping and counter-terrorism. The book concludes with a chapter highlighting the challenges and way forward for Indian diplomacy in facing the new world order through a continuing commitment to economic and strategic growth.
“The Transformation of India’s Foreign Policy” candidly evaluates India’s global standing today. It underscores its internal strengths and external advantages while examining the probable challenges in its quest for great power status. The book seeks to put the leadership of Prime Minister Modi in a historical context as a statesman while providing insights into the transformation of the country’s foreign policy and diplomatic landscape over the last decade. The reliance on data and evidence makes the evaluation robust. The book is a must-read for students, practitioners, and readers interested in India’s international relations and foreign policy.
Kelvin Benny is a doctoral candidate at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.