India is on a mission to be the third-largest economy by 2030 and join the list of developed nations by 2047. Whether these goals will be achieved or remain as goals, it is yet to be seen. But the steps to frame international policies and initiatives that showcase India’s potential in terms of resources as well as capabilities are on the rise. This is evident from India being mentioned, or India’s involvement, in international dialogues among the superpowers and the largest economies, including the USA, Russia, France, Germany, Canada, Japan, China and the UK.
US President Donald Trump penalising India with a 50% tariff on the purchase of Russian oil, impacting billions of dollars in exports to the US, was immense pressure from a global superpower. However, the resistance and resilience shown by the Indian government in not compromising on India’s interests is nothing less than commendable. It is a clear message to the world that this is the ‘New India’.
India that Fights Back: Increasing Defence Prowess
We cannot forget the dastardly Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 innocent civilians while injuring many others. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, announcing to the world that it would never bow down to terrorism nor to any nuclear threat. Deploying its highly efficient integrated command and control system consisting of radars, early warning systems, fighter jets, drones, and a large array of potent missile systems such as Aakash and BRAHMOS, India proved to the world that it is capable of nullifying the enemy’s offences. A significant factor leading to this confident confrontation is the timely availability of nuanced defence systems made possible by the ‘Make in India’ initiatives. Not only did we make the perpetrator rush towards a request for a ceasefire, but we also made the world acknowledge that our systems were superior to Chinese systems used by the Pakistani army.
India is now choosing its defence collaboration partners to have strong allies in times of need, like Russia, which has stood with India for the last 65 years. A prime example of what a reliable partnership can achieve is BRAHMOS, jointly manufactured by Russia and India, which emerged as a game-changer during our recent skirmishes with Pakistan
India is now choosing its defence collaboration partners to have strong allies in times of need, like Russia, which has stood with India for the last 65 years. A prime example of what a reliable partnership can achieve is BRAHMOS, jointly manufactured by Russia and India, which emerged as a game-changer during our recent skirmishes with Pakistan.
The Prime Minister’s address from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15, 2025, promising that India will soon come up with its own jet engine, will give a boost to the manufacturers of indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft as well as many other similar projects. Developed and launched by ISRO, NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), India’s autonomous regional satellite navigation system that provides accurate real-time positioning and timing, has already proved its mettle in the recent Operation Sindoor.
India that Pushes Ahead: Progressing Economic Prowess
In addition to maintaining a trade surplus with advanced nations, the Indian government is currently focusing on empowering small and medium-scale enterprises with incentives to design indigenous products and systems that can flourish in international markets. Local artisans are also being encouraged to embrace the role in boosting our economy. Acting as brand ambassadors, the President and Prime Minister of India promote indigenous innovations by giving them as ‘gifts’ to foreign counterparts.
Although India believes that infrastructural connectivity among nations is required to improve diplomatic and trade relations, it firmly opposed China’s OBOR initiative, which is perceived as a unilateral decision by China, ignoring the economic interests of participating countries. Additionally, China is funding projects in India’s disputed territories with Pakistan
Defence officers posted in foreign embassies are mandated to promote Indian defence products in their respective countries and directly, or indirectly, establish collaborations with their defence procurement departments.
India has stood firm in its decision to continue to purchase oil from the most affordable sources available, including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Russia, despite relentless pressure from the US advising against it. This is crucial to meet the gigantic energy demand of our rapidly expanding economy, growing at an annual rate of 4-5%. Not crumbling under the US pressure is a case in point.
India that Walks the Talk: Impressive Diplomatic Prowess
India is an active participant in international organisations such as G20, ASEAN, UN, QUAD, SCO, BIMSTEC, and BRICS. It maintains diplomatic relations with the globe, engages in negotiations and contributes to the development and maintenance of the world order. Our Prime Minister is among the few world leaders who have urged the Ukrainian as well as Russian Presidents to end the war, making a historic statement that, “We are not living in the era of war.” India also maintains strong diplomatic relations with Palestine and Israel, and our Prime Minister, once again, intervened, requesting the leaders to find a peaceful resolution at the earliest and stop the genocide in Gaza.
For decades, India has been sending peacekeeping missions to war-torn areas, spreading the message of peace and brotherhood. India has also transformed its global image and earned the title of the ‘pharmacy of the world’ due to its contributions to the pharmaceutical industry, especially during the Covid pandemic.
India’s decision to rejoin RCEP, as part of its Look East policy, is another step in the direction of attaining a leadership role in the Global South. India considers itself a champion in promoting and developing the Global South by fostering more cooperative development in Latin America, the Caribbean, the African continent, and the Far East region
Although India believes that infrastructural connectivity among nations is required to improve diplomatic and trade relations, it stands firmly opposed to China’s OBOR initiative, which is perceived as a unilateral decision by China without giving due consideration to the economic interests of participating countries. Additionally, China is funding projects in India’s disputed territories with Pakistan.
India’s recent decision to rejoin RCEP in promotion of its Look East policy is another step in the direction of attaining a leadership role in the Global South. It sees itself as a champion in the promotion and development of the ‘Global South’ by fostering more cooperative development among developing nations in the region, especially in Latin America, the Caribbean, the African continent, and the Far East region.
Closing Thoughts
Considering the fast-paced changes happening in the world order today, India will certainly play a major role in the way countries, as well as regions, reorganise into groups having a common agenda and long-term goals. With all the conditions in our favour, India becoming the third largest economy and a developed nation in a couple of decades, looks more than just achievable.
