India's international relations have taken on new dimensions as the country emerges as one of the world’s key players on the global stage. With its unique blend of economic growth, political stability, and proactive diplomacy, India has solidified its reputation as both a regional and global superpower.
On January 26, 2024, India celebrated its 75th Republic Day, marking not only its long-standing democracy but also its significant role on the international front. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar underscored this sentiment, particularly emphasizing personal ties between India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump, which have been pivotal for strengthening U.S.-India relations. Jaishankar referred to Trump as an 'American nationalist,' advocating for foreign policies 'out of syllabus' to protect national interests, which speaks to India's increasing confidence on the world stage.
Simultaneously, India hosted the debut of the Polar Bear Pitching India Chapter, an innovative Finnish startup event at the Embassy of Finland in New Delhi. This event was organized by Business Finland, Business Oulu, and the Kerala Startup Mission, showcasing the country's entrepreneurial spirit. Ambassador Kimmo Lähdevirta stated, 'The Polar Bear Pitching India Edition is a great way to showcase the strong partnership between Finland and India, especially in fostering innovation and entrepreneurial growth.'
Eight promising Indian startups presented their solutions at the event, reflecting the country's growing innovation ecosystem. Among the participants, Fuselage Innovations, specializing in drone technology, won the chance to pitch at the global Polar Bear Pitching event scheduled for February 27, 2025, emphasizing the global engagement India is nurturing.
India's concerted efforts over the past decade have transformed its international standing, leading to significant initiatives promoting cooperation and stability. The country has transitioned from being labeled among the 'Fragile Five' economies to being recognized as one of the top five global economies by 2024, according to various financial institutions.
Central to India's economic rise is its remarkable improvement on the Global Innovation Index (GII), climbing from 81st place in 2015 to 39th by 2024. This leap highlights India’s commitment to fostering innovation and enhancing its research environment. The advent of the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) also exemplifies India's technological prowess, with 16.58 billion transactions valued at $279.4 billion reported just for October 2024.
India's strategic focus extends beyond economic metrics; its military and diplomatic advancements are equally noteworthy. The commissioning of INS Arighaat, the second Arihant-class Submersible Ballistic Nuclear Submarine (SSBN), signifies India's determination to bolster its maritime defense capabilities. This development is part of India’s broader strategic initiative to assert its influence as a net security provider across the Indo-Pacific.
Meanwhile, India’s leadership on issues of global health has garnered admiration, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it supplied over 301 million vaccine doses to 99 countries. This commitment has established India as the 'First Responder' and 'Preferred Security Partner' during crises, showcasing its role as a stabilizing force globally.
The new 'Neighborhood First' policy and strategic engagements with Gulf nations have strengthened India’s partnerships, turning these allies not just as economic partners but as pivotal collaborators across various sectors. The recent announcement of the India-Middle-East-Europe corridor (IMEEC) highlights India's innovative approaches to trade and energy cooperation.
India's participation on the world stage was exemplified during the Milan 2024 naval exercise, where 51 countries participated, demonstrating India's capability and readiness to operate alongside numerous navies globally. Following this, the Indian Air Force also hosted Tarang Shakti 2024, which improved interoperability with friendly foreign countries through advanced military exercises.
Simultaneously, India's proactive measures against internal security threats, such as left-wing extremism, have shown promising results, with fatalities falling below the 100-mark threshold for the first time in four decades. The government's introduction of modern legal frameworks and technology within the justice system also reflects its commitment to maintaining internal stability, which is pivotal for external engagement.
With these developments, India's commitment to sustainable progress is evident through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, actively promoting solar energy usage globally. By August 2024, 119 countries had signed the ISA framework, emphasizing India's pivotal role in advocating renewable energy.
These collective efforts epitomize India's transition from regional player to influential global power. India's policies favoring inclusivity and collaboration have received recognition, with its trust-worthy engagement strategies being beneficial not just for itself but also for the broader global community.
By the end of 2024, as India prepares for even greater engagement on the world stage, its strategic vision underlines its role as both an advocate for developing nations and as a promoter of equitable global growth. Its ascendency on the geopolitical map marks it as more than just an economic powerhouse; India's leadership is framed through principles of democracy, progress, and innovation.