By T.S. Tirumurti

Introduction: A Curious Absence in Global Politics

• Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged PM Modi’s effort in resolving the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
• Raises the question: Why does India refrain from playing an active political role in global and regional conflicts?
• Surprising given India’s past record of decisive intervention in neighbourhood conflicts.

India’s Historical Role in Regional Conflicts

• 1971 (Bangladesh Liberation): India helped stop a genocide and led to the creation of Bangladesh.
• 1988 (Maldives): Indian forces thwarted a coup attempt in support of then-President.
• 2009 (Sri Lanka): India’s intelligence and support helped in defeating the LTTE.
• Piracy Control: India has actively participated in anti-piracy missions in the Indian Ocean.

India’s Global Contributions Without Political Assertion

• India has been active in global development cooperation, such as:
  • Vaccine Maitri during COVID-19
  • Climate change efforts
  • Founding International Solar Alliance
  • Sharing of digital public infrastructure
  • Role as first responder during natural disasters
• Yet, political activism at global level remains subdued.

Reticence Rooted in Development Priorities

• Over the last two decades, India has prioritised economic growth:
  • Under both UPA and NDA regimes
  • India emerged as the 5th largest economy
• This focus on growth has led to a belief that political involvement may slow down development.

Reluctance Towards Taking Political Stands

• India is cautious in openly taking positions in global conflicts to:
  • Preserve strategic relations with both Western and non-Western powers
  • Avoid provoking powers involved in complex conflicts (e.g., Ukraine-Russia)
• India prefers neutrality and avoids arms supply or strong condemnations.

Geopolitical Confusion in a Multipolar World

• In today’s multi-alignment world, where countries align issue-wise rather than block-wise, India maintains a balancing act
• However, this also risks diluting India’s image as a strong political actor
• A “Trumpian world” (transactional, interest-based geopolitics) demands assertive engagement

Putin’s Appreciation: A Signal for Larger Role

• Putin’s gratitude to India signals:
  • India is seen as a credible interlocutor
  • India’s stance in the Russia-Ukraine war was seen as balanced
  • India refrained from voting against Russia, choosing dialogue over confrontation
• India’s credibility must be leveraged to act as a mediator and global player

Global Expectations from India

• Global South and developing countries view India as a voice for fairness in multilateral institutions
• India aspires for permanent UNSC seat – demands a corresponding assertive geopolitical presence
• Credibility is at stake if India does not lead efforts beyond economic or development areas

Risks of Strategic Inaction

• If India stays silent or passive:
  • It may lose influence to nations like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc.
  • Its voice in shaping reforms in global governance could weaken
  • Non-alignment could be misread as indifference
• India’s refusal to join RCEP was a sign of strategic caution, but repeated such moves may signal withdrawal

Time for a Policy Shift and Role Expansion

• India should reconsider its reluctance in global matters by:
  • Becoming more vocal and proactive in Asia, Central Asia, West Asia
  • Using platforms like Quad, BRICS, I2U2, SCO to promote peace, security, and dialogue
  • Speaking on conflicts like Ukraine-Russia, Israel-Gaza, and regional issues that affect the global South
• India must act not just as a moral voice but as a strategic actor

A Balanced Way Forward

• India should:
  • Continue multi-alignment but not shy away from political interventions
  • Present itself as a “bridge” between the West and the Global South
  • Use its historical tradition of non-alignment to actively engage in conflict resolution
  • Assert its leadership in setting global norms, not just reacting to them

Conclusion: Shaping the Global Future, Not Shielding from It

• A “Trumpian world” cannot be navigated with passive diplomacy
• India must redefine non-alignment to suit the present context: proactive neutrality
• With growing economy, strategic location, and global goodwill, India must not just protect its interests but shape global developments
• By doing so, India can fulfil its vision of being a leading power, not just a balancing one

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