The international system is shifting from the ‘unipolar’ and Western-led liberal order to a more ‘hybrid’, decentralised and polycentric system (‘multi-polar’ world order). In this context, India’s role has also transformed as an emerging global power.
India’s Earlier Role as a Voice of the Marginalised
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) promoted strategic autonomy and South-South solidarity against superpower blocs.
Economic Advocacy- At UNCTAD and G77, India pushed for a New International Economic Order (NIEO) to reform global trade and finance.
Decolonisation- Eg- opposition to apartheid in South Africa
Disarmament Diplomacy- Advocated global nuclear disarmament.
WTO Diplomacy – Advocacy for Doha Agenda
Shift in India’s Global Posture – Rise of Realpolitik
Economic Liberalisation (1991)- Shift from Third World solidarity to global integration. Eg- recent FTA with UK
Shift from Non-Alignment to Multi Alignment – Strategic Partnerships with US, Japan, France, and Israel based on Enlightened self interest.
Membership in Quad, SCO, BRICS, and G20, signal pragmatic engagement beyond ideological blocs.
Nuclear Tests (1998)- Assertion of national power replaced earlier moral idealism.
Energy & Security Diplomacy- India’s West Asia, I2U2, and Indo-Pacific strategies reflect a realist pursuit of interests.
Reduced Role in NAM– Eg- PM Modi skipping NAM Summit
India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy align with global power equations and economic interests.
Strategic Balancing- Maintaining relations with US (Quad), Russia (defence), and China (BRICS/SCO) reflects sophisticated multi-vector diplomacy.
However, India Still Asserts Its Ethical Stance and Voice of the Global South
South-South Cooperation- India extends Lines of Credit, ITEC training, and humanitarian aid to 160+ nations.
Humanitarian diplomacy under Vaccine Maitri (2021)- Supplied vaccines to over 90 countries.
Voice of Global South Summit (2023)- representing Global South concerns on debt, food, and digital inclusion.
Climate Justice Advocacy- India’s stand for common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR).
Digital Public Goods Diplomacy- Eg- promotion of India Stack and UPI models in Africa.
Ethical Multilateralism- Eg- call for UNSC reform and rule-based global order, rooted in the civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“One Earth, One Family, One Future”).
The world order today is in ‘flux’ (M. K. Narayanan). Issue based partnerships rather than alliances is the order of the day (S. Jaishankar)