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Monday, June 23, 2025
YourTurnSubscriberWrites: India’s expanding influence on the world map

SubscriberWrites: India’s expanding influence on the world map

India’s rise as a global force is driven by economic power, digital innovation, and strategic partnerships shaping a multipolar world.

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“India’s expanding influence in the 21st century is marked by its economic resilience, geopolitical importance, and digital leadership.”

Forging Global Partnerships: India at the Centre Stage

India has many strategic, economic and geopolitical factors that intrigues diverse nations to elevate their ties with India. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s visit to India in February 2024 is a notable example of growing strategic alignment. This was the first visit by a Greek PM to India in over 15 years and came after the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2023. Both the nations laid emphasis in mutual cooperation in defense, shipping, infrastructure, and shared commitment in the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions. Greece also supports India’s bid for a permanent seat at the UNSC.

Japan–India relations have seen deepening strategic cooperation, especially under the “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” framework. In March 2024, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met during the Quad Leaders’ Summit and reaffirmed their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, resilient supply chains, and collaboration in key areas like semiconductors, clean energy, and high-speed rail (Mumbai-Ahmedabad Shinkansen project). Japan continues to invest heavily in India’s infrastructure through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), reflecting a growing economic and geopolitical alignment.

​New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s visit to India (March 16-20, 2025) marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. They want to align their perspectives in the face of evolving geopolitical trend.

Why is India a Pivotal Player in Global Alliances?

India is the world’s fastest growing economy with $3.7 trillion GDP with a massive consumer base. So, the companies and nations look forward to accessing India’s 1.4 billion strong market, particularly in the sectors such as tech, pharma, manufacturing and digital services.

With growing tensions between China and the West, India is perceived as a steady and trusted country in global politics. India is seen as a strong alternative to China’s growing power in Asia and a dependable partner too.

Big companies like Apple, Foxconn, and Tesla are moving some of their manufacturing to India as part of China+1 strategy. They want to reduce their dependency on China and India becomes a popular choice because of their PLI schemes which supports and offer benefits to set up their business in India.

 India is building strong defense partnerships with countries such as the US, France, Russia and Israel. These include big arms deals, joint military exercises, to keep Indo-Pacific regions safe. India is also one of the pilot members of Quad group along with the US, Japan and Australia. This together offsets China’s growing influence in the region, making India a more reliable partner.

India has ambitions of achieving 500 GW of renewables by 2030, making it a key player in the global energy transition. Countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Europe see India as an important partner in the shift to clean energy.

India is a global leader in IT and digital innovation. It handles 60 percent of the world’s IT sourcing and adds over $250 bn to global tech services. With over 4.5 million tech experts, India has a command in AI, software, fintech and cybersecurity. UPI leads digital payments with over 10 bn transactions a month. Startups like Fractal Analytics, Haptik, and Mad Street Den are revolutionizing AI applications. The fintech ecosystem, with companies like Paytm, PhonePe, and Razorpay, is expanding financial inclusion.

India sits at an excellent geographical position for global trade routes, shaping multiple global economic and diplomatic policies through lead roles in G20, BRICS, SCO, and other multilateral platforms.

India’s diaspora strengthens its soft power elevating diplomatic and business ties with many nations. The soft power through Bollywood, yoga, cricket, and Indian cuisine helps build cultural affinity with many nations.

Final Thoughts

India’s growing influence on the global stage is established by its economic strength, geopolitical significance, and digital leadership. In today’s multipolar world, the nation’s seek diverse trade partnerships, resilient supply chain framework, and robust technological collaborations, and India emerges as a reliable and strategic partner. The New Zealand PM’s visit underscores how nations are recognizing India’s role in shaping the Indo-Pacific, fostering economic cooperation, and enhancing global stability.

With its booming economy, digital prowess, and a fine diplomatic balance, India is not just a regional power but a global force shaping the future of international relations. India continues to expand its partnerships, creating economic opportunities for mutual growth and global cooperation.

How do you see India’s global influence shaping the next decade? Share your thoughts in the comments!

These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint.

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