India's Evolving Foreign Policy
in a New World Order

Navigating Complexity, Forging Partnerships, Asserting Strategic Autonomy.

Explore the Journey

A New Global Compass

India's foreign policy has undergone a significant evolution, particularly since the end of the Cold War, adapting to a rapidly changing global landscape. From its traditional non-aligned stance, India has moved towards a more pragmatic and multi-directional engagement, emphasizing strategic autonomy while forging partnerships with diverse global and regional players.

Key pillars of its contemporary foreign policy include the Look East/Act East Policy, a robust Neighbourhood First Policy, and active participation in multilateral forums like the G20, BRICS, SCO, and Quad, reflecting its aspirations as a rising global power. India continues to navigate complex relationships, particularly with Pakistan and China, while championing causes like UNSC reform, climate action (e.g., ISA, CDRI), and leveraging its considerable soft power and diaspora.

Post-Cold War Reorientation

Strategic Autonomy

While non-alignment in its classical sense became less relevant, the core principle of maintaining an independent foreign policy and freedom of action – strategic autonomy – remained central. This involves making foreign policy decisions based on India's national interests, without being bound by alliances or dictates of major powers. It allows India to engage with multiple power centers simultaneously (e.g., USA, Russia, EU, China) and on an issue-by-issue basis.

(Source: S. Jaishankar, "The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World")

Multipolarity

India views the emerging world order as increasingly multipolar, with several centers of power and influence, rather than bipolar (Cold War era) or unipolar (immediate post-Cold War perception). India actively works towards strengthening a multipolar world order, where it can play a significant role as one of the poles ("leading power" rather than just a "balancing power").

Look East / Act East Policy

Look East Policy (LEP)
  • Launched: 1991 by Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.
  • Objective: To enhance economic and strategic engagement with Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) and, by extension, East Asia.
  • Drivers: End of Cold War, India's economic liberalization, search for new markets and investment partners, and the economic dynamism of Southeast Asia.
Act East Policy (AEP)
  • Announced: 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • Objective: An upgrade and more proactive version of LEP, with a greater focus on concrete outcomes, strategic cooperation (including security and defense), connectivity, and cultural ties.
  • Scope: Expanded to include East Asia (Japan, South Korea, China – though complex) and the Pacific region.
  • Key Pillars of AEP: Often summarized as the 4 Cs – Culture, Commerce, Connectivity, and Capacity Building. Also includes a strong security dimension.
  • Examples: Upgrading ASEAN-India relationship to a Strategic Partnership, active participation in East Asia Summit (EAS), Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, projects like India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project. (Source: MEA)

Engagement with Global Powers

USA (Strategic Partnership)

Transformation from "estranged democracies" to "strategic partners." Deepening cooperation in defense (e.g., LEMOA, COMCASA, BECA foundational agreements), counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, maritime security, and trade. Shared concerns about China's rise and a rules-based Indo-Pacific order. Key: 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. Recent: iCET, PM Modi's June 2023 state visit saw major defense (GE F414 jet engines) and technology deals. (Source: PIB, The Hindu)

Russia (Traditional, Special, and Privileged Strategic Ally)

Time-tested relationship, particularly strong in defense, space, and nuclear energy sectors. Continues to be a major supplier of military hardware to India. Cooperation in BRICS and SCO. Challenges: Russia's growing proximity to China, impact of Western sanctions on Russia (e.g., on defense supplies, payment mechanisms, discounted oil purchases by India). India has maintained a balanced stance on the Ukraine conflict, advocating dialogue and diplomacy. (Source: MEA, ORF)

European Union (EU)

EU as one of India's largest trading partners and sources of investment. Strategic Partnership focusing on trade, investment, climate change, digital transformation, connectivity, and security. Ongoing negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) – India-EU Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA). Current: India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) launched in 2023. (Source: PIB, European Commission)

Japan (Special Strategic & Global Partnership)

Convergence of interests on Indo-Pacific stability, maritime security, connectivity (e.g., Asia-Africa Growth Corridor concept), and infrastructure development (e.g., bullet train project, investments in NE India). Key partner in the Quad. Strong economic ties, Japan is a major investor in India.

Neighbourhood First Policy

This policy accords highest priority to India's relations with its South Asian neighbours, fostering friendly and mutually beneficial ties, promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

SAARC & BIMSTEC

  • SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation): India is a founding member. Effectiveness severely hampered by India-Pakistan tensions and Pakistan's obstructionism. Summits stalled since 2016.
  • BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation): India has increasingly focused on BIMSTEC as an alternative platform (excludes Pakistan). Connects South Asia with Southeast Asia. Focus areas: trade, connectivity, counter-terrorism. The 5th BIMSTEC Summit (2022) adopted the BIMSTEC Charter. (Source: BIMSTEC Secretariat)

Connectivity Initiatives

  • BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) Motor Vehicles Agreement: Aims to facilitate seamless movement of goods and people. (Bhutan yet to ratify).
  • INSTC (International North-South Transport Corridor): Multi-modal network to connect India with Russia and Europe via Iran and Central Asia. Increased focus due to geopolitical shifts.
  • Chabahar Port (Iran): Developed by India, provides crucial sea-land access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. India is committed despite US sanctions (with waivers for Chabahar). (Source: MEA)

Relations with Pakistan

Characterized by persistent hostility, unresolved issues (Kashmir, terrorism), and periodic crises. Cross-border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan remains India's core concern. Bilateral dialogue challenges: Dialogue often stalled due to terror attacks. India maintains that Pakistan must create a conducive atmosphere free from terror for talks to resume. Key events: Pulwama attack (2019) and Balakot airstrikes, abrogation of Article 370 in J&K (2019). Ceasefire along LoC was reaffirmed in Feb 2021, but violations and infiltration attempts continue.

Relations with China

A complex and challenging relationship with elements of cooperation and competition/conflict. Border Disputes: Unresolved boundary issue (LAC) leading to standoffs (Doklam 2017, Galwan Valley Clash 2020 – violent clash with casualties, leading to significant downturn). Huge trade deficit. India has not joined Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), citing sovereignty concerns (CPEC passes through PoK) and lack of transparency. India views China's growing assertiveness in the region and Indo-Pacific with caution. (Source: MEA, IDSA)

Ties with Other Neighbours

Bangladesh

Generally positive and improving. Focus on connectivity, trade, water sharing (Ganga, Teesta), security cooperation. Land Boundary Agreement (2015) was a major achievement. Current: Inauguration of several cross-border connectivity projects (Nov 2023). (Source: PIB)

Nepal

Close historical, cultural, and economic ties ("Roti-Beti ka Rishta"). Open border. Challenges: Occasional political misunderstandings, border issues (Kalapani), China's growing influence. India is a major development partner.

Sri Lanka

Complex relationship. Ethnic issue (Tamils) has been a factor. India provides significant development assistance. Current: India provided substantial financial and humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka during its severe economic crisis in 2022-23. Focus on connectivity projects. (Source: The Hindu, MEA)

Maldives

Relationship has seen ups and downs. India is a key development and security partner. China's influence is a factor. Current: New government (late 2023) has indicated a shift, potentially impacting ties. India remains engaged.

Bhutan

Special and exemplary relationship. India is Bhutan's closest strategic and development partner. Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. Hydropower cooperation is a key pillar.

Afghanistan

Post-Taliban takeover (2021), India has adopted a cautious approach, focusing on humanitarian aid and regional stability. Reopened its technical mission in Kabul (2022).

Myanmar

Shares a long border. Important for India's Act East Policy and security in the Northeast. India has engaged with the military junta post-2021 coup, balancing democratic values with strategic interests.

India as a Rising Global Power

India's growing economy, demographic dividend, military capabilities, and active diplomacy have contributed to its emergence as a significant global player.

Role in Global Groupings

G20 (Group of Twenty)

Premier forum for international economic cooperation. India held the Presidency from Dec 2022 to Nov 2023. The New Delhi G20 Leaders' Summit (Sept 2023) was highly successful, achieving consensus on the Leaders' Declaration, admission of the African Union as a permanent member, launch of the Global Biofuels Alliance, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) announcement. (Source: G20 India website, PIB)

BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa)

Platform for emerging economies to promote peace, security, development, and cooperation. New Development Bank (NDB) and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) are key initiatives. Current: BRICS expansion agreed at 2023 Summit (Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE invited to join from Jan 2024; Argentina later declined).

SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation)

Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance. India became a full member in 2017. Focus on regional security, counter-terrorism, connectivity. Provides a platform for India to engage with Central Asian Republics, China, and Pakistan. Current: India chaired the SCO in 2023, hosting the Summit virtually. Iran became a full member.

Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue)

Informal strategic dialogue between India, USA, Japan, and Australia. Aimed at ensuring a "free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific." Focus on maritime security, connectivity, HADR, critical technologies, climate change. Seen by some as a counter to China's assertiveness. Regular summits and ministerial meetings.

UNSC Permanent Membership Aspiration

India has long advocated for reform of the UN Security Council, including expansion of both permanent and non-permanent categories, to make it more representative of contemporary global realities. India, along with Brazil, Germany, and Japan (G4 nations), stakes its claim for permanent membership. It argues its case based on its population, economic size, democratic credentials, contributions to UN peacekeeping, and role in global affairs. Process has been slow due to opposition from some existing P5 members and regional rivals.

Soft Power & Diaspora Diplomacy

  • Soft Power: India leverages its rich cultural heritage, democratic values, and pluralistic society to enhance its global influence. Examples: International Day of Yoga (June 21), Bollywood, Ayurveda, Nalanda University revival.
  • Diaspora Diplomacy: Large and influential Indian diaspora (approx. 32 million NRIs/PIOs) across the world. Seen as a valuable asset for promoting India's interests, investments, and image abroad. Government actively engages through events like Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

India's Global Initiatives

International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Launched by India and France in 2015 at CoP21 (Paris). Headquarters: Gurugram, India. Aims to promote solar energy deployment, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and combat climate change. Treaty-based intergovernmental organization with over 100 signatory countries. A key instrument of India's climate leadership and South-South cooperation. (Source: ISA website)

Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

Launched by India at the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019. Secretariat: New Delhi, India. A multi-stakeholder global partnership of national governments, UN agencies, multilateral development banks, private sector, and academia. Aims to promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks. (Source: CDRI website)

Energy Security and Climate Change Diplomacy

Energy Security

India is one of the world's largest energy consumers, with high import dependence (especially for crude oil and natural gas).

  • Key Objectives: Diversify sources of energy imports (Middle East, Africa, USA, Russia), increase domestic production.
  • Massive push for renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro, biofuels) to reduce fossil fuel dependence and meet climate targets (e.g., National Solar Mission, target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030). (Source: Ministry of Power, MNRE)
  • Strategic petroleum reserves and nuclear energy cooperation (e.g., with Russia, France, USA).

Climate Change Diplomacy

India is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts and plays an active, constructive role in global climate negotiations (UNFCCC, CoPs).

  • Emphasizes principles of Equity and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).
  • Advocates for climate justice, transfer of finance and technology from developed to developing countries.
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) Updated (2022):
    • Reduce emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 (from 2005 level).
    • Achieve ~50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030.
    • Propagate 'LiFE' (Lifestyle for Environment) movement.
  • Long-term goal: Net Zero emissions by 2070 (Announced at CoP26, Glasgow, 2021). (Source: MoEFCC, PIB)
  • Leadership in initiatives like ISA and CDRI.

Summary: India's Evolving Foreign Policy

Aspect Key Features/Initiatives
Post-Cold War Strategic Autonomy, Multipolarity focus, Look East/Act East Policy, Engagement with USA, Russia, EU, Japan.
Neighbourhood First SAARC (stalled), BIMSTEC (focus), Connectivity (BBIN, INSTC, Chabahar). Relations with Pakistan (terrorism issue), China (border, trade, BRI).
Rising Global Power Role in G20 (Presidency 2023), BRICS (expansion), SCO, Quad. UNSC permanent seat aspiration. Soft Power, Diaspora Diplomacy, ISA, CDRI.
Energy & Climate Energy security (diversification, renewables, nuclear). Climate Diplomacy (NDCs, Net Zero 2070, CBDR-RC, LiFE).
Key Current Affairs (Recent) G20 Presidency outcomes (Delhi Declaration, AU membership, IMEC, Global Biofuels Alliance). BRICS expansion. India-EU TTC. iCET with USA. Chabahar development. Sri Lanka aid. Akhaura-Agartala rail.

Conclusion: India's Global Ascent

India's foreign policy in the new world order is characterized by a dynamic blend of pragmatism, principle, and ambition. Anchored in the pursuit of strategic autonomy, India navigates a complex multipolar landscape by fostering diverse partnerships and actively shaping global governance norms.

Initiatives like 'Act East' and 'Neighbourhood First' underscore its regional priorities, while its proactive role in forums like the G20 (demonstrated by its successful Presidency), BRICS, SCO, and Quad highlights its growing global stature. Challenges persist, notably with China and Pakistan, but India continues to assert its interests while championing multilateralism, sustainable development (ISA, CDRI), and leveraging its unique soft power. As India's economic and geopolitical influence expands, its foreign policy will remain crucial in addressing global challenges like climate change, energy security, and ensuring a stable, rules-based international order.