India’s Foreign Policy in the 21st Century: Balancing Aspirations and Realities

Author: Aishwarya Sunil Korde, B.A. LL.B (Hons.) 2020-25, MNLU Nagpur.
Description: The following blog is part of the collaboration between VidhiNama Education and Research Centre LLP with Think India – MNLU Nagpur Chapter for their inaugural Blog Writing Competition, themed “Contemporary Trends in India’s Foreign Policy”. The author of this blog, Aishwarya Sunil Korde, was the winner of this competition.

Since its independence in 1947, India’s foreign policy has undergone significant transformations within the dynamic landscape of international relations. As the world’s largest democracy and a rising economic powerhouse, India’s approach in global affairs has been changing in order to cope with the challenges and seize opportunities available in the 21st century. This blog is dedicated to exploring contemporary trends shaping India’s foreign policy by examining how this country balances its national interests against moral values as it adapts to a rapidly changing global order.

Navigating Global Currents: India’s Evolving Foreign Policy in the 21st Century

One of the most notable shifts in India’s foreign policy has been the transition from non-alignment to multi-alignment. During the Cold War era, India was a prominent leader of the Non-Aligned Movement, maintaining equidistant from both superpowers. However, in the post-Cold War world, India has adopted a more pragmatic strategy of engaging with multiple powers simultaneously.¹

This multi-aligned approach allows India to pursue its national interests more effectively by fostering partnerships across the geopolitical spectrum. For instance, India maintains strong ties with Russia, its long-standing ally, while simultaneously deepening its strategic partnership with the United States. India’s simultaneous engagement in BRICS and the Quad exemplifies its balanced foreign policy approach, allowing it to navigate diverse global alliances while maintaining strategic autonomy.²

Assertive Pursuit of National Interests: Another significant trend is India’s increasingly assertive stance in following its nationwide benefits on the universal stage. The country has moved beyond its traditional role as a voice for the developing world to actively shape international norms and institutions. This shift is exemplified by India’s push for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and its efforts to reform global governance structures.³

India’s “India First” policy reflects this assertiveness, with the country making decisions based on its own interests rather than succumbing to external pressures. This approach was evident in India’s response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, where it maintained a neutral stance despite Western pressure, prioritizing its energy security and long-standing ties with Russia.⁴

In an increasingly interconnected global economy, India has placed greater emphasis on “economic diplomacy as a key pillar of its foreign policy”. The country has actively sought foreign direct investment, technology transfers, and market access for its goods and services. Initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Digital India” have been integrated into India’s diplomatic efforts to attract foreign partners and boost domestic capabilities.⁵

Furthermore, India has emerged as a significant provider of development assistance, particularly to its neighbours and African countries. Through its “Development Partnership Administration,” India offers grants, lines of credit, and technical assistance, enhancing its soft power and strengthening ties with the Global South.⁶

As global power dynamics shift towards the Indo-Pacific region, India has recalibrated its foreign policy to play a more active role in this strategic space. The country has expanded its maritime capabilities, strengthened partnerships with like-minded nations, and articulated its vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.⁷

India’s engagement in forums like the Quad and its participation in joint naval exercises demonstrate its commitment to ensuring maritime security and countering China’s assertive behaviour in the region. This focus on the Indo-Pacific aligns with India’s broader goal of becoming a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region.

What if it’s all about Balancing Moral Values and Realpolitik: While pursuing its national interests, India continues to emphasize the moral dimensions of its foreign policy. Concepts such as “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family) and the principles of Panchsheel (Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence) remain integral to India’s diplomatic discourse.⁸

However, balancing these ethical considerations with the imperatives of realpolitik presents ongoing challenges. India’s response to humanitarian crises, its stance on global issues like climate change, and its approach to promoting democracy abroad all reflect this tension between moral leadership and pragmatic decision-making.

Vaccine Diplomacy and Global Health Initiatives: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted India’s potential as a global health leader. Through its “Vaccine Maitri” (Vaccine Friendship) initiative, India supplied millions of vaccine doses to countries worldwide, showcasing its pharmaceutical capabilities and commitment to global solidarity.⁹

This vaccine diplomacy not only enhanced India’s soft power but also demonstrated its ability to contribute to global public goods. Moving forward, India is likely to leverage its strengths in healthcare and pharmaceuticals as part of its broader foreign policy strategy.

India has increasingly recognized the potential of its large global diaspora as a foreign policy asset. The country has strengthened its engagement with overseas Indians through initiatives like the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Indian Day) and has sought to leverage diaspora networks for economic and diplomatic gains.¹⁰

Moreover, India has amplified its cultural diplomacy efforts, promoting yoga, Ayurveda, and Indian cinema as soft power tools. These initiatives aim to enhance India’s global image and create goodwill among foreign populations.

Contemporary Trends in India’s Foreign Policy: Navigating a Dynamic Global Landscape

India’s foreign policy has evolved significantly, focusing on proactive engagement and strategic partnerships while maintaining a balance among major powers. The principle of strategic autonomy remains central, allowing India to engage with multiple global powers without aligning too closely with any single bloc.

US-India relations have deepened, particularly in defense and economic cooperation, while India maintains strong ties with Russia in areas like defense and energy. India’s ties with China blend economic cooperation and strategic rivalry, complicated by unresolved border issues and regional power dynamics.¹¹

Talking about Regional Dynamics: Neighbourhood First and Act East Policies: The “Neighbourhood First” policy aims to strengthen ties with South Asian neighbors, while the “Act East” policy focuses on expanding engagement with Southeast Asia and beyond. Economic diplomacy has become crucial, with India actively participating in global economic forums and development partnerships.

India has expanded its defence diplomacy through joint military exercises and capacity-building initiatives. Counterterrorism and cybersecurity have emerged as critical focus areas in India’s foreign policy. As Défense Diplomacy and Security Cooperation.¹²

Challenges include balancing relationships between major powers, managing regional instability, and addressing domestic constraints that can limit foreign policy effectiveness. Despite these challenges, India continues to adapt its approach to enhance its global stature and promote regional stability.

Navigating New Realities: Contemporary Trends in India’s Foreign Policy

India has shifted from Cold War non-alignment to a more flexible, multi-aligned foreign policy stance in the contemporary global order. The country has embraced economic diplomacy, emphasizing globalization and international trade partnerships to strengthen its position in the global economy.

Strategic autonomy and multi-alignment characterize India’s current foreign policy. This approach allows India to engage with various global powers while maintaining independence in decision-making. The Indo-Pacific region has become a focal point, with India emphasizing maritime security and regional stability to counterbalance China’s growing influence.¹³

The “Neighbourhood First” policy prioritizes relationships with South Asian countries, aiming to foster regional stability and economic integration. Simultaneously, India continues to champion the cause of the Global South, advocating for developing countries in international forums.

Technology and innovation have emerged as significant components of India’s foreign policy, with a focus on cybersecurity and digital cooperation. The “Modi Doctrine” has introduced assertive diplomacy and personal engagement with world leaders, enhancing India’s global image.

Despite progress, India faces challenges in balancing relations amid US-China rivalry and managing regional tensions. Moving forward, India’s foreign policy aims to adapt to new realities while maintaining its historical principles, positioning the country as a key player in the evolving international order.¹⁴

Summary of India’s foreign policy:

– Pragmatic pursuit of national interests

– Desire for a larger global role

– Multi-alignment strategy

– Balancing relationships (e.g. US-Russia, managing China)

– Blending traditional values with contemporary realities

– Challenges in reconciling ethical considerations with strategic imperatives

Talking about Vision India@2047, which is a long-term strategic plan aimed at transforming India into a developed nation by its 100th year of independence in 2047. In terms of foreign policy, this vision encompasses several key objectives:

1. Global leadership: India aims to become a leading voice in global affairs, contributing significantly to international decision-making processes.

2. Economic power: The vision targets making India one of the world’s top three economies, which would enhance its diplomatic leverage.

3. Strategic autonomy: India seeks to maintain its strategic independence while fostering beneficial partnerships across the globe.

4. Technological prowess: Becoming a global hub for innovation and technology, particularly in areas like green energy, AI, and space exploration.

5. Soft power projection: Leveraging India’s cultural heritage, democracy, and diaspora to enhance its global influence.

6. Regional stability: Taking a leadership role in ensuring peace and prosperity in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region.

7. Climate action: Positioning India as a leader in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development.

8. Reformed multilateralism: Advocating for a more equitable global order, including reforms in international institutions like the UN Security Council.

This vision requires India to further refine its foreign policy approach, balancing assertiveness with cooperation, and national interests with global responsibilities. It involves strengthening existing partnerships, forging new alliances, and positioning India as a responsible global power capable of addressing transnational challenges.

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