India's Foreign Policy 2025: New direction of balance, power and strategy on global forums.
Main pillars of India's foreign policy (2025)
India's foreign policy has been balancing the world since 1947. The main pillars of its foreign policy are as follows -
1. Strategic independence
India is not a member of any such bloc that formulates India's policy independently. Today it has relations with America. On one hand, it is also similar to Russia and China. India always adopts the diplomacy of balance. India is also an important member of the non-aligned bloc, which means making the whole world prosperous and happy without being in any bloc.
2. Neighbourhood First
India is an influential and important member of South Asia. It has increased its partnership with its neighbours Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. And has made agreements in the interest of many neighbouring countries. Being a responsible member in South Asia, India has made a Neighbourhood First policy towards its neighbours, which shows how well-wisher India is towards its neighbours.
3. Act East and Indo-Pacific Policy
Along with South Asia, India is also strengthening its strategic relations with East Asian countries like Japan, Vietnam and Asian countries. Recently, India has formed Quad with America, Japan, Australia to balance China in the Indo Pacific region. This shows how important India is for the whole world.
4. Green and Digital Diplomacy
Apart from this, India is making climate change, solar energy, and digital technology a part of foreign policy. So that all the countries of the world can get its benefit in the coming times.
Relations with superpowers
India-US relations
Since the arrival of US President Barack Obama in 2014, relations between India and America have become much stronger than before. Today, under the ICET agreement between India and America, America is supporting India in semiconductors, AI, and defense technology. Both the countries have formed an organization called QUAD along with Japan and Australia to deal with the challenge of China. Today the relations between India and America are close and strong.
India-Russia relations
India-Russia relations have always been good. The war between Russia and Ukraine has been going on for almost 2 years. Despite the pressure from America and Western countries, India has supplied defense and oil to Russia, maintaining a balance. And has maintained relations with each other on many international forums like BRICS, SCO. In simple words, India and Russia are permanent friends of each other.
India-China relations
Relations between India and China have always been full of ups and downs. Both countries have fought a war in 1962. The border dispute between the two countries always remains a matter of controversy. India is giving more priority to Quad and Indo Pacific Partnership against the aggression of China.
Regional Diplomacy
Pakistan
After independence in 1947 and the formation of the new nation of Pakistan, relations between India and Pakistan have always been tense. And both countries have fought four wars. Recently, after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, tension between the two countries was at its peak. India launched Operation Sindoor to destroy terrorist hideouts and entered Pakistan and destroyed the terrorist hideout and also cancelled the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan.
Nepal and Bhutan
Nepal and Bhutan's relations have always been good and prosperous. Today India is continuously strengthening its relations with both the countries through culture, religion and trade. And these relations are continuously reaching new heights.
Bangladesh
After resolving the border dispute with Bangladesh in 2015, relations between India and Bangladesh have become stronger. Both countries are cooperating with each other on border management and water agreements. But after the ouster of the Bangladesh Prime Minister from power in 2024, there is a bit of non-cooperation in the relations between the two countries.
Sri Lanka
India has always cooperated with Sri Lanka as a good neighbor, today the relations between the two countries are very strong and cooperative. Only some time ago, China was having influence in Sri Lanka, India played an important role in balancing the Chinese influence and has also provided economic assistance to Sri Lanka to save it from being burdened by Chinese debt.
Challenges and opportunities
India has many challenges to keep its foreign policy independent and there are many opportunities too. In the coming times, India will have to turn these challenges into opportunities.
Challenges
Both America and Russia are allies of India. But America and Russia have always been opposed to each other. Therefore, maintaining a balance between the two is a big challenge for India. Increasing cross-border terrorism from Pakistan and Chinese cooperation and increasing aggression of China are big challenges for India. And delay in reforms in international forums like the United Nations is a big headache for India. Therefore, India will have to deal with these challenges at all costs in the coming times.
Opportunities
India has many opportunities in the world today due to its foreign policy. Today, India, being an important and responsible member of the Global South, is constantly increasing its relations. If India shows its restraint, then it will get the benefit of developing Digital and Green Diplomacy more with the countries of the Global South and the whole world. Apart from this, India's soft power, its Yoga, Ayurveda and culture will prove to be helpful in making it a superpower in the world.
Conclusion
India’s foreign policy in 2025 reflects a well-calculated, independent, and balanced diplomatic approach in an increasingly complex multipolar world. While maintaining close ties with both the United States and Russia, India continues to assert its strategic autonomy. Its proactive engagement with neighboring countries, commitment to global climate action, and leadership in digital and green diplomacy underscore its evolving role as a responsible global power.
Despite challenges such as cross-border terrorism, tensions with China, and delays in international reforms, India’s focus on strategic partnerships, regional stability, and soft power is paving the way for a stronger global presence. As the world navigates uncertain geopolitical shifts, India stands poised to shape the global discourse through peaceful diplomacy, innovation, and inclusive development.
With this vision, India is not just reacting to global developments — it is helping define them.
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