COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine Conflict : Emergence of India as a Global Leader

Abstract

India’s foreign policy has four clearly-stated principles that have been practised over the past seven years, namely, taking care of national trade and security interests (including using aggressive defence if needed), helping its citizens in foreign countries, taking care of partner countries, and continuing to participate in global governance organizations and institutions while maintaining its non-aligned stand. India over the last seven years has initiated various foreign policy strategies: Act East policy, Sagar (trans-ocean) outlook, Gulf engagement and Central Asia strategies that have focussed on resource use, humanitarian aid, and defence. Greater investment in defence strategies can be done through strengthening national defence, providing maritime security with India’s neighbours in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea, and restructuring the defence organization. As a irst responder, India takes on a leadership role for its partner countries that are in need of disaster management. Over the last few years, India has taken on the leadership of the global south and engaged with the United Nations as a temporary member.