India's foreign policy is focused on peace, development, and the safeguarding of strategic interests amid a transforming global order. As a major democracy and developing country, its foreign policy is rooted in the past while also responding to contemporary geopolitical needs. India's foreign policy is based on non-violence, self-determination, and peaceful coexistence, initially shaped by Prime Minister Nehru during the Cold War, when India followed non-alignment. India's values were also given in the Panchsheel Agreement with China in 1954. It was this five-principle agreement, i.e., mutual respect, non-aggression, non-interference, equality, and peaceful coexistence which has remained the guiding force for India’s foreign policy.

National security is at the centre of India’s foreign policy. As India continues to experience border tensions with Pakistan and China, it emphasizes defense preparedness, border preparedness, border infrastructure, and defense coordination with major allies specifically, the U.S., France, and Israel.
In response to the terrorism attack in Pahalgam in 2025, India initiated Operation Sindoor to attack terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, emphasizing its zero-tolerance stance towards cross-border terrorism. The country also ceased the Indus Water Treaty, closed the Wagah-Atari border, took steps to re-list Pakistan in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, and requested that the heads of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank suspend and condition aid on Pakistan's performance.
Economic development is fundamentally important to the foreign policy of India. India is concerned with economic development primarily by encouraging trade, identifying investment, and fortifying alliances related to energy and technology. Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) aim to boost manufacturing and decreasing trade import dependency. India is also in the process of negotiating Free Trade Agreements with the UAE, Australia, and the UK.
Regional leadership by India in South Asia is sought by negotiation under its first policy "Neighborhood First", where it seeks to develop close ties with South Asian neighbors like Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. In providing development assistance, by enabling infrastructure development projects and taking part in South Asian regional co-operation associations like South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) , India seeks to ensure stability in the region. India maintains close relations with countries in the Middle East region, Africa and Latin America. In the Middle East, relations with the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iran are important for energy security, trade, and the well-being of the millions of Indians who work in the Middle East. India is investing in long-term partnership with countries in Africa and Latin America and India invests in development activities such as healthcare and education.
Globally, India is an active participant in making global decisions within forums like the United Nations, G20, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. India has been calling for UN Security Council to reform the new world order and calling for permanent membership. India's global presence also gives it the voice of speaking up for developing countries and helping shaping a new inclusive and equitable world order.
India maintains strong defense and trade ties with the United States and is part of the QUAD alliance, which includes Japan and Australia and is focused on Indo-Pacific stability. At the same time, India maintains intimate ties with Russia, especially in defense and energy, as well as with countries like Iran and Israel, even though at times they do not necessarily see eye to eye with each other. This flexible and balanced policy allows India to be independent while positively engaging all major powers.
Environmental sustainability and climate change are also essential aspects of Indian foreign policy. As one of the countries’s most affected by climate issues, India has made several steps to promote clean energy and reduce its carbon footprint. It has made it its target to become net-zero by 2070 and is a world leader in initiatives like the International Solar Alliance. India is also promoting the use of green hydrogen, electric vehicles, and sustainable agriculture practices.
India uses its rich heritage and traditions as soft power. India builds relations with people worldwide in practice through, yoga, Indian cinema, food and education. India offers opportunities for cultural exchange and public diplomacy at its embassies and consulates. The program "Vaccine Maitri" was launched by India during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing vaccine exports to many countries in the world and receiving praise for its humanitarian actions. Alongside its culture outreach, India is also focusing on innovation and its demographic strengths.
India is also attempting towards digital innovation, cyber security, and development of a strong technology ecosystem. Initiatives such as Digital India, UPI, and Aadhaar have integrated millions into the internet fold, and steps are being initiated to safeguard data and prevent cyber attacks.
One of the biggest strengths of India lies in its youth. With a median age of around 28 years, it has a huge working-age population base that can fuel growth in the times to come. India is scaling up development initiatives and strengthening science and technology, and developing startups and entrepreneurship.
India has become the voice of the Global South and has advocated on issues of developing nations on climate justice, debt relief, and equitable vaccine distribution. In leading the G20 Summit together with its focus on South-South cooperation (SSC) India was stepping into a leading role in shaping a world order that is fairer and more balanced. At its core, Indian foreign policy is a dynamic blend of tradition and modem strategy. It revolves around safeguarding national interest, fostering peace, development, and creating healthy economic relations with other countries. With increased economic growth and diplomacy, India stands well to shape a safer, more equal and cooperative world in the years to come.

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