india emerging as a global leader essay

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Introduction: Is the Rise of India as a Global Power Inevitable? 

Since the turn of the century, the chatter about India as an emerging global power has become louder and louder. The drivers of this perception are the steady growth in India’s defense budget; the recognition of the talent of its engineers, doctors, scientists and managers; the success of the Indian diaspora; and India’s rapid GDP growth. The fact that India is a democracy also adds to its international appeal. Western nations saw very early on that India was not only a natural ally of the West because of its democratic ethos but was also a preferred rival to China, where authoritarianism remains entrenched. This geostrategic difference adds to India’s importance. The U.S., India’s biggest trading partner, sees U.S.-India relations as the “most consequential relationship of this century.” [1] And U.S. officials now routinely parrot the refrain that India, the world’s biggest democracy, and the U.S., the world’s oldest democracy, are natural allies and partners in advancing a global order that defends democracy and the rule of law. [2]   

Since the George W. Bush administration, the U.S. has been facilitating the rise of India, as it enabled the rise of China in the 1990s. The sanctions imposed on India for testing nuclear weapons were eased and efforts have since been made to groom India as a potential partner in containing the rise of China as a challenger to U.S. hegemony and to the liberal international order. India is eager to gain a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council. It feels that this achievement will not only underscore India’s status as a major power but also give it the protection it seeks from international criticism as it pursues its ideological goals in the domestic arena. India has witnessed how the U.S. has used its power at the U.N. not only to advance its own interests but also to safeguard the interests of its allies. From the day it gained independence, India has felt that it was destined to be a great power and will one day achieve its “rightful place” on the global stage. Becoming part of the global governing elite, meaning a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, and having more say in the management of multilateral institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, would be the pathway to this “rightful place.” This idea was born with the concept of a modern, independent India. In his famous speech “Tryst With Destiny,” delivered on the eve of India’s independence, India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, pledged that he would work “to the end that this ancient land attain her rightful place in the world and make her full and willing contribution to the promotion of world peace and the welfare of mankind.” [3] 

India’s Hunger for Global Status  

The Indian foreign policy elite is desperate for international validation of India as an important nation on the global stage. Often, to satiate that hunger, fake news about international recognition is circulated in Indian media that makes India look more powerful and influential than it is. For example, there were fake reports circulated in mainstream Indian media that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. The media frenzy around this fake report subsided only after a member of the Norwegian Nobel Committee issued a statement denying the nomination. [4] Surveys by inconsequential private consultants that show Modi to be the most popular global leader make headlines and are mentioned frequently by talking heads and government officials, but those same individuals challenge or vehemently reject international indices that show India performing poorly on the happiness index, the hunger index, or human rights and democracy measures. Every critical report about India’s human rights record is labeled as biased and fake, even though those reports are well documented in the U.S. State Department’s 2022 report. The present Indian leadership, politically engaged population, and media, it is safe to say, are seeking international recognition more intensely than their counterparts in any other nation in the world today. 

This hunger is driven by frequent developments that indicate India’s rise. The recognition by the IMF that India is the fastest growing major economy in the post-COVID-19 era and the fact that it has now surpassed the United Kingdom as the fifth largest economy in the world are clear indicators that India is gaining in the economic sphere. India has recently become the world’s most populous country, and this too is seen as a marker of India’s achievement. The year 2023 has become a diplomatic bonanza for India. India became the host and president of two important multilateral forums, the G20 and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. This has kept India in the global diplomatic limelight for most of the year, during which time it has sought to set the global agenda and establish itself as an important global power and the voice of the Global South. Even invitations for state visits for Modi by the U.S. and France reenforce the perception that India is the new “golden boy” of international relations.  

Additional markers of India’s global influence include the success of India’s diaspora in business (think tech CEOs) and in politics (think Rishi Sunak and Kamala Harris); the emergence of powerful business houses like the Ambanis, Adanis, and Tatas; and the growing political influence of Indian Americans. The India story can be seen in everything from the emergence of India’s growing middle class as a major market to the recognition of the global importance of India’s IT, and from the diamond and pharmaceutical industries to India’s growing defense imports. 

India’s successes have not happened by accident. The country has made major investments in digital access, and today Indians on the internet outnumber Chinese and Americans combined. The Indian government is also investing in national infrastructure, building more roads, airports, metros, and bullet trains, which is contributing to the rapid development and economic growth of the nation. According to UNICEF, in the decade 2010-2020, India lifted 271 million people out of poverty. Additionally, India’s exports have also increased, and the country is likely to see its exports surpass $1 trillion U.S. in the year 2023. India has also benefited from the Russia-Ukraine war and has imported Russian oil at discounted prices; it now exports refined oil to Europe and North America. Both public sector and private sector oil companies have made huge profits from this unexpected opportunity.  

Besides all these economic and diplomatic achievements, the key reason all eyes are now on India is the persistent wooing of India by the Biden administration. U.S. officials have not only increased both the frequency and the intensity of their engagement with Indian counterparts, the U.S. has also signed many defense agreements, increased cooperation in the arena of critical emerging technologies and intelligence sharing, and is committed to upgrading India’s defense capabilities. The sale and transfer of F414 jet engines, which will be made in India by Hindustan Aeronautics, is the latest development in the U.S.-India defense partnership. This is a game-changer for India’s air strike capability, as well as its defense industry. Finally, the state dinner President Joe Biden hosted for Modi on June 22, 2023, and Modi’s address to a joint session of Congress have gone a long way toward sending a message to the world – especially to India and China – that U.S.-India relations have now reached unprecedented heights and that India is important to the U.S. Everybody now knows that India is one of the cool kids on the global campus.  

The Dark Side of the India Story  

But there is another side to the India story – a much darker side. This is a story that is rarely told in mainstream Indian media, but the global media is more committed to telling both sides of the India story. The other side is about two critical issues: one, the rise of Hindu nationalism and its terrible impact on democracy and the rights of religious minorities in India, especially Indian Muslims; and two, the structural flaws in India’s economic growth that are hidden by an unusually high focus on GDP growth alone as a measure of economic development.  

In his book “India is Broken,” Princeton professor Ashoka Mody, a former IMF economist, identifies three major flaws in the Indian economy. He argues that the economy is growing but without generating jobs, and hence the unemployment rate in India is very high for a country whose economy is growing at over 6%. The unemployment rate in mid-July 2023 was 8.4%, according to the Center for Monitoring Indian Economy. [5]  

Mody also argues that India is suffering from chronic underemployment. Many rural workers’ employment is seasonal, yet those workers are considered employed for purposes of tracking unemployment. Many people with advanced degrees are not working in their fields, but rather working as drivers for home delivery of food and goods, or as drivers for ride-hailing services. Such realities are hiding the extent of India’s unemployment. The most shocking aspect of India’s economy is the decline in women’s labor force participation, which dropped from 30% in 1990 to 19% in 2021 and is around 23% at the moment. [6] Mody also argues that India’s economic growth is insensitive to the damage it is causing the environment, and hence is not as sustainable as the government claims. He also finds the quality of India’s rapidly expanding private education institutions less than desirable. He feels that if India does not improve the quality of its education, it will fall behind other Asian nations that invest more in their human resources. [7]

As for India’s democratic backsliding, the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom have systematically documented the many ways in which minorities in India are persecuted. Democracy indices have, especially since 2019 (the beginning of Modi’s second term), downgraded India to the status of a flawed democracy. The Swedish think tank V-Dem labeled India an “electoral autocracy,” and Freedom House has also highlighted the decline of freedom under the rule of Modi. [8] The State Department’s 2022 annual report is damning: It meticulously documents the persecution of religious minorities, especially Muslims, in India under Modi and his Hindu nationalist party (Bharatiya Janta Party). The atrocities documented include mob lynching of Muslims, extrajudicial bulldozing of Muslims’ homes and places of worship, violence against Muslims by mobs as well as police, passage of laws that violate religious freedoms, and frequent calls for genocide of Indian Muslims and hate speech by Hindu priests and Hindu nationalist political leaders. [9] 

The two sides of the India story were dramatically on display when Modi visited the U.S. in June 2023. While the White House and the U.S. Congress laid out the red carpet for Modi, and Biden spoke eloquently of India’s democratic DNA, over 75 U.S. senators and representatives wrote a letter to Biden demanding that he raise the issue of India’s terrible human rights records directly with Modi. [10] Many of them also chose to boycott Modi’s address to Congress. While Biden was bending backward not to ruffle India’s feathers, former President Barack Obama said in an interview with journalist Christiane Amanpour that the “protection of the Muslim minority in a majority-Hindu India” was “something worth mentioning” during the state visit. He added, “If you do not protect the rights of ethnic minorities in India, then there is a strong possibility India at some point starts pulling apart.” There are some who believe that Obama may have made this comment at Biden’s behest to send the message to India that the U.S. was not overlooking the democratic backsliding of India. [11] These comments sparked backlash from Indian leaders, who attacked Obama for being hypocritical since he had bombed several Muslim countries during his time as president. The most shocking reaction came from a senior leader of Modi’s party, Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of the state of Assam, who told a journalist that there were many Hussain Obamas in India and that Assam police would prioritize “taking care of them,” then head to Washington, D.C. Ironically, while India’s prime minister was talking about how there was no room for discrimination in India, his own party member was threatening Muslim minorities with police for no reason. The man has faced no consequences for his blatant bigotry. [12]   

Clearly there are two sides to the India story: one about India’s emergence as a major economic and global power, and the other about its steady transformation into an electoral autocracy that treats its religious minorities terribly. In the two months prior to this writing, overlapping with Modi’s visit to the U.S., over 250 churches have been burned down in the state of Manipur, which is also ruled by Modi’s Hindu nationalist party (BJP). The state is experiencing an ethnic and religious civil war in which over 140 people have been killed and thousands displaced and rendered homeless. [13] The European Parliament passed an urgency resolution on the violence in Manipur hours before Modi landed in Paris to be a state guest at France’s Bastille Day celebrations. [14] Unless India seriously addresses its domestic religious polarization and targeting of minorities, it will be hard even for the Biden administration, which is comfortable working with illiberal leaders all over the world, to keep India in the camp of democracies. India is on its way to becoming a more developed, more powerful, and more influential country, but it is also suffering from a serious domestic crisis that could undermine progress. It can and probably will emerge as a major power, but first it must address the communal hatred that unfortunately is becoming more lethal and more widespread around the country. 

Brief Summaries of the Book Chapters  

For this anthology, titled “Rise of India as a World Power,” the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy has invited an extraordinary group of scholars, experts, and practitioners to contribute their views. The essays, like the diverse contributors, bring a variety of perspectives that paint a multifaceted picture of India’s rise and the challenges it faces. In the first essay, professor Sumit Ganguly , a prominent scholar of Indian foreign policy and South Asian politics, argues that India can emerge as a global power, but it must make significant changes in its posture toward the U.S. and its defense procurement policies, end its geopolitical rivalry with Pakistan, and address the persistent poverty in the nation. While he acknowledges that many authoritarian nations have become great powers, he feels that India’s lurch toward authoritarianism could become a major impediment to its march toward great power status. Ganguly argues that India’s democracy, albeit flawed, has succeeded in managing the country’s vast diversity, but if India retreats from its democratic principles, then it will jeopardize its domestic and social order.  

Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad , who has served as India’s ambassador to many Middle Eastern countries, is intimately aware of both the process and content of Indian foreign policy. He argues that Modi has worked hard to improve relations with Middle Eastern countries, and has been successful, but worries that India’s reputation as well as its long-term interests are not being served well by the Hindutva ideology that informs the Modi government. He also points to weaknesses in the Indian economy and predicts that it will not reach the target of $5 trillion U.S. by 2025, as predicted by the Modi government. [15] Ahmad also laments the loss of opportunity. The U.S. has slowly retreated from the Middle East, and India, which has good business relations with the nations in the region, has not enhanced its strategic role. It has allowed China to step into the vacuum created by the U.S. pivot away from the Middle East. He predicts that constrained by Hindutva values, which target Muslims at home, India can only maintain transactional and business relations with the Middle East, and shared strategic goals and actions will be limited. 

Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, argues that while Pakistan is capable of putting hurdles in India’s path, it cannot at the moment prevent India’s rise. A combination of the widening gap between India and Pakistan’s capabilities along with domestic political and economic instability have diminished Pakistan’s ability to curtail the rise of India and its growing international profile. Kugelman also points out that while Pakistan does possess assets that allow it to pose asymmetric threats to India, it has for the moment reduced such activity. Additionally, Pakistan’s fortunes in Afghanistan have not fared well, and hence Pakistan will continue to maintain peace and calm on its eastern border with India while dealing with the challenges it faces from Afghanistan on its western border. Kugelman sees challenges to India’s emergence as a world power coming more from India’s other neighbor, China, a more powerful and more aggressive power. 

Aparna Pande is a research fellow at the Hudson Institute, and her work focuses on India’s foreign policy and the politics and geopolitics of South Asia. Pande draws an intriguing portrait of India as an aspiring world power, but a “different kind of world power.” She argues that India is seeking recognition as a global power with a moral identity – Vishwaguru (world teacher). The country does not have hegemonic aspirations in the region or globally. It does not have any territorial aspirations, nor does it seek to upset the existing order. According to Pande, this “Indian exceptionalism” is based on a form of nationalism that takes pride in its civilizational heritage and is neither territorial nor ideological. In her essay, Pande also emphasizes the importance of the emerging and rapidly growing India-U.S. alliance. 

Ghazala Wahab , a defense expert who also edits and publishes FORCE , a monthly journal on security issues, has contributed a counterintuitive and persuasive challenge to the narrative that India is a rising military power. She points out that India’s status as having the third largest defense budget in the world and also being the third or fourth largest importer of military equipment is being confused with military power. She argues that while India is indeed spending more than most nations on military power, it is not deterring other nations such as Pakistan and China from pursuing their aggressive cross-border attacks and violations. For Wahab, deterrence is the measure of power. Wahab also dispels the myth of the policy/goal of Atmanirbhar (self-reliance) in the defense sector. She observes that the resources earmarked for research and development are very low, and almost all major weapons manufacturing in India happens through collaboration with foreign firms. Wahab suggests that heralding India as a major military power is premature, and that it will be a while before India actually becomes self-reliant and successfully deters its enemies.  

India seeks greater responsibility and recognition on the global stage, and as part of this pursuit it has persevered in pushing for reforms first of the U.N. Security Council and now of the entire system of multilateral governance. Retired Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin , who has served as India’s permanent representative to the U.N., recounts in detail how India has sought reform of the U.N. Security Council to make it more representative and more in alignment with current realities, and to attain a permanent membership. He explains how India’s strategy for reform has evolved and how various international stakeholders have ensured that the process is consistently stymied, and no reforms have taken place. India’s failure to achieve a permanent seat at the U.N. Security Council reveals the nature of global politics: Institutional continuity prevails despite major shifts in economic and military balances of power.  

[1] See comments by Rich Verma, the deputy undersecretary of state, as reported by Financial Express, April 27, 2023.  https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-india-us-relationship-the-most-consequential-relationship-of-this-century-top-us-diplomat-3064684/ . Similar observations are regularly repeated by senior diplomats. 

[2] Pande, A. (2020).  Making India great: The promise of a reluctant global power . HarperCollins; Jaishankar, S. (2020).  The India way: Strategies for an uncertain world . New Delhi. 

[3] See the full text of Nehru’s speech at:  https://thewire.in/history/india-at-75-jawaharlal-nehru-tryst-with-destiny-full-text

[4] See media reports fact-checking this fake news:  https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/fact-check-did-asle-toje-call-pm-modi-biggest-contender-for-nobel-prize-123031600463_1.html

[5] Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy Pvt. Ltd. (n.d.)  CMIE statistics.  Retrieved July 21, 2023, from  https://www.cmie.com/kommon/bin/sr.php?kall=warticle&dt=20230501182648&msec=936

[6] S, V. (2023, March 19). MPW 2022: India’s female labour force is plunging; can country’s growing economy afford this?  Business Today.   https://www.businesstoday.in/magazine/deep-dive/story/mpw-2022-indias-female-labour-force-is-plunging-can-countrys-growing-economy-afford-this-372141-2023-03-03

[7] Mody, A. (2023).  India Is Broken: A People Betrayed, Independence to Today . Stanford University Press. See also the author’s “Khanversation” with Mody about his book on YouTube at:  https://youtu.be/7sLBuc90_ec . 

[8] Biswas, S. (2021, March 16). ‘ Electoral autocracy’: The downgrading of India’s democracy.  BBC News.  https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56393944  

[9] See the State Department’s report on the state of religious freedom in India:  https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/india/ . Also see the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom’s report:  https://www.uscirf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-05/India%202023.pdf .

[10] Rai, S. (2023, June 20). Democrats push Biden to make human rights a focus in meeting with Modi.  The Hill.   https://thehill.com/policy/international/4058441-democrats-human-rights-modi-biden-visit/

[11] HT News Desk. (2023, June 23).  Obama’s comments on Modi coincidental? Congress MP says ‘would be surprised if …’.  The Hindustan Times.  https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/obamas-comments-on-modi-coincidental-congress-mp-says-would-be-surprised-if-101687486315221.html

[12] The Wire Staff. (2023, June 23). ‘Hussain Obama’: Assam CM Himanta targets, threatens US ex-prez with Islamophobic slur.  The Wire.   https://thewire.in/communalism/hussain-obama-himanta-biswa-sarma

[13] See report in  The Guardian  on the state of affairs in Manipur:  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/10/foreigners-on-our-own-land-ethnic-clashes-threaten-to-push-indias-manipur-state-into-civil-war .  The Telegraph  reports that 253 churches have been burnt in Manipur. See  https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/253-churches-burnt-down-during-continuing-unrest-in-manipur-indigenous-tribal-leaders-forum/cid/1944597 . 

[14] European Parliament. (2023, July 12). Joint motion for a resolution on India, the situation in Manipur (2023/2781[RSP]).  https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/RC-9-2023-0335_EN.html

[15] PIB Delhi. (2022, Nov. 12).  No one can stop the Indian economy from holding the 3rd rank in the world by 2027- Amit Shah.  Ministry of Home Affairs.  https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1875480

Related articles

India as a Great Power? 

Outlook for India-Middle East Relations: National Aspirations and Interests Will Crash Against Hindutva Ideology 

The Pakistan Factor in India’s Rise: Not a Constraint, Still a Challenge 

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India’s ascendancy as UNSecurity Council President in December 2022 for the second time in a span of only fifteen months remarkably reflect its growing global recognition as a formidable and credible power that is committed to strengthen the tenets of reformed multilateralism and transparent global governance in shaping the trajectory of emerging world order. Importantly, India’s enhanced global activism as UNSC President also coincided with taking over as G-20 Presidency in December 2022 for the upcoming year 2023. The unique nomenclature of twin presidencies bestows great responsibilities upon New Delhi to streamline the geopolitical and geo-economic architecture in global dimensions in terms of addressing emerging challenges especially at a critical juncture when Russia-Ukraine War is getting prolonged and more dangerous in the form of a proxy military confrontation between Russia-Belarus-China axis and US led NATO group. The ongoing conflict is potentially becoming a nuclear flashpoint along with resulting in energy crisis in continental Europe, enhanced tension in the Indo-Pacific region in the ambit of China-Taiwan-US confrontation, Afghanistan imbroglio and cascading security concerns in West Asia, and post-COVID global economic reconstruction. It can be asserted that rising stature of India as a responsible, trustworthy, and formidable military and economic power has enhanced global expectations in terms of delivering transformation leadership and providing stability and security to emerging world order.

Quickly rising to the occasion India’s leadership in UN Security Council has actively demonstrated determination to inculcate the tenets of reformed multilateralism to address the critical challenges in concert while strengthening international rules-based system in a spirit of shared progress, sustainability, and inclusiveness. Subsequently, as UN Security Council president India organized two signature events on December 14-15, 2022 towards formulating mitigation strategies. The meetings were held on “Reformed Multilateralism and Counter-Terrorism”. The meetings considerably helped the UN members to take the conversation forward towards reforming existing multilateral architecture and emboldening diplomatic cooperation in global dimensions. [1] India’s clarion call to international committee towards inculcating and enforcing the spirit of reformed multilateralism bears special significance in shaping the future agenda of global geostrategic principles and norms that enable laying out a viable roadmap towards revamping international security network – both in terms of land-based and maritime security – in conjunction with international monetary, financial, and trading systems. While convening the UN Security Council Open Debate on “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: New Orientation to Reformed Multilateralism” New Delhi stressed upon the need for meaningful changes in the operations and functioning of international system to effectively address the growing stresses and fissures that are confronting the existing geopolitical architecture. India’s call for the enforcement of a “New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System or NORMS” that envisages “fullest constituency of member states” [2] is truly insightful and potential game changer. While enabling tangible leadership the India-propelled NORMS aims at further strengthening the tenets of international rules based system in terms of making it more inclusive, legitimate, representative, fair and equitable while making multilateral governance more responsive to address traditional and new global challenges in a robust manner. India’s advocacy for urgency to enforce the principles of NORMS as a means to reform the various facets of current multilateral nomenclature that encompasses peace and security, development, and human rights including reforms in international institutionsis an attempt to enhance efficacy of existing multilateral architecture towards navigating contemporary realities. [3] Such intervention is appropriate and timely towards bringing in systemic reforms inexisting multilateral mechanism towards facilitating fulfilment of aspirations of majority in international community in an inclusive manner. The proposed reforms also encompass expansion of UN Security Council in order to make it more representative, legitimate, and relevant in addressing complex problems in terms of greater transparency, accountability, and objectivity of global governance and decision making mechanism. The high level open debate also enabled realization and urgency for structural reforms of existing multilateral regime and encouraged member-states to take forward this conversation by deliberating on the elements of a new orientation for multilateralism [4] to make it more robust and efficacious in addressing traditional and new global problems. New Delhi’s leadership role at the UN Security Council in December 2022 rightfully articulates shared progress and inclusiveness while enhancing efficacy of international governance mechanism by visualizing –

“Representative multilateral structure that is reflective of contemporary geopolitical realities is needed to address emerging challenges such as terrorism, radicalism, pandemics, threats from new and emerging technologies, growing asymmetric threats, the disruptive role of non-state actors and intensifying geopolitical competition.” [5] On the issue of terrorism, India under UN Security Council presidency played significant role in providing new momentum in sensitizing the world community about the potential threats and security concerns arising out of terrorism in all forms and manifestations going across borders. Such approach enabled in building a consensus towards revamping counter-terrorism strategies in terms of adopting appropriate technological and intelligence sharing techniques to effectively deal with menace of terrorism. Towards that on December 15, 2022, India convened a high-level briefing on the theme – “Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts: Global Approach to Counter Terrorism – Challenges and Way Forward” that enabled to build a consensus and revitalize the initiative on redesigning norms and principles of a robust counter-terror architecture in a comprehensive manner. The high-level UNSC briefing held under India’s stewardship built on the historic Delhi Declaration adopted earlier during the special meeting of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee in October 2022 to synergize global dialogue and governance mechanism in terms of enhancement of international cooperation on technology enabled counter-terrorism strategies to combat issues related to expansion of internet and social media, new payment technologies and fundraising methods, unmanned aerial system including drones. [6]

New Delhi has made prudent use of its UNSC and G-20 presidencies to propel global dialogue and strengthen global and domestic counter-terrorism measures while making international community realize that threat of terrorism is grave, real, and universal and that terrorism in one part of the world adversely impacts peace and security in other parts of the globe. [7] The proceedings in UN Security Council under India’s stewardship in December 2022 have been robust and categorical to prioritize, synergize, and strategize on how to combat collectively, in conformity to the tenets of reformed multilateralism, the threat arising out of increased adoption of modern and digital technology by various terrorist outfit groups across the globe in conjunction with their taking advantage of crypto-currencies and crowd-funding platforms as means to finance transnational crime [8] . India’s UNSC presidency was a great realization to take prompt action and reinvigorate global community to further strengthen the systemic architecture of reformed multilateralism and transparency in global governance mechanism to address the challenges of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

India’s assuming UN Security Council presidency coincides with another milestone in the form of taking over of G-20 presidency on December 01, 2022 and India’s becoming the fifth largest economy of the world. The twin presidencies along with SCO presidency in the current year has ushered in an era of enhanced global activism as expectations have been ripe and growing in international domain about New Delhi’s positive interventions in addressing traditional and new challenges that currently grapple the world. For India, the G-20 presidency also comes at a very special moment as the country marks the beginning of “Amritkaal”, the 25-year period beginning from the 75th anniversary of its independence on 15 August 2022, extending to the centenary of its independence, and towards building a futuristic, prosperous, inclusive, self-reliant (“Atmanirbhar”) and developed society, manifested by a human-centric approach [9] in conjunction with the spirit of shared progress and force for global good.

Consistent to the need of hour in transnational dimensions India’s G-20 presidency is expected to provide prudent leadership, determined vision and definitive direction whereby substantive deliberations and systemic dialogue in conformity to the principles of India-initiated NORMS, which incidentally has been propounded concurrently during UN Security Council presidency in December 2022, across broad spectrum of priority areas encompassing inclusive and sustainable growth; reinvigorating the tenets of SDGs; green development and environment preservation; viable climate action programme; digital infrastructure enhancing connectivity; reforming multilateral financial institutions coupled with streamlining global monetary and trading systems; addressing energy security dilemma; strengthening medical diplomacy and information sharing to avert another Covid-19 like pandemic; and promoting international peace and harmony [10] that encompass security dimensions in all forms.

India’s UN Security Council and G-20 presidencies along with SCO presidency have come up at a critical juncture when global geopolitics is at the crossroads of balancing between demand and supply gap while inculcating shared progress and politico-economic reformation on one hand and unprecedented confrontation and disruptions in security, military, and economic paradigms on other. The world is looking towards India’s wisdom, vision, and prudent leadership to navigate through the troubled times and make transformational impact in ensuring geostrategic equilibrium while shaping the trajectory of emerging world order.

[1] https://www.aninews.in/news/world/us/india-announces-candidature-for-unsc-membership-for-2028-29-term20221216035235/ [2] https://www.mea.gov.in/Speeches-Statements.htm?dtl/35997/Statement_by_External_Affairs_Minister_at_the_United_Nations_Security_Council_Open_Debate_on_Maintenance_of_International_Peace_and_Security_New_Orien [3] https://www.mea.gov.in/Images/amb1/INDIAUNSC.pdf [4] https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-assumes-monthly-presidency-of-unsc-8301413/ [5] https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/whatsinblue/2022/12/new-orientation-for-reformed-multilateralism-open-debate.php [6] https://newsonair.com/2022/12/04/delhi-declaration-tool-emphasis-on-countering-global-terrorism-that-uses- new-emerging-technologies/ [7] https://www.outlookindia.com/national/the-era-of-classifying-terrorists-as-good-and-bad-must-end-india-at-un- security-council-news-244041 [8] https://foreignbrief.com/daily-news/unsc-holds-counter-terrorism-discussion/ [9] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1882356 [10] https://thewire.in/diplomacy/indias-g20-presidency-its-time-to-set-realistic-expectations

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Is India the World’s Next Great Economic Power?

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• Gaurav Dalmia

Historically, the country’s expected rise has remained elusive. Here’s a look at what’s different now.

Is India’s economic rise inevitable? There’s good reason to think that this latest round of Indo-optimism might be different than previous iterations, but the country still has major challenges to address to make good on this promise. In terms of drivers, demand — in the form of a consumer boom, context appropriate innovation, and a green transition — and supply — in the form of a demographic dividend, access to finance, and major infrastructure upgrades — are helping to push the country forward. This is facilitated by policy reforms, geopolitical positioning, and a diaspora dividend. Even so, the country faces barriers to success, including unbalanced growth, unrealized demographic potential, and unrealized ease-of-business and innovation potential.

In 2002, India’s government launched a ubiquitous international tourism campaign known as “Incredible India.” Were it to launch a similar campaign today, it might as well be called “Inevitable India.” Not just enthusiasts within the country, but a chorus of global analysts, have declared India as the next great economic power: Goldman Sachs has predicted it will become the world’s second-largest economy by 2075, and the FT’s Martin Wolf suggests that by 2050, its purchasing power will be 30% larger than that of the U.S.

• Bhaskar Chakravorti is the Dean of Global Business at The Fletcher School at Tufts University and founding Executive Director of Fletcher’s Institute for Business in the Global Context . He is the author of The Slow Pace of Fast Change .
• Gaurav Dalmia is the Chairman of Dalmia Group Holdings, an Indian holding company for business and financial assets.

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India's Role in the World

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India's rise to power has led to speculation and expectations about how it will change the global order. On the one hand, India is huge, with more than 1.3 billion people, and on track to become the world's third-largest economy. Yet India still struggles with poverty and other challenges of a developing economy. India is also the largest and most diverse democracy, but hesitates to promote these values abroad. As the United States welcomes and supports India's rise, Americans should better understand Indians' ambitions for themselves and for their role in the Indo-Pacific and on the world stage—ambitions that are still debated within India. In my  book ,  blog posts ,  and articles, I focus on the live debates in Indian foreign and economic policy shaping India's future course. I also convene the U.S. Relations with South Asia Roundtable Series to address the challenges and opportunities facing the U.S.-India relationship.

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Is India Still a Rising Superpower?

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India’s international relations have become a hostage to its own domestic political and social chaos.

Since Narendra Modi came to power in 2014 he has actively pursued India’s international relations. While it is debatable how much his foreign policy activism has delivered in concrete terms, it has undoubtedly brought greater vigor and enthusiasm into India’s foreign policy. Some of his notable foreign policy pursuits include greater attention on expanding India’s soft power through cultural diplomacy, effective engagement with the Middle East, increased outreach to the Indian diaspora, and a leadership role in climate change (and particularly solar energy).

Much for the same reason, while Modi was seeking re-election last year, foreign policy received greater expectations from both policy circles and the general public. The notion of the rise of India’s international prestige that Modi had managed to cultivate seemingly played a contributing role in the his landslide victory the secured his second term.

However, hardly a year into office, Modi’s second term has already given overwhelming indications of a scenario in which India is losing its grip over maintaining the status quo. Foreign policy challenges are mounting, especially emerging from the domestic political arena — and some of them are clearly the result of the government’s own mistakes, coupled with deeply misplaced national priorities that do not accord with the reality and thus suggest a lack of global vision. While prudence dictates maintaining momentum in foreign policy for long-term benefits, unfortunately India’s international relations have become a hostage to its own domestic political and social chaos, if current trends are a reliable indicator. And the severe downturn in India’s economy further adds to its woes.

India Pitting Its Domestic Policies Against Its ‘Rising Superpower’ Status

The notion of India as a “rising global power” received wider acceptance when then-U.S. President Barack Obama, on a visit to India in 2010, dramatically said that “India is not just a rising power; India has already risen.” Notably, the rhetorical elevation of India was part of the U.S. strategy of countering a rising China. Yet Obama’s statement also attested to the prevailing perception of India as a capable and responsible power. This perception was not solely based on India’s stable and solid economy, which was touching a growth rate of 9.8 percent in October 2009 . Other reasons for this positive image include India’s long democratic credentials and achievements as well as its success in upholding values and ideals such as multiculturalism, pluralism, secularism, tolerance, and international peace. All of these, while seemingly taken for granted, have been crucial for India’s rising superpower status.

Nonetheless, as we speak, India’s domestic politics seems to be driving its foreign policy in a different direction. In fact, there has evidently been a rather dominant shift of focus to domestic politics, overriding the larger foreign policy concerns. And unfortunately, this flirting with domestic politics at the cost of foreign relations has clearly been accompanied by scant regard for acquiring and maintaining cultural and political attraction, and international prestige in the global community. As a matter of fact, while Modi’s foreign policy activism during his first tenure received much appreciation, to the point of many even comparing him with Nehru, his second tenure manifests a rather completely different picture. Modi is strikingly dismantling many of his own contribution to the building of India’s image.

A number of domestic political concerns have been at the forefront of inducing new foreign policy challenges. By bringing religion in as a criteria in the determination of citizenship through the recently legislated Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), the government has egregiously undermined the considerable applicability of India’s historic ideals and the domestic roots of India’s foreign policy, including pluralism and secular values. The move bolstered and accentuated the deepening religious and social polarization that has become a new normal in India in recent years.

In parallel, there has also been brutal violence and the use of aggressive force in suppressing protests against the CAA. The inevitable result of all this has been opposition from different parts of the world and growing concerns from various quarters of South Asia as well as from the UN and other human rights organizations. Such a mounting opposition to the policy has led Modi’s government to upend its diplomatic efforts to weather the storm.

However, despite these efforts — and the Ministry of External Affairs’ claim that many countries have understood that it is an internal matter of India — the indeterminate and the ongoing protests in different parts of the country seem to be making countries rethink their position. Many countries have now broken their silence to voice concerns on the issue, including the EU Parliament’s move to bring an anti-CAA resolution.

Likewise, last year’s controversial revocation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which gave special power status to the only Muslim-dominated state of Jammu and Kashmir, and the subsequent internet lockdown in the state since then, has also caught international attention for the allegedly rampant human rights violations . Certainly, terming these as internal matters of India neither allays these concerns nor constitutes an effective face-saving gambit to limit the damage.

Moreover, even faced with a situation where tremendous diplomatic efforts are required to douse international concerns, India’s diplomatic endeavors to this end have so far been poor, especially its public diplomacy engagements. On the other hand, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological  parent, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ( RSS), have already conducted large-scale outreach programs in the domestic sphere, including door-to-door campaigns. As such, the question is not whether India has the practical savvy to deal with the fallout from its decisions; rather it is about whether India is willing, in all seriousness, to at least present a plausible narrative on the world stage.

The inevitable inference from these policies is the fact that the government’s overriding priority lies in domestic political consolidation and the expansion of the BJP’s power. However, as a “rising superpower” India is expected to offer an appealing political and development vision for the world. Such policies, albeit domestic, can be counterproductive and have implications for India’s international relations.

At this juncture the question inevitably arises; can India champion the values of international order at a time when there are greater aspirations from Asian countries to play a significant role in the world order? Unfortunately, a cursory glance at India’s recent domestic policies shows that India sits uneasily with such a goal, if not completely at loggerheads. For instance, India’s advocacy of a “free, open and inclusive” Indo-Pacific is unlikely to find resonance in the international arena if these values are on a shaky foundation at home. The sharp contrast that India’s recent domestic policies pose vis-a-vis the spirit of liberal democracy is telling. It compels a probe into what actually represents India’s world view — and whether India has one at all.

Muhsin Puthan is a Ph.D. Candidate in Political Science at University of Hyderabad, India. His research interests include international relations, India’s foreign policy, political communication, soft power, and public diplomacy.

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India: The Emerging Global Power

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It has been observed that India can play a stabilising and a bridging role at a time when the world is not an “optimistic picture”.

About India’s role in the world order

• India belongs both to the non-aligned movement , which reflects its experience of colonialism, and the community of democracies, which reflects its 75 years of experience as a democracy 
• India is a leading light of the global “ trade union” of developing countries, the G-77 (Group of 77), which has some 120 countries, and also of the global macro-economic “management”, the G-20 (Group of 20 developed and developing countries whose presidency India has just assumed). 
• India plays an influential role both in the United Nation s, a universal organisation that has 193 member states, and in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation ( SAARC ). 
• India has moved beyond non-alignment to what is called multi-alignment.
• India’s External Affairs Minister meets annually with his Russian and Chinese counterparts in the trilateral RIC ; he adds Brazil and South Africa in BRICS ; subtracts both Russia and China in IBSA , for South-South cooperation; and retains China but excludes Russia in BASIC , for environmental negotiations. 

Achievements of India 

• India has made extraordinary strides in recent years; it is already the world’s third-largest economy in PPP (purchasing power parity) terms and continues to climb.
• Countries across the world want to be associated with India because there is a belief that India is in touch with key players and that India can influence them.

Issues and Challenges

• India is yet able to feed, educate and employ all people.
• Too many of our people continue to live destitute, amidst despair and disrepair.
• At the same time, the distinction between domestic and international is less and less meaningful in today’s world.
• Institutions of global governance have failed to unite the world. 
• The World Trade Organization (WTO ) was already in the intensive care unit before the novel coronavirus pandemic, with rich and poor countries unable to agree on equitable rules, when COVID-19 froze global supply chains. 
• The war in Ukraine in February 2022 has put the final nail in the coffin of the boundary-less global economy that seemed to be emerging with the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
• Inequalities have increased within countries and amongst them too.
• We are living in a world in which one defining paradigm for foreign policy is impossible. 

Suggestions and Way Ahead 

• India can contribute towards de-risking the global economy and in political terms, in some way, help depolarise the world.
• Far from evolving into a “world leader”, India should become an active participant in a world that is no longer defined by parameters such as “superpowers” or “great powers” exercising “world leadership”
• But nor can we afford to sacrifice our strategic autonomy in a quest for self-protection.
•  We need to define a new role for ourselves that depends on our understanding of the way the world is.
• But they all serve our interests in different ways and for different purposes. 
• India should present itself as a natural stabilising power in South Asia and the Indian Ocean Region,
• It should aim to create new pillars of the new global order through engagement and partnership with middle powers.

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Why India is the next global leader?

In the 20th century entire world considered USA, Russia, Japan and some of the European countries As the global leaders. But in the 21st century two more countries from Asia emerged as the global leader that is India and China. Now the question is who is a global leader? Though there is no clear cut definition, a global leader is one who can a play major role in world affairs, work for maintaining peace and tranquillity and can extend all type of help in preventing global crisis such as climate change, food insecurity, hunger, poverty etc.

As mentioned above India emerged as a global leader in the 21th century due to it's all round development. She got freedom from British government in 1947.From there on she never looked back and made rapid progress in the growth trajectory. First of all entire credit goes to her founding fathers and constitution writers. They did not left any loophole in the constitution .They established a responsible legislative body to make law and new policy, an executive body to execute various policy enacted by legislation and an independent judiciary to safe guard the constitution and the fundamental rights of each citizens. No individual or politician in India can take the power and law into his own hand at will, like what is happening in African countries, even in Pakistan .Pakistan is a country got freedom with India but the military power there has the power to topple the civilian government creating instability. But this is not the case with India, her founding father made a system by amalgamating the best features of other democratic countries. That is why India is known as one of the stable country of the world.

Since independence India became part of all important international organisations and plays a significant rule in creation of non-aligned movement during the Russian USA cold war period. Now India is member of major international organisation such as UNO, WORLD BANK, IMF, UNESCO, UNICEF, ILO, WTO, FATF etc. Currently India is a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for two years for which the election was held this year. In that election she got a record 189 votes, only four countries voted against its membership. This shows her popularity throughout the world.

In the first three to four decade after independence India could not play any major role in international affairs due to her fragile economic condition and involvement in three major wars, two with Pakistan and one with China, she was mostly dependent on foreign aid for it's socio economic and infrastructure development, but after 1991 economic liberalisation she has become a major contributor of aid to the third world countries. In 2008 India achieved a remarkable feat by becoming a trillion dollar economy. Currently India is at the cynosure of the world leader for it's contribution to each and every continent of the globe.

Currently India is engaged with various countries for their infrastructure development, capacity building, and socio economic development. Being a part of south Asia India always take the leading role in promoting peace, financial stability, and facilitating free trade among the south Asian countries under the SAARC umbrella. She is helping Srilanka by providing financial and technical assistance in the construction of railway line, road, housing for displaced Tamils during LTTE war, renovating a Kankasanthurai harbour. She has provided $1 billion grant in aid to Bangladesh for their infrastructure development at the interest rate of .75%. India has allowed Bhutan and Nepal to use it's land to do trade with Bangladesh and to import or export goods using Bangladesh port. Due to India's sincere effort the relation with Pakistan is also improving.

India formed south south co-operation with Brazil and South Africa to provide financial help to the least developed countries which were earlier dependent only on the north for aid. India started an India Africa e-network project to connect all the 53 countries of Africa through fibre optic connection. This network will also be connected with some of the reputed technical institutions and famous medical colleges to provide e-education and telemedicine services to African people. Apart from this some of the other Indian project in Africa got international acclamation like construction of railway line linking Ethiopia and Djibouti, setting up of 80 institutions for capacity building in various sectors such as food processing, agriculture, textile, weather forecasting and rural development.

India has the observer status of SCO and also planning to join CSTO. She is working closely with the SCO member countries in maintaining peace and stability and preventing terrorism, drug trafficking from central and south Asia. She is also planning to extend help in construction of nuclear reactors for some of the central Asia countries like Kazakistan.She is the world's 6th largest contributor to the Afghanistan infrastructure project and also providing training to Afghanistan security forces so that they can protect their country after Americas pull out from 2014.Along with this India has taken the responsibility of giving training to Afghan Gov. employees through VV Giri National labour institute , constructing road from delaram to Zarang and building power plants to meet its energy need.

With the grouping like BIMSTEC, Mekong Ganga co-operation, India ASEAN summit, East Asia summit India is maintaining cordial relations with all the south east asean countries. India has promised to promote culture by protecting all important historic monuments through ASI of India. She has proposed to build a highway which will connect Myanmar, Thailand , Laos ,Vietnam and Cambodia to facilitate free movement of goods and spur economic development in that region. India also establishing training institutions to provide vocational training to the students as a part of Indian ITEC (Indian technical and economic co-operation) program. She is also providing grant in aid to these countries. Recently Indian P.M Dr Manmohan Singh offered 500 million grant in aid to Myanmar. As a peace loving nation India wants peace to prevail in the west Asia and North Africa. She wants an amicable resolution of outstanding issues between Israel and Palestine and India is one among the few countries who recognised Palestine as an independent state. As a larger democracy of the world she promotes democratic government instead of autocratic Government throughout world.

Above all India has developed strong institutional capabilities that will benefit the world community. Indian election commission providing all necessary assistance to the countries which want a strong impartial election process in their system. Recently Indian election commission extend help to Egypt for their election reform. India also providing it's wonder machine EVC(electronic voting machine) to Nepal, Mexico, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Afghanistan etc. for conduction of their election. Indian CAG (Controller and auditor general) which is another example of a unique institution in the field of audit appointed as the external auditor of two major UN organisations: IAEA and world intellectual property right.

India has one of the largest and advanced security forces in the world. She has a strong navy, army and air force which is not only protecting our countries but also engaged in UN's peace keeping process weather it is in Srilanka, Somalia , Afghanistan or any other countries. She has also engaged in the Indian Ocean's international transit corridor to protect the merchant vessel from the Somalia pirates which has become a sanctuary for them. Till now India escorted more the 1000 vessels including some Indian vessels. India has a well develop space research centres (ISRO) which is regularly launching satellites for itself and for other countries. The types of satellites include communication satellite, weather forecasting, remote sensing etc. Recently ISRO launched a satellite called meghatropics with collaboration with France which will benefit all tropical countries. This will provide real time data regarding rainfall pattern in tropical region thereby helping farmers in agriculture and ensure food security. India is World's first country to identify presence of water on Moon surface through her Chandrayan-I mission and planning for Chandrayan-II mission to send humans on to the moon surface.

21st century belongs to the country leading in food production and having large work force and India has both the above factor. India's food production is increasing year by year to feed the world And she has one of the largest work forces of the world which is a boon for her. The contribution India will make to the global society is prefigured by the upsurge in the national mood which is marked by ambition, optimism and the spirit to accept the challenge of innovation and accomplishment. There is no doubt that India is a present leader. The world leaders should acknowledge it by providing unequivocal support for its quest as a permanent member in UN's reformed Security Council. Then only her efforts and contribution towards the world will be rewarded.

- Biswaranjan Sahoo

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The Role of India in Shaping the New World Order: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities | Sociology UPSC | Triumph IAS

Table of Contents

Role of India in New World Order

(relevant for general   studies paper prelims/mains).

Role of India in new world order

It’s evident that Post-Cold War multilateralism , which involves collaborative efforts among numerous nations, has reached a historic low both globally and regionally. This decline is clearly illustrated by the recent East Asia Summit held in Jakarta and the G20 summit in Delhi , which have highlighted the severe and potentially enduring challenges faced by the previous framework of global cooperation.

Post-Cold War multilateralism denotes the era following the conclusion of the Cold War in 1991 , during which numerous countries across the globe engaged in diverse forms of cooperation and coordination encompassing areas such as trade, security, human rights, and environmental conservation.

This era was made possible by the absence of major conflicts involving the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, along with their respective allies. Post-Cold War multilateralism was grounded in liberal principles such as democracy, the rule of law, and open markets, and it found support from institutions like the United Nations, the European Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations , and the World Trade Organization.

New world order

The term “the new multilateral world order ” signifies the development of fresh modes of collaboration and dialogue involving various nations and regions in the 21st century. This transformation is a response to the demands and opportunities brought about by globalization, climate change, pandemics, terrorism, and other issues that demand collective efforts and cooperative solutions.

Several attributes define the new multilateral world order:

• The broadening and diversification of existing multilateral institutions, such as the UN, IMF, and World Bank, to encompass a more extensive array of voices and viewpoints from the developing world and the Global South .
• The establishment and fortification of novel regional and sub-regional organizations like BRICS, the African Union , the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the European Union, all of which are designed to promote regional integration, development, security, and cooperation.
• The emergence of informal networks and initiatives, exemplified by the Alliance for Multilateralism, the G20, and the Quad , that focus on addressing specific issues or challenges that transcend national borders and necessitate synchronized action.
• The acknowledgment of the multipolar nature of the world, where no single nation or bloc can exercise dominance or dictate the global agenda. Instead, various stakeholders must engage in dialogue and negotiation to identify common ground and mutual benefits.

Reasons behind Decline of Existing Multilateralism

The Elevation of China and Its Expansionist Ambitions: A prominent factor contributing to the waning of the established multilateral order is the ascent of China as a global economic and military force. China’s expansionist policies, both within Asia and globally, challenge the existing multilateral structure.

Its independent attempts to modify borders with neighbouring nations and its assertive territorial expansion have generated tensions and destabilized regional and global institutions.

Economic and Security Perils Stemming from China : The economic and security hazards emanating from China have prompted countries like the United States, Japan, and India to reassess their engagement with China. Consequently, there have been endeavours to mitigate the considerable economic interdependence with China, a move that carries implications for existing multilateral economic bodies.

Russian Activities : The Russian occupation and annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea in 2014 presented a notable challenge to the post-Cold War security framework, particularly in Europe. This occurrence disrupted multilateralism by fostering divisions and conflicts within the international community.

Inherent Contradictions of the Multilateral System: The multilateral system itself has grappled with internal contradictions and dilemmas. These internal disparities and competing interests among member states have weakened the effectiveness of multilateral organizations and hindered the formation of consensus.

Emergence of Alternative Security Frameworks : In response to China’s expansionism, alternative security platforms like the Quad, AUKUS, and trilateral agreements have surfaced. These forums signify a shift away from conventional multilateral institutions, raising questions about the ongoing relevance and centrality of existing regional organizations such as ASEAN .

Evolution of Perspectives Among Key Actors : Alterations in the stances of pivotal players, including India, have also played a role in the decline of established multilateralism. India’s evolving perception of the international order, transitioning from concerns regarding a “unipolar Asia” dominated by China to more active engagement with the United States and its allies, have reshaped the dynamics of multilateralism in the Indo-Pacific region.

Global Financial Crisis and Expansion of the G7: The global financial crisis of 2008 emphasized the necessity of enlarging the Group of Seven (G7) to include middle-power nations to reinstate global economic stability. While this represented a positive step toward addressing global challenges, it also underscored the limitations of the existing multilateral framework.

Role of Indian in new world order

• India has the potential to assume a prominent role in various forums, including the Quad and ASEAN , along with other regional and sub-regional platforms. Its primary objective would be to champion an Indo-Pacific region that upholds principles like the rule of law, respect for sovereignty, and peaceful dispute resolution.
• Additionally, India can bolster its collaboration in maritime security with nations that share similar values, aiming to address the challenges emanating from China’s assertive actions in the area.
• India’s contribution to the process of re-globalization can involve diversifying its trade and investment partners, particularly within the Global South . Simultaneously, it can work on bolstering its domestic capabilities across vital sectors such as manufacturing, services, and innovation.
• Advocating for a more democratic and equitable global governance system, which accurately represents the realities and aspirations of emerging economies, is another avenue for India to pursue.
• Taking advantage of its role as host of the G20 summit, India can utilize this platform to showcase its vision and accomplishments as a global leader. It can also strive to build consensus on critical matters such as climate change, sustainable development, health security, and digital transformation.
• Furthermore, India can serve as a bridge between developed and developing nations by shedding light on their shared interests and challenges, while proposing inclusive and practical solutions.

Sample Question for UPSC Sociology Optional Paper:

1. question: what role can india play in shaping the new multilateral world order.

India can champion principles like the rule of law, diversify trade partners, advocate for equitable global governance, and serve as a bridge between developed and developing nations.

2. Question: How has China’s rise impacted the existing multilateral framework?

China’s expansionist policies and economic influence have challenged the existing multilateral structure, prompting countries like India to reassess their engagement.

3. Question: What are the key factors behind the decline of post-Cold War multilateralism?

China’s rise, Russia’s activities, internal contradictions in multilateral systems, emergence of alternative frameworks, and evolving perspectives of key actors have contributed to the decline.

4. Question: How can India utilize its role as host of the G20 summit?

India can use the G20 platform to build consensus on critical issues like climate change, sustainable development, and health security, showcasing its vision and accomplishments as a global leader.

5. Question: Why is regional integration important in the new world order, and how can India contribute?

Regional integration promotes development, security, and cooperation. India can engage actively in forums like the Quad and ASEAN to bolster regional integrity and stability.

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India and New World Order

• 06 Sep 2023
• GS Paper - 2
• Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
• Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests

This editorial is based on At G20, the end of old multilateralism – and the beginning of a new order which was published in The Indian Express on 05/09/2023. It talks about the decline of the traditional multilateral world order and the emergence of a new one, highlighting India's pivotal role in this transformation

For Prelims: Globalization , Climate change , G20 , G7 , UN , IMF , World Bank , BRICS , African Union , Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) , European Union , Quad , AUKUS , Global South

For Mains: New Multilateral World Order, Reasons behind Decline of Existing Multilateralism, How can India Shape the New World order

It's clear that post-Cold War multilateralism , which involves cooperation between multiple countries, has reached a low point both on a global and regional scale. This is evident from the recent East Asia Summit in Jakarta and the G20 summit in Delhi, which underscore the serious and possibly permanent problems in the previous system of global cooperation.

Post-Cold War multilateralism refers to the period after the end of the Cold War in 1991, when many countries around the world engaged in various forms of cooperation and coordination on issues such as trade, security, human rights, and environmental protection. This was facilitated by the absence of major conflicts between the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, and their respective allies. The post-Cold War multilateralism was based on liberal principles such as democracy, rule of law, and free markets, and was supported by institutions such as the United Nations, the European Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the World Trade Organization.

What is the New World Order?

The new multilateral world order is a term that refers to the emergence of new forms of cooperation and dialogue among different countries and regions in the 21st century. It is a response to the challenges and opportunities posed by globalization , climate change, pandemics, terrorism, and other issues that require collective action and shared solutions.

Some of the features of the new multilateral world order are:

• The expansion and diversification of the existing multilateral institutions, such as the UN , the IMF , and the World Bank , to include more voices and perspectives from the developing world and the Global South.
• The creation and strengthening of new regional and sub-regional organizations, such as the BRICS, the African Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations , and the European Union , that aim to promote regional integration, development, security, and cooperation.
• The emergence of informal networks and initiatives, such as the Alliance for Multilateralism, the G20 , and the Quad , that seek to address specific issues or challenges that transcend national boundaries and require coordinated action.
• The recognition of the multipolar reality of the world, where no single country or bloc can dominate or dictate the global agenda, and where different actors have to engage in dialogue and negotiation to find common ground and mutual benefit.

What are the Reasons behind Decline of Existing Multilateralism?

• Rise of China and its Expansionism : One of the primary reasons behind the decline of existing multilateralism is the rise of China as a global economic and military power. China's expansionist policies, both in Asia and globally, challenge the existing multilateral order. Its unilateral efforts to alter borders with neighbors and its assertive territorial expansionism have created tensions and destabilized regional and global institutions.
• Economic and Security Threats from China: The economic and security threats posed by China have compelled countries like the United States, Japan, and India to reevaluate their engagement with China. This has led to efforts to de-risk their massive economic interdependence with China, which has implications for existing multilateral economic institutions.
• Russian Actions: The Russian occupation and annexation of Ukraine's Crimea in 2014 marked a significant challenge to the post-Cold War security order, particularly in Europe. This event disrupted multilateralism by causing rifts and conflicts in the international community.
• Contradictions Within the Multilateral System : The multilateral system itself has faced internal contradictions and challenges. These internal disagreements and conflicting interests among member states have weakened the effectiveness of multilateral organizations and impeded consensus-building.
• Rise of Alternative Security Forums: In response to China's expansionism, alternative security forums like the Quad, AUKUS , and trilateral compacts have emerged. These forums reflect a shift away from traditional multilateral institutions, raising questions about the continuing relevance and centrality of existing regional organizations like ASEAN.
• Changing Perspectives of Key Players: The changing perspectives of key players, such as India, have also contributed to the decline of existing multilateralism. India's evolving view of the international order, shifting from concerns about a "unipolar Asia" dominated by China to a more proactive engagement with the United States and its allies, has altered the dynamics of multilateralism in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Global Financial Crisis and Expanding the G7: The 2008 global financial crisis underscored the need to expand the Group of Seven (G7) to include middle powers to restore global economic stability. While this was a positive step toward addressing global challenges, it also highlighted the limitations of the existing multilateral framework.

How can India Shape the New World order?

• India can also enhance its maritime security cooperation with like-minded countries to counter the challenges posed by China’s assertiveness in the region.
• India can also advocate for a more democratic and equitable global governance system that reflects the realities and aspirations of the emerging economies.
• India can use its hosting of the G20 summit as an opportunity to showcase its vision and achievements as a global leader , as well as to forge consensus on important issues such as climate change , sustainable development, health security, and digital transformation.
• India can also bridge the gap between the developed and developing countries by highlighting their common interests and challenges, and by proposing solutions that are inclusive and pragmatic.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Q. In which one of the following groups are all the four countries members of G20? (2020)

(a) Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey (b) Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand (c) Brazil, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam (d) Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea

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How India can recast its role in the emerging global order

EY India Chief Policy Advisor

A noted economist, D.K. Srivastava is an Honorary Professor at Madras School of Economics and Member of the Advisory Council to the 15th Finance Commission.

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Economy watch may 2024, india must carefully navigate evolving global economic trends in its pursuit to become a developed nation. .

• Both global and Indian economies are likely to transform significantly by 2047.
• Emerging technologies are likely to play an important role in India’s economic development.   
• India will have to develop its own paradigm of growth and global leadership by optimizing mutual economic benefits.

A s India aspires to achieve 'Viksit' status by 2047, the economy is poised for a significant transformation. At the same time, numerous developments will reshape the global economy, impacting India in varied ways. Thus, India must strategize its developmental goals within the context of this rapidly evolving global landscape. 

Emergence of new technologies

Technologies such as AI and Generative AI (GenAI) are likely to have an output expansion effect (increased productivity and output) and an employment substitution effect (replace jobs). EY (2023) 1  has estimated the potential impact of GenAI on India’s GDP between US$359 and US$438 billion by FY30. 

With respect to the employment impact, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) 2024 estimates that almost 40% of global employment is exposed to AI with advanced economies (AEs) at the highest risk of 60%, followed by emerging economies (EMEs) including India at 40% and low-income countries at 26% 2 . 

Through suitable policy support, India has to ensure that the employment substitution effect of new technologies is overcome by the growth expansion effect such that net employment growth remains positive, while overall GDP growth is considerably enhanced. 

Impact of climate induced challenges

Natural disasters occur with considerable frequency affecting individual countries/country groups. Many of these disasters can be linked to the ongoing climate change. Swiss Re Institute (2021) estimated that the world may lose close to 10% of total economic value considering a temperature-rise scenario of 2.0°C to 2.6°C by mid-century from their current levels. Under a severe stress scenario with a temperature rise of 3.2°C, and with no action taken to combat climate change, the estimated size of the global economy would be 18% lesser than in a world without climate change.

On the global platform, India has pronounced its commitment to combat climate change and become net zero by 2070.

India may need considerable investment in technology and innovation in order to meet its climate-related goals and ensure that its economic growth is not compromised. 

Deglobalization and global trade fragmentation

Global trade and global growth are often disrupted due to the occurrence of global economic or political crises. As a response to the ongoing geopolitical conflicts, the US and the EU economies have imposed several sanctions. These conflicts have resulted in serious supply side disruptions and fragmentation of global trade into specific trade blocs.

The IMF (May 2024) 3 , has highlighted the increasing risks of global trade fragmentation along with an impact on investment flows. It considers a world divided into three blocs namely, a US leaning bloc, a China leaning bloc, and a bloc of non-aligned countries. It points out that the average weighted q-o-q trade growth between the US leaning countries and China leaning countries during 2Q 2022 to 3Q 2023 was almost 5% points lower than the average quarterly weighted trade growth during 1Q 2017 to 1Q 2022. At the same time, quarterly growth in trade within blocs only saw a 2% point drop. 

On an average, since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, trade and FDI between blocs declined by roughly 12% and 20% more than flows within blocs, respectively. The bloc of non-aligned countries that include India serves to reduce frictions by playing the role of a trade connector.

Ongoing efforts including India operating the Iranian Chahabar port and developing the new India-EU trade route via the Gulf are likely to strengthen India’s position as a trade connector. 

Global indebtedness trends

All major AEs and EMEs have reported progressively higher indebtedness. For AEs, total non-financial sector debt relative to GDP was 265% by end-September 2023 whereas that for the EMEs, it was at 222% of GDP (BIS). Japan had the highest indebtedness among major countries at 402% whereas the level for the US was at 264%. India was relatively better off as its total non-financial sector debt was comparatively lower at 175% of GDP . 

Within total debt, general government debt was highest for Japan and lowest for Germany amongst major economies. A high level of debt relative to GDP implies large interest payments for the governments implying fiscal pressure. If the share of external debt in total debt for a country is high, it is also likely to face exchange rate pressure. 

India’s lower indebtedness puts it in a relatively better off position especially in terms of the available fiscal space to undertake macro stabilization efforts in the face of economic cycles and external shocks. 

De-dollarization and BRICS currency prospects

With frequent US and EU sanctions, large economies such as China, Russia, and the BRICS countries have become wary of holding foreign exchange (FX) reserves in the form of US$. The US$ itself discontinued any backing by gold after 1971 when the concept of petrodollars came into vogue with an agreement between the US and the Saudi Arabia. This arrangement had enabled the US to print dollars almost without limit to finance its internal deficits. The US has been extensively floating Treasury Bills and its government debt-GDP ratio is now touching 123.3% in 2024 (IMF, April 2024).

Chart 1 shows that the share of US dollar kept as FX reserves has fallen from its peak of 72.3% (3Q 2000) to 58.4% (4Q 2023). The share of the Euro has also fallen from a peak of 28% (3Q 2009) to 20% (4Q 2023). In contrast, the share of other currencies has progressively increased to reach 21.6% in 4Q 2023. These trends are likely to continue. There are initiatives by countries such as India and China where bilateral trade is being settled in domestic currencies. There is also a major initiative by BRICS to float its own currency backed by gold and commodities to be used as payment within BRICS countries 4 . This group has now been substantially expanded by inclusion of Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the UAE 5 , many of which are key oil-producing countries.

If the dollar is displaced from its position as the primary global currency for maintaining foreign exchange reserves and for trade and settlement purposes, the currencies of major economies, including India, might begin to appreciate.

India’s real GDP growth target of 7% plus up to 2047 despite these global challenges would enable it to exceed the per capita GDP level of US$13,845 (World Bank) in Public-private partnership (PPP) terms, thereby achieving a developed country status. This will be facilitated by investment in physical and social infrastructure, necessitating an increase in India’s tax-GDP ratio to reach nearly 25% of GDP.  

Show article references#Hide article references

• https://shorturl.at/bvPeX
• https://rb.gy/jo29yu
• Speech: Geopolitics and its Impact on Global Trade and the Dollar (imf.org)
• https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/how-would-a-new-brics-currency-affect-the-us-dollar-updated-2024
• https://www.livemint.com/news/brics-5-countries-officially-join-group-of-emerging-nations-check-the-list-here-11706757708865.html

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India can learn from the experiences of the existing AEs and try to avoid some of the erstwhile pitfalls in the growth process, such as the Middle-Income Trap and the Dutch Disease. This would require careful policymaking and commitment to responsible fiscal behavior so that excessive subsidization or higher government expenditures do not lead to unsustainable commitments. In this context, India’s fiscal strategy should be such that the central and state governments both adhere to their respective fiscal responsibility targets.

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NCERT Books

Essay on India’s Global Leadership for Students and Children in English

Essay on India’s Global Leadership: Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached. This clarion call by the visionary saint still shines with relevancy. The form of a challenge may have transformed but the enormity of the task demands a similar sustained display of brilliance. The honesty of spirited efforts by every countryman can weave the social fabric to the richness and quicken our strides towards global leadership. The “tryst with destiny” that began over six decades back has witnessed an eventful journey of this young democracy.

Long Essay on India’s Global Leadership 600 Words in English

Short essay on india’s global leadership 200 words in english, 10 lines on india’s global leadership.

• What is meant by a Global Leader?
• When will India become a global leader?
• How can India become a prosperous world leader?

Long and Short Essays on India’s Global Leadership for Students and Kids in English

Below mentioned are Long and Short Essays on India’s Global Leadership of 500-600 words and 200-300 words, respectively. The students can refer to these speeches when required and grace the occasion by their words. Read on to find more about Peace and Harmony Essay.

India’s Global Leadership Essay is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.

Beset with a unique set of challenges, India tasted its own share of successes and failures and emerged stronger with every it, experience. The British rule held back the flight of this golden bird, which was destined to emerge as a global leader. India failed to assume that role then but comes with a greater sense of responsibility to claim the mantle.

In the era of growing multipolarity, the role of global leadership assumes a surreal bliss. A nation that can inspire confidence across the globe through its values and actions, a nation – which stands tall on strong fundamentals and a nation, with a rich inclusive vision for the planet will only be accepted by the global community at such a position. It is the preparedness of our society which will determine our stake for global leadership.

The need to prepare for global leadership is crucial in this globalized world. Leadership strengthens the voice of the nation at the global platform while advocating its vision and principles. It gives bargaining power, which is inexplicably skewed in the present setting of the United Nations. A crucial element of society preparedness begins with the sense of security, one can provide to the weakest. The minorities in Indian society stand testimony to the efforts of inclusiveness as part of our nation-building. Our constitutional values have been the bedrock to develop a wholesome society from diverse strands of religion, caste, creed, and language.

This would inspire confidence in the global citizen that India would always stand for the weakest and march him to prosperity. The preparedness on the cultural front is beyond comparison. Blessed with unique and diverse skills, India presents myriad dance forms, musical instruments, handicrafts, food items, and skillsets to the global community. The rich Indian tradition has achieved wide global recognition with the knowledge of Vedas finding a global audience.

The strength of any society can be gauged by the status of women in society. India took years to shed its chains of orthodoxy and continues to expand the opportunities for women. The Indian growth story has witnessed an ever-increasing women workforce and their contribution. The wings of freedom have reached the rural thresholds also. Empowerment of women socially, financially, and politically – has transformed the face of Indian villages. Though some inhibition and social stigma remain, the winds of change are blowing for the better.

Education has been the vehicle to deliver empowerment to women. With more girl children finding access to schools, information about opportunities has percolated to the nooks of the nation. Self-help groups have infused a new era of financial independence for millions of women. Informed about their rights, they spread confidence across the globe in India’s vision and leadership. A major landmark in our society’s preparedness came with the Panchayati Raj act. The decentralized framework empowered the grassroots and brought dynamic changes in the face of society.

Let the winds of knowledge blow in from every corner: This ancient wisdom was given a practical manifestation by democratic decentralization. Political empowerment of women and minorities, better utilization of resources, and inclusive planning became a reality. Though discrepancies may have crept in due to insufficient autonomy to these institutions, the aberrations will be creased out in the journey of success.

Only a strong literate society can gauge the global demands and display potential to guide the global community. The education system is continuously reinventing itself to remain relevant and accessible to the masses. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan and recent RTE Act can go a long way in building an educated nation with each individual enabled to achieve his potential. More coordination, however, is required between the skill set imparted and demands of the industries providing employment.

Along with institutions of global repute like IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS, India is striving to provide quality education to the large student community through new central universities and engineering/medical/art colleges. The functioning of the largest democracy of the world has been the most livid and exemplary. In a short span of over six decades, India has negotiated the threats and shown resilience to infuse democracy as our biggest strength. The claims for global leadership get strengthened by an acknowledgment of this fact by nations of the world. With increasing political maturity, the society may soon witness the much-required police and electoral reforms, which will further aid in the preparedness of society.

Social preparedness remains hollow until backed by strong foundations of the economy. Having weathered the recent global economic downturn in a relatively unscathed manner, the Indian economy has displayed its strong fundamentals and strength of financial institutions. The better proliferation of bank branches to rural India will further augment the financial inclusion essential to building a global leader. Growth must percolate to the grassroots and yield fruits of development in the form of employment and better living conditions. This has been an arena of concern, though a proactive government intervention may soon clear the logjam.

Social preparedness will remain incomplete until India manages to ensure stability and security for upcoming generations. An evergreen revolution in agriculture is the need of the hour. Food and nutritional security are the sines qua non for a nation to assume global leadership. Still swathes of the nation reels under poverty, malnutrition, and hunger. Focus on increasing productivity, diversification of agricultural products, and timely access to credit for farmers need to be pursued on war footing to strengthen the spine of an aspiring global leader.

The pace of development may have been tardy for India, but it had its own set of limitations to deal with. Huge population, poverty, extremism, and religious intolerance have raise challenges for the governments of the day. With increasing developmental pace colliding with the rights of tribal communities, a newer set of challenges regarding land acquisition has posed a new conundrum.

A global leader is also expected to display efficiency in tackling its own problems with solutions that inspire generations. Left-wing extremism is plaguing wide domains of nation and insurgency continue to unsettle the tranquillity of northeast. The achievement of the critical balance of judicious use of force and developmental activities will display the soundness of our policies. Balanced and inclusive development of society has to be materialized as a success story. The evolving Indian society has taken positive strides on the right path. The cancerous growth of corruption must be weeded out through legislation and change of mindsets.

The demographic dividend should be molded to channelize the raw energy generated. The journey has left imprints in the form of positive learning, which reinforces the progressive spirit of the nation. It is the strength of our society, which has propelled us as champions of the causes of the developing world. The continuous preparation of society has bolstered our global image. Freedom of press and respect for human rights has been established as Indian democracies shining armors. Our close competitor for global leadership, our neighbor fails to uphold these values based on tolerance and freedom of speech in society.

A Global leader must be able to convince the nations of its vision and direction. Gandhian values of truth and non-violence were demonstrated to be the most potent weapon bringing the downfall of the Raj on the Indian soil. The technical brilliance of our manpower has been globally acknowledged as the nerve center of major multinationals are being powered by Indian grey cells. The solutions advocated by India to major world problems emerge as a result of a pragmatic, balanced, and inclusive approach, thereby appealing to the majority of the globe.

India has long suffered the scourge of terrorism but never initiated a destruction guaranteed approach of violent use of force. We never advocated violence as a solution and though apparently slow, our approach of dialogues and talks is the only means to obtain most sustaining results. India never believed in planting democracies and spoiling our shoes in the process. Rather, we have facilitated nation-building and rehabilitation efforts around the globe.

Our principles of Panchsheel and other foreign policy initiatives have garnered global recognition from time-to-time. Another global catastrophe unfolding in front of our eyes is global warming, for which pragmatic solutions have emerged from India. With an intensive focus on the promotion of green energy, we display our commitments through action-based programs like the green India mission. The emerging multipolarity receives a setback when the military might of nations is put on weighing scales.

India’s Global Leadership Essay is usually given to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

The United States of America is miles ahead of the rest of the world on this front. But can this be a ticket to sustain the leadership role? The soft power of India has managed to encompass the world in unparalleled dimensions. Simultaneously, a scientific temper is gaining grounds in the Indian society. With more focus on research and development in the coming years, the potential of rapid scientific advancements is waiting to unfold. Better equipped forces will boost the morale of each citizen of this nation. The arena of energy security is also finding an ecological and innovative approach from the Indian land. With new researches and investments in tapping renewable sources of energy, our society is preparing for a cleaner and greener future.

“Only when waves fall onshore, do we hear a rumbling sound. Only when leaves shake the woods, do we hear the rustling of the leaves.”

The preparedness of society is a journey, not a mere destination. It is a process which is geared on the energies of individuals. A process that brews on elemental successes and thrives on the spirit of excellence. With an increasingly dynamic and vibrant civil society to steer the boat through the sea of incessant storm, India should have no fear of surmounting the pinnacle. Effective tackling of social evils of society and demands of progressive legislations will help liberate us to a free uninhibited flight of potential. Permeation of education and building of a knowledge society are the stepping stones to create a nation of unlimited opportunities. Consolidating every aspect of the society by gearing them towards perfection and integrating their energies will make the global community sit up, notice and crown an able leader, worthy of being emulated.

Students can find more English Essay Writing Topics, Ideas, Easy Tips to Write Essay Writing, and many more.

• In the era of growing multipolarity, the role of global leadership assumes a surreal bliss.
• India tasted its own share of successes and failures and emerged stronger with every experience.
• It is the preparedness of our society which will determine our stake for global leadership.
• The need to prepare for global leadership is crucial in this globalized world.
• Leadership strengthens the voice of the nation at a global platform while advocating its vision and principles.
• This would inspire confidence in the global citizen that India would always stand for the weakest and march him to prosperity.
• Only a strong literate society can gauge the global demands and display potential to guide the global community.
• The pace of development may have been tardy for India, but it had its own set of limitations to deal with.
• Our principles of Panchsheel and other foreign policy initiatives have garnered global recognition from time-to-time.
• The emerging multipolarity receives a setback when the military might of nations is put on weighing scales.

FAQs on India’s Global Leadership Essay

1. What is meant by a Global Leader?

A global leader is one who can a play major role in world affairs, work for maintaining peace and tranquillity and can extend all types of help in preventing global crisis such as climate change, food insecurity, hunger, poverty, etc.

2. When will India become a global leader?

India will become a global leader only if it starts building our own systems to reduce dependency on foreign aids, both, military and civil and do something to keep our best brains in India and work for the Indian government we could be a superpower only on papers.

3. How can India become a prosperous world leader?

To make India a world leader, we need to work on the awareness and generate the need of being a World Leader.

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