India's Remarkable Rise

India's ascent on the global stage was somehow expected, given its attributes as a successful state in international affairs. With a large population of 1.4 billion citizens, it is the world's largest democracy, boasting over 900 million registered voters. Rich in resources and home to a large economy, India is currently the fifth-largest economy globally and is poised to become the third largest within the next three years. The country is renowned for its pharmaceutical, IT, FMCG, chemical, and automotive industries, and it continues to make significant inroads into Western markets. Additionally, as a nuclear power with considerable military strength, India navigates a geopolitically hostile environment surrounded by nations that are not necessarily friendly. Nevertheless, its favourable geographical location as an important maritime line grants it access to multiple world regions such as Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. These external determinants, combined with internal factors like successful policies, contribute to making India what it is today.

Domestically, India has implemented policies aimed at improving its economic performance. It has hosted prestigious international platforms such as the G20, COP28, and the Raisina Dialogue. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been in office for the past ten years, India has managed to lift more than 400 million people out of poverty over the past 15 years. This remarkable rise mirrors the rapid development witnessed in the US and China, where successful policies, investment in innovation, and fostering the right environment for economic growth led to significant advancements. Economic growth also translates into increased military power, enabling the country to invest more in defence, ensuring security, and promoting its interests through hard power globally.

While democracies are often seen as transparent systems fostering economic growth, it is essential to note that democracy is not the sole determinant of a nation's success. Authoritarian states have also found themselves at the top of their regional hierarchies, making strides towards becoming global powers. Democracies, however, tend to have fairer judicial systems with clear rules, allowing for a free business environment and fostering economic growth. The freedom to criticise and express opinions in a democracy leads to a dialectic society that develops faster, as it learns from its flaws. This contrasts with many past empires that fell due to their hubris, persecuting critics and failing to develop through dialectics.

India's policies have been consistent, making the country predictable on the international stage. Prime Minister Modi's foreign policy has been crystal clear, guided by India's national interests, even when they diverge from those of Western allies. This clarity and transparency in communication have been crucial in maintaining respectful and predictable relations with friends and allies. The continuation of such foreign policy under Prime Minister Modi will likely bring more transparency and clarity in international relations.

Economic growth and the rise in India's prestige, coupled with its status as the world's largest democracy, have led to its inclusion in platforms like the G7. Western leaders are keen on appealing to India and bringing it into their alliances, although this can sometimes be naive due to conflicting interests in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly regarding policies targeting China. India, focusing on avoiding great power conflicts in its neighbourhood, benefits from participating in significant international platforms, which serve as mechanisms for international socialisation, crisis management, and stabilisation.

Comparing India and China as partners, India stands out as a more reliable ally without global expansion ambitions. Unlike China, whose foreign and trade policies have aimed at expanding its global influence through infrastructure and financial mechanisms, India has been more focused on domestic development. India's approach does not involve predatory loans that create indebtedness to expand influence. Instead, India acts as a stabiliser in its neighbourhood, counterbalancing China's expansionist elements.

The international system does not necessarily favour democracies over autocracies, as evidenced by the resilience of autocratic regimes like Russia's against sanctions. The critical factor is good policy making, irrespective of the political system. The democratic backsliding seen in various regions, including Europe, results from a failure to recognize the diverse views and stances within populations. Centralised approaches to issues like migration have faced significant resistance, especially when they go against the majority's stance, demonstrating the undemocratic nature of such policies.

In a multipolar world, successful foreign policy involves making deals with all nations unless directly threatened. Alliances in a multipolar configuration are fluid, driven by regional interests. India, as part of both the Quad and BRICS, exemplifies this by balancing interests between containing China in the Pacific and collaborating with developing countries. This pragmatic approach allows India to maintain relationships with both sides in conflicts, such as the Ukraine-Russia situation, focusing on its interests rather than taking sides.

India's growing influence in the Middle East, particularly in transportation initiatives involving Israel, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab states, is an emerging phenomenon. While it's early to predict the full impact, India's cautious approach to not upsetting regional dynamics is prudent. The Middle East's volatile status quo makes it a dangerous region, where direct involvement could worsen situations, as seen with US foreign policy in the area.

The West, used to dictating world policy, must adapt to the new reality of a multipolar world where countries pursue their own interests. This shift requires accepting that not all actions align with Western interests. The rise of India as a centre of power in a multipolar system, alongside Russia's resilience against sanctions, illustrates this new global dynamic. Historical examples show that international systems change naturally, with new powers rising at the expense of established ones. The transition to multipolarity is fully formed, lacking a cohesive international order due to the absence of agreements among major leaders.

Sanctions often fail to coerce targeted nations and instead strengthen their resolve against the sanctioning powers. This dynamic has created more enemies than allies, as seen with Russia's use of sanctions as propaganda to mobilise against the West. The West must learn from these historical lessons and recognize the limitations of sanctions in achieving policy goals.

India's rise showcases how countries can coexist despite disagreements, maintaining essential trade relations without escalating conflicts. India's unique role appeals to the global South, balancing power dynamics in a multipolar world. As global security deteriorates, India's position as a balancer becomes increasingly crucial. Partnering with the West in diversifying relations offers significant economic and technological benefits, adding to the diversity of international relations.

India's remarkable rise can also be seen in its hosting of significant international platforms, such as the G20 and COP28, which highlight its growing influence in global governance. The Raisina Dialogue, another prestigious forum, underscores India's strategic importance and its role in fostering international dialogue. The country's ability to lift more than 400 million people out of poverty in the past 15 years is a testament to the effectiveness of its domestic policies, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His tenure has seen a focus on innovation, infrastructure development, and creating an environment conducive to economic growth, drawing parallels to the rapid advancements seen in the US and China.

Moreover, India's military capabilities have expanded alongside its economic growth. The nation's investment in defence ensures that it can protect its interests and maintain security within a complex geopolitical landscape. This dual focus on economic and military strength positions India as a formidable power on the global stage.

However, it is important to recognise that democracy alone is not a guaranteed path to success. While democratic systems can foster transparency and economic growth, authoritarian states have also achieved significant power and influence. The key lies in effective policy making and governance, regardless of the political system. Democracies tend to benefit from fair judicial systems and a free business environment, which can accelerate development by allowing for constructive criticism and debate. In contrast, authoritarian regimes may stifle dissent, leading to stagnation and eventual decline, as seen in historical empires.

India's foreign policy, particularly under Prime Minister Modi, has been characterised by clarity and consistency. This approach has fostered stable and predictable relationships with other nations, even when India's national interests diverge from those of its allies. The emphasis on transparency and clear communication has been pivotal in maintaining these international partnerships.

The economic growth and rising prestige of India have naturally led to its inclusion in prominent global platforms like the G7. Western leaders have actively sought to engage with India, recognizing its strategic importance and potential as an ally. However, this engagement must be tempered with an understanding of India's unique geopolitical perspective, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. While Western interests often align with India's, particularly in countering China's influence, there are nuances that require careful navigation to avoid conflicts and promote mutual benefits.

In comparing India and China, India's lack of global expansionist ambitions makes it a more reliable partner. China's strategies over the past few decades have focused on expanding its global footprint through infrastructure projects and financial investments, often creating dependencies that bolster its influence. In contrast, India's development approach prioritises domestic growth and stability, avoiding the pitfalls of creating debt traps for other nations. This difference positions India as a stabilising force in its region, counterbalancing China's more aggressive strategies.

The resilience of autocratic regimes, such as Russia's, against sanctions highlights the limitations of these measures in compelling policy changes. The effectiveness of governance and policy making, rather than the nature of the political system, is what ultimately determines a nation's success. The diverse responses to centralised policies, particularly in Europe, underscore the importance of respecting local nuances and democratic principles. Policies that ignore the majority's stance, such as certain migration approaches, have faced substantial resistance, demonstrating the need for more inclusive and democratic decision-making processes.

In a multipolar world, foreign policy success hinges on adaptability and pragmatism. Nations must engage with various partners, balancing their interests in different regions. India's involvement in both the Quad and BRICS exemplifies this approach. By participating in these diverse alliances, India can navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, maintaining relationships with countries on opposing sides of global issues, such as the Ukraine-Russia conflict. This pragmatic stance allows India to prioritise its national interests while contributing to global stability.

India's increasing influence in the Middle East, particularly through transportation initiatives with Israel, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab states, is a testament to its strategic acumen. While it is premature to fully assess the impact, India's cautious and balanced approach in the region is likely to yield long-term benefits. Direct involvement in the volatile Middle East could exacerbate conflicts, as seen with past US interventions. Instead, India's strategy of fostering cooperation and stability aligns with its broader goal of being a stabilising force in international affairs.

The West must recognize the changing dynamics of a multipolar world, where countries like India pursue their own interests, sometimes diverging from Western priorities. This shift necessitates a more flexible and understanding approach to international relations. India's rise, alongside the resilience of countries like Russia, illustrates the need for the West to adapt to this new reality. Historical patterns show that power transitions are natural and recurring phenomena in the international system. As India continues to rise, it will inevitably alter the balance of power, requiring established powers to adjust and accommodate this shift.

Sanctions, as a tool of international policy, have often proven ineffective in achieving desired outcomes. Instead of coercing nations into compliance, sanctions can entrench resistance and foster anti-Western sentiment, as seen with Russia. The West must learn from these lessons and explore alternative strategies that promote cooperation and mutual benefits rather than confrontation.

India's remarkable rise highlights how nations can achieve significant advancements through effective policies, strategic partnerships, and a balanced approach to international relations. By maintaining essential trade relations and avoiding unnecessary conflicts, India sets an example of how countries can coexist and thrive in a multipolar world. Its unique role as a balancer appeals to the global South, offering an alternative to the dominance of traditional powers. As global security challenges intensify, India's position becomes increasingly crucial in promoting stability and fostering diverse international relations.