India global leadership

As question marks are raised globally about the future of multilateralism, can India’s approach meet its strategic goals in the Indo-Pacific?

New Delhi’s vision for a multilateral, multipolar Asia aims at ensuring it can both balance China’s growing dominance in the region and restore its historic status in Asia.

Prime Minister Modi’s trip to Russia for the BRICS summit is critical as India seeks to deepen strategic ties with Russia, engage with China, and contribute to global governance reforms.

To establish itself as a significant actor in the region, India needs to consciously seek common ground with Southeast Asian countries on fundamental questions of regional order. 

The BJP has consistently used its foreign policy credentials to bolster its domestic popularity, but the difference is mostly one of style rather than substance.

India’s shift toward support for Israel risks putting it out of step with the developing world.

The eruption of war in Israel and Gaza is a dark reminder that buried conflicts – like India’s disputes with Pakistan and China – can erupt at any time. 

By focusing on issues affecting developing countries, like food and fuel insecurity and debt, India is projecting itself as the leader of the Global South.

BRICS’ development-focused diplomacy allows India to pursue a broader agenda than the Quad – and one more focused on the concerns of developing countries.

India has made clear that it wants to use its G-20 presidency to give voice to concerns of the Global South.

India pitched its identity as both a stalwart U.S. partner and a core member of the Global South.

As president of the G-20 and the SCO this year, India is in a position to project global leadership. But it will need to strengthen its economic heft and use it to promote peace and security.