India’s Evolution as a Global Leader: A Decade of Transformation In The Past 9 Years.

On June 22, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi created history by becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the US Congress twice. This meeting comes at the Backdrop of India’s rising Global stature as well as a signal of deepening cooperation between USA and India. Over the past nine years, India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has emerged as a formidable global leader in the realm of geopolitics and foreign policy. The Modi government’s proactive approach, strategic vision, and emphasis on building strong regional partnerships have catapulted India onto the world stage. From being a country, which used to take a back seat in world politics, India is now the foremost party of engagement on international forums from hosting the G20 Summit to becoming the voice for Global south. This article explores India’s journey towards global leadership, focusing on the Act East policy, engagement with neighbouring countries, comparative analysis of diplomatic policies, and recognition through prestigious awards received by Prime Minister Modi.

Central to India’s foreign policy under the Modi government has been the Act East policy, aimed at deepening economic, political, and cultural ties with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. This policy shift has led to increased engagements with nations like Japan, Australia, and the ASEAN countries. Under the Act East policy, India has actively participated in regional forums such as the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN-India Summit, asserting its commitment to a rules-based order, freedom of navigation, and respect for international law. These engagements have elevated India’s stature in the region, paving the way for enhanced trade, investment, and strategic partnerships. India is a party state to various strategic groupings from the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization), BRICS as well as G20 and an important outreach member.

India’s engagement with its neighbours has witnessed a transformative shift during the Modi government’s tenure. The neighbourhood-first policy has strengthened ties with countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, fostering regional stability and economic cooperation. Initiatives like the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement and the South Asian Satellite project have facilitated greater connectivity and cooperation among South Asian countries. Prime minister Modi also became the first Head of state from India to visit Fiji and Papua New Guinea to host a key summit between India and 14 Pacific Island countries to boost bilateral ties and shape India’s leadership role as the voice of the Global South. For the Global south, almost the majority of its history has been rooted in exploitation by Western colonial powers in the past, the bipolar Cold War system, and the desire of the Global North to perpetuate its hegemonic dominance in global geopolitics in recent years. In such conditions, the Global South requires alternative narratives to establish an equitable world order. India’s leadership is vital for such a reshaping of the status quo of the Global South movement. Apart from that India enjoys respectable relationships with conflicting parties in today’s world including the United States and Russia. Israel and various Arab Nations including Saudi Arabia, UAE and Oman etc. This well Balancing Act shows India’s strong Independence when it comes to foreign policy and Modi adept understanding of geopolitics.

Comparing India’s diplomatic policies prior to 2014 with the changes observed under Prime Minister Modi reveals a significant transformation in the nation’s foreign relations. The Modi government has displayed a proactive and assertive approach, moving away from passive diplomacy towards actively shaping global affairs.

Prime Minister Modi’s diplomatic initiatives have garnered international recognition and praise. Heads of state and global organisations have bestowed prestigious awards upon him, acknowledging his visionary leadership and commitment to fostering strong bilateral relationships. Noteworthy among these awards is the Legion of Merit, the highest civilian honour of the United States, which Modi received from former President Barack Obama in 2016. This recognition underscored the strengthening of the India-US strategic partnership.

Similarly, Modi has received accolades such as the Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud from Saudi Arabia, the Order of Zayed from the United Arab Emirates, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle from Russia, and the Seoul Peace Prize, The order of Companion from Fiji in May 2023, among others. These awards highlight his efforts in promoting bilateral relations, regional stability, and global cooperation.

Under the Modi government, India’s foreign policy has shifted from a reactive stance to proactive engagement, positioning the nation as a global leader. This transformation is reflected in the strengthening of regional partnerships, increased participation in international forums, and pursuit of strategic objectives. With Foreign Affairs helmed by Dr. S Jaishankar, fresh impetus has been squeezed in to the foreign policy and representation of India’s view of a Multilateral world on various forums with hawk eye focus on stating India’s position on various issues and its independence when it comes to major foreign policy decisions.

The Act East policy has propelled India’s engagement with the Asia-Pacific region, opening avenues for economic growth, security cooperation, and cultural exchanges. By deepening ties with neighbouring countries, India has fostered stability, connectivity, and regional integration.

Moreover, Prime Minister Modi’s adept diplomacy has earned him recognition from heads of state and global organisations, showcasing India’s growing influence on the global stage. Comparatively, the Modi government’s diplomatic policies have demonstrated a shift towards proactive engagement and strategic assertiveness. The recognition received through various awards underscores India’s growing influence and Modi’s ability to foster strong bilateral relationships. His Bonhomie with world leaders’ personal rapport with world leaders also played a pivotal role in shaping India’s image on the global stage. In a gesture that will be remembered for years to come, PM Marape praised PM Modi, when visited his country after Japan and welcomed him by touching his feet at the airport during the Forum for India-Pacific Islands `Cooperation Summit while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, during a cultural event that was held in Sydney as part of PM Modi’s visit to the country, called PM Modi ‘Boss’ while 20000 people from the Indian Diaspora chanted slogans of Modi, Modi which was unbelievable to the Australian leaders from both sides of Bi-Partisan lines.

As India continues its journey as a global leader, it is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the geopolitics of the 21st century. The Modi government’s visionary approach to foreign policy and emphasis on building strong regional partnerships have set the stage for India’s emergence as a key player in the ever-changing global landscape. From its Zero tolerance policy on terror to its strong stands on various geopolitical issues, India is well positioned to set the narrative of the issues of the 21^st century. From hunger to war in Ukraine and its efforts in acting against climate change to providing free vaccines to the world India has put itself on the Map as a reliable party for the disgruntled and unheard voices which Forums like the United Nations have Failed to address. Under the Strong leadership of Prime minister visionary leadership and commitment to building strong international relationships India is set to be a key player in shaping global affairs and securing its place as a global leader in the 21st century.