India’s foreign policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has attracted significant attention worldwide, with the country increasingly seen as a global player that charts an independent path. Balancing the pressures of Western alignment with India’s unique interests, Modi’s government has crafted a foreign policy that strengthens India’s strategic autonomy. By consolidating trade ties, advocating for energy security, and playing a prominent role in the Indo-Pacific, India has successfully positioned itself as a leader of the Global South, while subtly distancing itself from the Western-centric worldview.

Prime Minister Modi’s foreign policy reflects a vision for India that goes beyond alliances and aligns with the concept of “multi-alignment.” This allows India to maintain partnerships across diverse platforms—QUAD, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)—without sacrificing its independence. Let’s explore how these initiatives have elevated India’s stature globally and strengthened its claim for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Modi’s government has demonstrated adeptness in maintaining autonomy in a world increasingly divided by ideological blocs. Notably, India’s decision to continue purchasing Russian crude oil, despite Western sanctions, has highlighted its focus on national interests over external pressures. Western nations expected India to align against Russia after the invasion of Ukraine; however, India took a pragmatic stance by engaging with both Ukraine and Russia, advocating for peace without taking sides.

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s Foreign Minister, has been pivotal in articulating this vision, emphasizing that “India is not anti-West; it is non-West.” This distinction underscores India’s commitment to a development path that diverges from Western norms. The Modi administration seeks partnerships based on equality and respect for sovereignty, exemplified by India’s non-partisan stance on contentious issues that appeal to both Western and Eastern blocs.

Energy Security and Trade Relations in the Middle East

Energy security has been a core tenet of Modi’s foreign policy, especially considering India’s growing energy demands. To secure this, India has formed strategic partnerships with energy-rich nations in the Middle East, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Brunei. These agreements provide a stable energy supply while reducing reliance on any one country. They also strengthen India’s influence in a region long regarded as the West’s primary energy supplier.

Moreover, India’s bolstering of trade ties with the Middle East enhances its strategic role as a global economic player, providing a gateway to larger markets. The Middle East, reciprocally, sees India as an essential partner in counterbalancing Western dependency. India’s foreign policy in the region demonstrates an astute awareness of both economic and geopolitical stakes, making India indispensable in global energy diplomacy.

Israel and Global Terrorism: A United Stance

India’s unequivocal support for Israel in the fight against terrorism is another cornerstone of its foreign policy under Modi. This collaboration symbolizes India’s hard stance against global terrorism, reinforcing India’s image as a responsible power dedicated to global security. Both countries share security concerns, particularly about cross-border terrorism. This partnership with Israel also grants India access to advanced defense technologies, further strengthening India’s security apparatus.

In a geopolitical landscape where many countries often adopt selective stances, India’s consistency in supporting allies fighting terrorism enhances its reputation as a committed global actor. While this support has occasionally drawn criticism, particularly from some countries in the Islamic world, India’s nuanced diplomacy has mitigated potential friction, maintaining cordial relations with both Israel and Palestine.

China, South East Asia, and Indo-Pacific Strategy

China’s assertive moves in the Indo-Pacific and along India’s border have put regional security at risk, making India’s role in the QUAD (alongside the US, Japan, and Australia) particularly significant. The QUAD’s mission to maintain open and secure maritime traffic in the Indo-Pacific region aligns with India’s interest in countering Chinese expansionism. During recent border standoffs, India’s strong response demonstrated its resolve to protect territorial integrity.

Furthermore, India’s active engagement with Southeast Asian nations serves as a counterweight to China’s growing influence. Modi’s government has capitalized on these regional relationships, positioning India as a reliable partner for countries concerned about Chinese expansion. As Foreign Minister Jaishankar stated, India’s goal in joining the QUAD is to uphold peace, not to isolate any nation—a stance that reiterates India’s independent stance while still addressing China’s aggression.

Africa in G-20: Inclusivity and Global South Leadership

Modi’s approach to inclusivity has been evident in his efforts to integrate Africa into the G-20, further establishing India’s leadership in the Global South. By supporting Africa’s G-20 membership, India underscores its commitment to a world order that accommodates diverse voices. This move resonates with developing nations that seek representation in global forums and recognize India as a champion for equitable global governance.

In advocating for Africa’s inclusion, Modi has positioned India as a bridge between developing and developed nations. This alignment bolsters India’s claim to a permanent UNSC seat, as it proves India’s dedication to democratizing global decision-making bodies and amplifying the concerns of the Global South.

Modi’s outreach to global technology companies highlights India’s ambition to become a major technological power. Addressing executives in the US, Modi showcased India as an attractive alternative to China for production and investment. This appeal capitalizes on current geopolitical dynamics, particularly with Western nations looking to diversify away from Chinese supply chains.

India’s emphasis on building a robust digital economy and fostering innovation aligns well with the priorities of global tech giants. By investing in India, companies not only gain access to a vast market but also reinforce India’s integration into the global digital economy. This economic diplomacy reflects a broader trend in India’s foreign policy—seeking mutually beneficial partnerships while promoting national interests.

The United Nations and Quest for a Rules-Based Order

Modi’s speeches at the United Nations have consistently underscored India’s commitment to a rules-based international order. His calls for reform within multilateral institutions like the UN resonate with countries disillusioned by the G-7-centric global order. India’s appeal for a permanent UNSC seat has gained traction, with endorsements from the US, UK, France, and Russia.

This push for UNSC reform aligns with Modi’s vision of democratizing global governance. India’s rising influence, coupled with its reputation for promoting peace and stability, strengthens its case for permanent UNSC membership. Modi’s stance reflects the aspirations of emerging economies and positions India as an advocate for a balanced international order.

The world is currently witnessing an era of geopolitical uncertainty, with potential flashpoints in Taiwan, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Modi’s foreign policy approach reflects a cautious pragmatism, balancing developmental goals with security concerns. The government’s ability to maintain open communication with conflicting nations, as seen in India’s engagements with both Russia and Ukraine, showcases India’s commitment to global peace.

Despite rising global tensions, Modi’s government has opted for diplomacy over confrontation, focusing on partnerships that align with India’s interests without succumbing to polarized global politics. This approach resonates with other nations facing similar challenges, enhancing India’s influence in promoting stability.

India’s foreign policy under Prime Minister Modi epitomizes the concept of strategic autonomy, balancing alliances with national interests. From energy security in the Middle East to trade partnerships, counterterrorism, and Indo-Pacific security, India’s initiatives have redefined its role on the world stage. Foreign Minister Jaishankar’s articulation of India as “not anti-West; non-West” encapsulates this approach, conveying India’s civilizational choice for a unique developmental path.

India’s assertive yet nuanced diplomacy signals the emergence of a multipolar world order where developing nations are no longer passive actors. As hotspots continue to arise globally, India’s strategy of cautious pragmatism will likely play a critical role in navigating a turbulent international landscape. Modi’s government has crafted a foreign policy that not only safeguards India’s national interests but also enhances its role as a stabilizing force, advocating for an inclusive, rules-based world order.

As the global order evolves, India’s position as a leader of the Global South and a promoter of equitable governance will continue to gain traction. India’s path forward under Modi emphasizes that sustainable development, peace, and stability can coexist, forming the foundation of a balanced international order. In this era of rising uncertainties, India’s foreign policy achievements signal its commitment to these values, potentially reshaping the contours of global power.