India's Decade of Global Influence: Leadership and Diplomacy Redefined

Over the past decade, India's influence on the global stage has significantly expanded, with the nation ensuring its voice resonates across international platforms. From leading as the G20 Summit's presidency to launching initiatives like the Vaccine Maitri, India has solidified its status as a transformative global leader by blending vision with action. India's tenure in the G20 presidency highlighted the Global South and delivered tangible results, including the formation of the Global Biofuels Alliance. Through diplomacy, humanitarian support, and strategic defense, India has crafted a narrative centered around influence and self-reliance.

India's leadership stride is evident through initiatives in climate change, energy transition, public health, and artificial intelligence. It is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership that anchors these efforts in keeping inclusivity and responsibility at their core, ensuring India's voice is prioritized in global discourse. His stewardship has seen India drive conversations and forge coalitions that align with national interests within a global context.

India's prowess in global leadership was further demonstrated during the G20 presidency, where a significant achievement was the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration amidst global divides like the Ukraine conflict. This not only highlighted India's growing reputation as a consensus builder but also showcased its capability to lead amid global uncertainties. Key foreign policy outcomes included co-chairing the AI Action Summit in Paris and distributing millions of vaccine doses to numerous countries under the Vaccine Maitri initiatives, reinforcing India's position as a reliable global partner and a compassionate voice from the Global South.

In addition, India's engagement with the International Solar Alliance and initiatives such as the MAHASAGAR Doctrine, along with partnerships in forums like BRICS, QUAD, and G20, led to agreements, including the IMEC Corridor and the creation of the Global Biofuels Alliance. Expanding its diplomatic footprint, India has opened 39 new embassies and consulates worldwide between 2014 and 2024, bringing the total to 219.

Recent relief and evacuation efforts underscore the government's 'nation first' policy, with significant missions like the Vande Bharat Mission, Operation Devi Shakti, and others spanning several continents. Under PM Modi, India's strategic approach has been founded on responsibility and inclusivity, placing national interests within a larger humanitarian framework. These efforts have facilitated India's role in shaping a new global order while safeguarding its sovereignty and enhancing its strategic presence.

(With inputs from agencies.)