Opinion: 9 Ways India's Foreign Policy Has Evolved In 9 Years

Foreign policy should ideally be assertive, striking a balance between maintaining sovereignty and establishing influence within the global community. Renowned political scientist Joseph Nye's work on "Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics" articulates this concept effectively, suggesting that a nation's influence is not solely dictated by its military or economic might but also by its culture, political values, and foreign policies. Nye proposes that assertiveness in foreign policy does not equate to aggression; instead, it involves the tactful deployment of soft power alongside hard power in what he terms 'smart power'.

On a practical plane, India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has demonstrated this assertive stance. India's foreign policy under his leadership has moved towards establishing the nation as a decisive player in global politics. This is evident in India's assertive stance in the Indo-Pacific, its more proactive role in multilateral institutions, and its diplomatic efforts to influence global norms on issues such as climate change and counter-terrorism.

India's international standing is reaching unprecedented heights, establishing it as a steadfast and confident player in the new global order. The country's foreign policy has amplified its validity as a contender for a seat at the United Nations Security Council, while simultaneously fortifying its role as the voice of the global south. In this column we will point out 9 ways in which Indian Foreign policy has evolved in the last 9 years. 

1. Pragmatism: The turn of the 21st century marked a distinct change in India's foreign policy approach. Once a nation adhering strictly to the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement and maintaining distance from major power blocs, India has evolved to take a more pragmatic stance, putting its economic and security interests at the forefront. India has asserted its independent stance in global politics, refusing to be swayed by external pressure.