By Lalit Gargg
One of the most distinctive features of India’s foreign policy has been its balanced, independent, and pragmatic approach. In an era marked by shifting global power equations, intensifying competition among major powers, regional conflicts, and growing geopolitical uncertainty, India has demonstrated remarkable maturity and restraint. This has enabled the country to establish itself as a reliable, responsible, and influential actor on the global stage.
India’s decision to send a high level delegation to attend the funeral of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reflected this balanced diplomatic approach. The gesture was more than a diplomatic formality. It reaffirmed India’s respect for its centuries old civilizational, cultural, and strategic ties with Iran. The Indian delegation, led by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lieutenant General (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain, underscored that India views its relations with friendly nations through both strategic interests and shared values. Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi could not attend because of prior commitments, India’s dignified presence conveyed a clear message that it stands by its friends in times of both celebration and adversity.
One of India’s greatest diplomatic challenges has been maintaining equilibrium among competing global powers. Today, India enjoys strong strategic and economic partnerships with the United States, Russia, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Europe, Japan, and ASEAN nations. At the same time, its historical, cultural, and energy ties with Iran continue to hold considerable importance. Excessive proximity to any one bloc could affect relations with others. Yet India has consistently demonstrated its commitment to an independent foreign policy guided by national interest.
India’s response to developments concerning Iran further illustrates this diplomatic maturity. While Indian representatives visited the Iranian Embassy to express condolences, New Delhi carefully avoided becoming entangled in international blame games. India neither criticized the United States nor adopted an aggressive posture towards Israel. Such measured diplomacy has strengthened India’s image as a responsible global power. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the guiding principle of India’s foreign policy has been placing national interest above all else. Accordingly, India has consistently pursued its own strategic priorities instead of yielding to external pressures.
The Russia Ukraine conflict provides another striking example. Despite considerable pressure from Western countries, India continued purchasing Russian oil to safeguard its energy security while simultaneously strengthening ties with the United States and European nations. Maintaining this delicate balance was far from easy, yet India managed it with notable success. As a result, India is increasingly viewed not as a member of any particular bloc but as an independent global power.
India and Iran share a relationship that spans millennia. Their cultural, linguistic, literary, and commercial ties form a rich historical legacy. Persian language and culture have profoundly influenced Indian civilization. From the Mughal era to modern times, exchanges between the two nations have remained vibrant. Economically, Iran has long been an important partner for India, particularly in meeting its energy needs. Although United States sanctions compelled India to suspend oil imports from Iran, the relationship between the two countries has remained resilient.
The Chabahar Port project represents a significant dimension of India Iran strategic cooperation. It provides India with access to Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan, opening new avenues for regional connectivity and trade. At a time when China continues to expand its influence through the Belt and Road Initiative, Chabahar assumes immense strategic significance for India.
Over the past decade, India’s foreign policy under Prime Minister Modi has achieved several important milestones. India has deepened cooperation with the United States in defence, technology, and investment. Partnerships with Israel have expanded across agriculture, defence, and innovation. Economic and strategic ties with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have reached new heights, while the longstanding partnership with Russia has remained strong. India has also broadened its engagement with Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
India’s leadership during its G20 presidency received widespread international recognition. Guided by the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world is one family, India effectively amplified the voice of the Global South. Its role in securing permanent membership for the African Union in the G20 was historic and demonstrated that India seeks to advance the aspirations of developing nations alongside its own interests.
Another important dimension of India’s foreign policy is its Neighbourhood First policy. Even after the Taliban assumed power in Afghanistan, India continued providing humanitarian assistance through food grains, medicines, and other essential supplies. This conveyed the message that India’s relationship extends beyond governments to the people themselves.
During the COVID 19 pandemic, India’s Vaccine Maitri initiative supplied vaccines to numerous countries. When Sri Lanka faced a severe economic crisis, India extended food, fuel, medicines, and financial assistance. India has similarly supported Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Bangladesh whenever required. As a result, India has emerged as an important pillar of regional stability and development.
In contrast, Pakistan has often pursued a policy of anti India propaganda and hostility. It has repeatedly attempted to blame India for tensions and incidents involving Afghanistan and Pakistan, often to divert attention from its own internal challenges. The reality, however, is that India has consistently advocated regional peace, stability, and development. Rather than interfering in the internal affairs of neighbouring countries, India has focused on humanitarian assistance, developmental partnerships, and the promotion of democratic values.
Despite Pakistan’s allegations, the international community increasingly views India as a responsible and trustworthy nation. India’s firm stand against terrorism and its consistent commitment to peace have further enhanced its global standing. Consequently, an overwhelming majority of countries regard India as a dependable partner for stability, development, and cooperation.
India is steadily progressing towards becoming the world’s third largest economy. Its expanding economic strength, technological capabilities, demographic advantage, and diplomatic dynamism have positioned it for a larger global leadership role. Prime Minister Modi’s active diplomatic engagements and sustained dialogue with world leaders have significantly strengthened India’s international profile. Perhaps India’s greatest strength lies in its ability to balance power with compassion. While protecting its national interests, India continues to uphold the values of humanity, cooperation, and global welfare. Its balanced approach towards Iran reflects this broader vision.
In today’s complex international order, only those nations that demonstrate dialogue, balance, coexistence, and foresight can succeed. India has shown that it is capable of protecting its own interests while serving as a credible advocate for global peace, stability, and cooperation. Its balanced foreign policy and diplomatic initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership are likely to play an important role in strengthening India’s position as a strong, influential, and responsible global power in the years ahead.
