Navigating Global Shifts: India’s Foreign Policy Adjustments

Abstract

India, due to its distinctive geopolitical location in South Asia and its standing as one of the largest democracies globally, has persistently been a significant actor in international politics. Its foreign policy has experienced substantial transformations, especially following the conclusion of the Cold War, the disintegration of the Soviet Union, and the emergence of China as a global force. India's foreign policy, historically defined by non-alignment, has progressively been modified to address emerging global issues. The emergence of global multipolarity, evolving security challenges, and the nation's increasing economic influence have all played a role in the evolution of India’s foreign policies. In recent decades, India has adjusted its foreign policy to reflect changing power dynamics, increasing regional tensions, and developing global economic trends. The article examines India’s strategic modifications especially policies like, strategic autonomy, multi-alignment, de-hyphenation and so on aimed at improving its international stature, especially its relations with significant nations such as the United States, Russia, and China, along with its participation in multilateral organisations. This paper analyses India’s evolving diplomatic strategy, emphasising the equilibrium between continuity and transformation in its foreign policy, and providing insights into the nation’s prospective direction in global politics. Along with it, this article also examines India’s foreign policy in light of global transformations, emphasising its adaptations to evolving international dynamics.