Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign visits have always attracted attention from the media. His recent trip to Japan, Papua New Guinea, and Australia was no different. The significance of this visit extends beyond India’s diplomatic outreach to the East Asia and Pacific region. It serves as a shining example of India’s increasing prominence on the global stage. PM Modi’s engagements highlighted the international recognition of India’s new position in an increasingly uncertain world. It is not often that we witness the most powerful person on Earth seeking the autograph of a fellow world leader, as we saw Joe Biden do on the sidelines of Hiroshima G-7 summit. According to certain media reports, some US lawmakers have even demanded that PM Modi address a joint session of the US Congress. Australian PM Anthony Albanese referred to Modi as “Boss,” while his counterpart in Papua New Guinea sought the Indian PM’s blessings by touching his feet. These actions symbolize the strengthening of India in a tangible manner.
India’s independent and strong image can be attributed to the Modi government’s numerous successes. Today, we are the world’s fifth-largest economy and one of the leading nations in terms of talent and technology. Indian enterprises are excelling in various sectors, including trade, manufacturing startups, and defense exports. Furthermore, this growth has not come at the expense of India’s international relations. Many analysts suggest that India is currently in a geostrategic sweet spot, with both Russia and the US seeking closer ties with New Delhi. The Asian tiger has surpassed the days when it used to be on the receiving end.
Empty-handed despite many Western assurances, Ukrainian President Zelensky is also pinning hope for peace on India as was evident during his meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit. India’s non-partisan stand on the Russia-Ukraine conflict was among the main reasons for President Zelensky seeking PM Modi’s validation for his peace plan. The entire world agreed when he reminded this was not an era of war.
The guiding principle of “India First” at South Block has resulted in New Delhi having similar influence in other global conflicts, such as the Israel-Palestine issue and the tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Indians have earned respect in all the countries they call home. Friends abroad, whether in the US, Europe, Pacific Islands, or the Gulf, attest to the changing global perception of India. The enthusiastic reception of PM Modi by over 20,000 NRIs at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena reflects this sentiment.
Modi’s India cares for all of humanity as one family, as evidenced by India’s benevolent export of Made-in-India vaccines during the Covid-19 pandemic. Indians are at the forefront of saving lives during calamities in all regions. The world looks towards the mother of democracy in times of need.
The economic progress of the South Asian giant is equally impressive. India is gradually becoming the preferred destination for manufacturing and investment, shifting away from China. The government’s reforms have improved the country’s standing in the “Ease of Doing Business” index, and infrastructure development continues at full speed. Despite the challenges posed by Covid-19, India’s economic growth surpassed that of most major economies.
New Delhi has held the G20 presidency since last December and also leads the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). On one hand, the G20 represents over 75% of global trade and two-thirds of the world’s population, while the SCO represents 30% of global GDP and 40% of the world’s population. These leadership positions empower India to guide discussions on global issues according to its preferences. India’s influential position provides a significant opportunity to mediate peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, potentially strengthening its standing and paving the way for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. Furthermore, support for India’s claim as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council has grown in recent years, highlighting how the world sees India as a major collaborator due to its expanding role.
In the history of independent India, the strategic and economic stature of the country has never grown at such a rapid pace as it is today. The question arises: is Prime Minister Modi the sole catalyst for these changes? Perspectives may vary, but it is undeniable that Prime Minister Modi has elevated the concept of India’s Golden Age to a global level, something unprecedented in the past. Perhaps this very notion captures the essence of India’s increasing influence in the world.
