India in Global Politics

Abstract

Like any other country, India's foreign policy is also moving towards expanding its sphere of influence, increasing its role among different nations and making its presence felt as an emerging power. Indian foreign policy is seeing many challenges and opportunities from the point of view of fulfilling its objectives in the 21st century. New scenarios require new thinking. At present, the world is a victim of imbalance and directionlessness, it is neither in a state of bipolar cold war nor is it moving towards a multi-polar system, but the entire world is gradually getting divided into many power centers.

India remains isolated from two important supranational bodies, the Non-Aligned Movement and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, of which it was a founding member. Apart from this, India has also opted out of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, but it is also a member of the group of Quad countries. This is not consistent with India's aspiration to become a global power. Uncertainty and constantly changing political environment clearly pose significant challenges for Indian policy. These are also some of the opportunities available to India that can expand the range of India's strategic options and diplomatic opportunities if we can adjust our policies internally and externally, especially in the Indian subcontinent. India should aim for multi-polarity in Asia. India has to adapt to the changing circumstances. It has no choice but to engage in this uncertain and more volatile world. A better way to do this is to establish thematic coalitions where different actors will be involved and their engagement will depend on their interest and capability. Self-reliance is an essential precondition while protecting India's fundamental sources of international influence. Our internal trajectory cannot be kept separate from the external trajectory we want to follow to transform India into a strong, secure and prosperous country.