📷 Image Credits: The Hindu
India’s participation in the G-7 Outreach Summit in Italy on June 14 highlighted a significant shift in its traditional foreign policy. While India’s quest to become a developed country by 2047 and the third-largest economy by 2027 pushes it to engage with countries beyond the region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attendance hinted at a major overhaul of India’s approach to global relations.
The G-7 countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, are vital trading partners for India. With the economy as the foundation of New Delhi’s desire to shift from a regional leadership role to a global one, India sees the G-7 as a key platform to engage with the West and counter the influence of China and Russia in developing countries.
India’s presence at the G-7 also showcased its dual role as a voice of the Global South and a strategic partner for the West. The country aims to reclaim its position as a significant middle power on the world stage, navigating alliances and partnerships to address immediate challenges posed by China and Russia.
India’s proactive stance on global issues, as seen in its engagement with Taiwan and Ukraine, signals a confident stride towards redefining its role in the evolving global order. The strategic shift in India’s foreign policy under Modi’s leadership demonstrates a willingness to make tough calls and forge new partnerships to navigate the complex dynamics of contemporary geopolitics.
