Strategic Horizons

In "Strategic Horizons: A Decade of Modi's Diplomacy and India's Global Repositioning," author Sandeep Chavan provides an insightful analysis of India's foreign policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The book takes readers through the significant shifts and strategic decisions that have shaped India's rise on the global stage over the past decade. Chavan explores how Modi's leadership has redefined India's role in international diplomacy, balancing complex relationships with major powers while pursuing strategic autonomy.

Central to Chavan's examination is the concept of strategic autonomy, a guiding principle of India's foreign policy under Modi. By engaging with countries like the U.S., Russia, and China, India has managed to pursue its national interests without aligning too closely with any single power bloc. Chavan illustrates how India's foreign policy has adapted to the changing global order, ensuring that India remains flexible and resilient in its diplomatic endeavors. Through key initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Vaccine Maitri during the COVID-19 pandemic, India has positioned itself as a leader in global sustainability and public health, further enhancing its international stature.

Chavan also highlights India's growing influence in regional affairs, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. By participating in the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) alongside the U.S., Japan, and Australia, India has strengthened its defense and security cooperation while countering China's assertiveness. At the same time, India has diversified its defense acquisitions, establishing partnerships with the U.S., Russia, and France, all while pursuing self-reliance in defense production.

In addition to defense and trade, Chavan examines India's use of soft power-through cultural diplomacy and the promotion of initiatives like International Yoga Day-to build global goodwill. India's engagement with its diaspora has further amplified its influence, positioning the country as a key player in both global diplomacy and global cultural affairs.

Ultimately, in "Strategic Horizons," Sandeep Chavan encapsulates how Modi's foreign policy has shifted India's position from a regional power to an increasingly influential global leader. By skillfully balancing diverse relationships and asserting leadership on global challenges, India's diplomacy under Modi has solidified the country's role as a rising force in the international order.