Opinion | India : Global Power & Strategic Influence

Make in India is not just a slogan anymore—it’s becoming a strategy that attracts investment and builds global supply chain resilience.

There’s something changing in the air around us—and it’s not just politics, economics, or even technology. It’s about where we, as a country, stand in the world today. It’s about India’s voice being heard, not just in regional matters, but on the global stage. And that voice is no longer hesitant. It is confident, clear, and compelling. This is the story of India’s journey from being seen as a balancing force to becoming a leading force in global affairs. Let me put it plainly. The way India has emerged in recent years is not accidental. It is the result of deliberate, determined, and dynamic diplomacy. Whether you look at our increasing presence in multilateral forums like the G20, BRICS, or the United Nations, or our growing defence and strategic preparedness, or even our economic diplomacy—it’s all pointing in one direction: India wants, and deserves, to be heard.
Take the G20, for instance. Just a few years ago, India was often a participant—present but not particularly influential. Today, it is setting the tone of global discussions. Our G20 presidency wasn’t just a ceremonial position. It was used as a platform to raise issues that truly matter to developing countries—like sustainable growth, digital inclusion, global health equity, and climate action. And what made India’s approach different was the voice we carried—not just our own, but the voice of the entire Global South. For once, nations that are usually seen as passive recipients of global decisions felt represented. That’s a shift in power. That’s strategic influence. Let’s not forget BRICS. Once thought of as an economic alliance with potential, it is now becoming a space where alternate global narratives are being shaped—and India is right at the heart of it. Despite the internal differences within BRICS, India’s role has been to bring maturity, moderation, and a sharp focus on economic cooperation, trade, and multipolarity. India doesn’t merely go along; it shapes the agenda. And that’s no small thing in a world increasingly divided by ideological blocs and superpower rivalries.

Now, when we talk about India’s global rise, we cannot ignore the United Nations. It remains one of the most prestigious global platforms, and India has been making a case—loud and clear—for reform. The push for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council is not about vanity. It’s about fairness. How can a body that decides on global peace and conflict exclude the most populous country in the world, a nuclear power, a top contributor to peacekeeping forces, and one of the fastest-growing economies? It simply doesn’t add up anymore. India’s voice at the UN is not just more assertive—it is more respected, because we speak with credibility and consistency. But strategic influence isn’t built on speeches alone. It demands power—hard power, soft power, and everything in between. This is where defence and border security come into the picture. Let’s be real: no country can hold its head high in the world if it doesn’t have the capacity to protect its borders and assert its sovereignty. India has made tremendous progress on this front. Whether it is securing the borders in Ladakh, strengthening infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh, or modernizing our armed forces—there is now a focus not just on defence but on deterrence. Our missile systems, indigenous aircraft, cyber security grid, and joint exercises with global powers—these are all signals that India is no longer a soft target or a reluctant responder. It is ready, alert, and strategic.

But we must also understand that military strength works best when it’s accompanied by smart diplomacy. That’s why we see India investing more in global partnerships—both traditional and new-age. Our ties with the United States have evolved from mere engagement to strategic convergence, particularly in areas like defence tech, semiconductors, and Indo-Pacific security. Our relationship with Europe, especially France and Germany, is also getting stronger—fueled by climate cooperation, trade, and technological exchange. And even with nations where we’ve had complex histories, like Russia and China, India is maintaining a calibrated and cautious diplomacy—firm, but not reckless. What’s really exciting, though, is India’s expansion into regions previously seen as distant or marginal. Look at Africa, Central Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Latin America. Our diplomatic missions are growing, our trade relationships are diversifying, and our development partnerships—whether through lines of credit, training, or infrastructure support—are making a real impact. We’re not just sending aid anymore; we’re building relationships of equals.
Economic diplomacy is another silent pillar of India’s rising global clout. The world is seeing India as a reliable partner, a massive market, and a hub for innovation. Free trade agreements are being negotiated and signed with an eye on long-term benefit. Indian companies are going global. At the same time, we are positioning ourselves as the manufacturing alternative to China. Make in India is not just a slogan anymore—it’s becoming a strategy that attracts investment and builds global supply chain resilience. Let’s not ignore soft power either. Yoga, Ayurveda, Indian cinema, our diaspora, and even our democratic values—these are all parts of a larger narrative that makes India attractive, relatable, and inspiring to many. When world leaders quote Indian texts, participate in yoga sessions, or celebrate Diwali with Indian communities—it’s not just cultural appreciation. It’s recognition of India’s deep civilizational impact.
Now, I won’t pretend everything is perfect. We still face challenges—be it border tensions, economic vulnerabilities, or occasional diplomatic setbacks. But the key difference is in how we respond. The world watches how a nation reacts under pressure, how it balances its principles with pragmatism. And in that space, India is earning both respect and reliability.
What I personally find most promising is the emergence of a new mindset in our foreign policy—a mindset that says, “India will not be bullied, nor will it blindly follow.” We will lead where we can, partner where we must, and protect where we have to. That’s the mark of a mature power. So yes, India is strengthening its role in global platforms like G20, BRICS, and the UN. We are enhancing our defence capabilities and asserting control over our borders. We are expanding our diplomatic reach and economic engagement across the globe. But more importantly, we are doing it on our terms—with dignity, determination, and direction. In the years to come, this strategic influence will only grow. And the world will no longer ask whether India can lead. It will ask—how can we move forward without India?

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