India is increasingly being seen as a significant player in shaping the new world order, leveraging its economic growth, strategic autonomy, and commitment to global well-being. Several factors contribute to India's rising influence, including its demographic strength, democratic values, and diverse culture.
India's economic rise is a key driver of its growing global influence. Projections indicate that India will remain the fastest-growing major economy in the world, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasting growth of 6.2% in 2025 and 6.3% in 2026. This rapid economic expansion is expected to propel India to become the world's fourth-largest economy by the end of 2025, surpassing Japan. By 2028, India is projected to be the third-largest economy globally, behind only the United States and China. This economic growth is fueled by a combination of domestic consumption, rising manufacturing investment, and government initiatives such as the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
India's foreign policy is characterized by strategic autonomy and a commitment to multi-alignment. This approach allows India to maintain strong relationships with major powers such as the United States, China, and Russia, while also pursuing its own interests and promoting a multipolar world order. India actively participates in various multilateral forums, including the G20, BRICS, Quad, and SCO, to shape global policies and address pressing challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and health security. India's engagement with these forums reflects its vision of a more inclusive and equitable global order, where the voices of developing countries are heard and their interests are taken into account.
Moreover, India has emerged as a leading voice for the Global South, advocating for the interests of developing countries on the world stage. India's convening of the Voice of the Global South Summits since 2023 has become a major diplomatic initiative, showcasing its commitment to dialogue and cooperation among nations of the Global South. India has also played a crucial role in bridging the gap between developed and developing countries, highlighting their common interests and challenges and proposing pragmatic solutions.
India's commitment to global well-being is evident in its various initiatives and contributions to international efforts. India has been a key player in promoting renewable energy and sustainable development, as demonstrated by its leadership in the International Solar Alliance and its ambitious National Green Hydrogen Mission. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India displayed moral leadership by supporting its neighbors and exporting vaccines to over 100 countries globally. India's foreign policy is also guided by the concept of "Vishwa Mitra" (Friend to the World), which reflects its commitment to collaboration for global well-being and sustainable development.
However, India faces several challenges in its quest to shape the new world order. These include managing its relations with China, addressing regional conflicts, and promoting inclusive growth and development within its own borders. India's relationship with China is complex, characterized by both cooperation and competition. While India engages with China through multilateral forums such as the SCO and BRICS, it also remains vigilant about China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. India is also focused on stabilizing its neighborhood, being part of attempts to manage the region's economic integration, and actively developing a technology edge to deliver goods in the region.
Despite these challenges, India's rising economic and geopolitical influence, combined with its commitment to strategic autonomy and global well-being, positions it as a key player in driving the new world order. As India continues to grow and develop, its role in shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world order is likely to become even more prominent.
