Book Review: Transformation of India’s Foreign Policy – Shaping The Global Order as a Responsible Power

When Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, India’s stature was elevated as a global power based on its economic progress and assertive diplomacy. Modi’s foreign policy doctrine, branded by strategic initiatives such as “Nation First, Universal Brotherhood,” “Neighbourhood First,” “Act East Policy,” “Strategic Autonomy and Multi-alignment,” “Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power,” and “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India), as well as proactive contributions in global governance as a rule-shaper, are well-recognized initiatives that have focused the world’s attention on India. India’s zero tolerance for terrorism through assertive responses like “Surgical Strikes,” “Balakot airstrikes,” and “Operation Sindoor,” as well as engagement with the Indian diaspora globally for the promotion of Indian culture, are also perceived as remarkable steps taken by the Indian government in recent times.

To understand India’s foreign policy during Modi’s government, the book Transformation of India’s Foreign Policy: Shaping The Global Order as a Responsible Power, edited by Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, offers a thorough analysis of India’s evolving diplomatic strategies under Modi’s leadership.

This 245-page book is divided into nine chapters and presents India as a ‘responsible power.’ Along with a comprehensive introduction by the editor and a concluding chapter titled “Challenges and Way Forward” by P.R. Kumaraswamy, the other seven thematic contributors are also associated with Jawaharlal Nehru University.

The primary themes covered in this book include Modi’s worldview, the contributions of foreign ministers, multilateralism, economic diplomacy and development partnerships, soft power, engagement with the diaspora, and national and global security.

Throughout the different chapters, the book offers a multidimensional analysis of the notable achievements of India’s foreign policy since 1947 and critically examines Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and worldview in shaping foreign policy behavior and conduct. The thematic chapter The Worldview of Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Md. Muddassir Quamar explains Modi’s worldview based on Vedic teachings, civilizational and cultural depth, as well as his distinctive leadership style.

The author interestingly highlights the significance of leadership in international relations and argues that Modi’s assertive and visionary diplomacy has redefined India’s global posture, blending strategic autonomy with proactive engagement. He reflects, “Modi has skillfully used India’s unique qualities—cultural heritage, civilizational richness, democratic credentials, economic potential, demographic dividend, and diaspora—to advance India’s interests” (Page 27).

The second thematic chapter, Implementing Modi’s Worldview: Contributions of Sushma Swaraj and S. Jaishankar by Rohit Kumar Sharma, discusses how the two External Affairs Ministers contributed to transforming Modi’s diplomacy into action to enhance India’s standing on the international stage, considering a civilizational perspective and India’s ancient wisdom. The author highlights Swaraj’s contributions through people-centric diplomacy and diaspora outreach, and Jaishankar’s role through strategic recalibration and institutional reforms.

Anuradha Jangra, a doctoral candidate at JNU, in the chapter Multilateralism in Indian Foreign Policy, thoroughly discusses India’s foreign policy evolution from the Non-Aligned Movement to its emphasis on fairness and equity in global governance and the universalism of the weak to multilateralism. She clearly explains this evolution over several decades. India’s leadership in multilateral forums such as the United Nations, WTO, G20, Indian Ocean Rim Association, and BIMSTEC is examined as evidence of its rising global influence. Furthermore, the author argues that “China’s rise is a significant geopolitical factor influencing India’s views on multilateralism and international organizations” (Page 87).

In the next chapter, Professor Sameena Hamid underscores India’s economic diplomacy as a vehicle for sustainable development, emphasizing initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, digital public infrastructure, and climate-resilient partnerships. The author further highlights India’s visionary leadership in climate action and cultural diplomacy. Mission LiFE, unveiled by PM Modi at COP26, champions sustainable lifestyles over consumerism. Meanwhile, the revival of Nalanda University serves as a cultural bridge, reconnecting South and East Asia through shared heritage. Together, these initiatives reflect India’s mixture of ecological responsibility and civilizational outreach in shaping its foreign policy.

In the chapter India’s Soft Power, Deepika Matange explores how India’s culture and knowledge systems have played a significant role in influencing societies around the globe. The author discusses how India’s cultural diplomacy, Yoga, cinema, art, and technology—alongside its commitment to preserving indigenous knowledge systems and advancing scientific innovation—have contributed to spreading ancient wisdom and Indian values globally.

Ifran Ahmed Nazir’s contribution, India’s Rastradoots: Engagement with the Diaspora, compellingly argues for India’s diaspora engagement through the 4Cs—Care, Connect, Celebrate, and Contribute—which are presented as strategic pillars connecting India with its global citizens.

As the final thematic chapter on security, Prabhat Jwala illustrates how India’s foreign and security policies are increasingly synergized to meet the country’s evolving needs and growing geopolitical ambitions. The chapter discusses how India’s integrated foreign and security policy—including defense visits, joint production, strategic exports, nuclear posture, and counter-terrorism cooperation—advances institutional reforms, strengthens border security, and positions India as a proactive contributor to global stability.

Finally, P.R. Kumaraswamy’s concluding chapter, Challenges and Way Forward, summarizes that India and China stand out as leading contenders in shaping 21st-century global politics, alongside other influential middle powers like Brazil, South Africa, Türkiye, and South Korea, in the race to redefine the international order.

The book offers structured analytical perspectives across seven critical domains through both theoretical and practical insights. Its systematic approach—from vision to practice to the way forward—enables readers to comprehend the interconnected nature of India’s global standing.

It represents a mature intellectual effort that meaningfully contributes to our understanding of how India is preparing itself as a global actor through conscientious engagement and tactical vision. The volume clearly records India’s achievements across multilateral forums, economic diplomacy, and soft power initiatives, though it largely adopts a commemorative tone, providing limited space for critical analysis or dissenting perspectives.

The book, edited by Santishree Pandit, offers a sharp, multidimensional view of India’s foreign policy transformation under Modi. However, when read alongside other books such as The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World by S. Jaishankar, Choices: Inside the Making of India’s Foreign Policy by Shivshankar Menon, and India-ASEAN Relations: Five Years of Modi Foreign Policy by Chander Shekhar, among others, it completes a holistic narrative—bridging strategic vision, reflective analysis, and regional engagement—to understand India’s assertive stance in global affairs.

I believe this book is highly relevant to individuals, including academics, policymakers, and international relations experts, who wish to grasp India’s expanding influence in global and world affairs in a deeper way.