One of the most distinctive features of India’s foreign policy has been its balanced, independent, and visionary approach. In an era marked by shifting global power equations, intensifying competition among major powers, regional conflicts, and increasing geopolitical uncertainties, India has demonstrated remarkable maturity and prudence. This has enabled the country to establish itself as a reliable, responsible, and influential actor on the global stage. India’s decision to send a high-level delegation to attend the funeral of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, exemplifies this balanced and pragmatic diplomatic approach. The gesture was not merely a diplomatic formality; it reflected India’s respect for and commitment to its centuries-old civilizational, cultural, and strategic ties with Iran. The Indian delegation, led by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lieutenant General (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain, underscored the fact that India views its relations with friendly nations not solely through a strategic lens, but also through the prism of human sensitivity and shared values. Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi could not attend due to prior commitments, India’s dignified presence conveyed a clear message: India remains steadfast in standing by its friends in times of both joy and sorrow.
Indeed, one of India’s greatest diplomatic challenges has been maintaining equilibrium among competing global powers. Today, India enjoys strong strategic and economic partnerships with the United States, Russia, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Europe, Japan, and ASEAN countries. Simultaneously, its historical, cultural, and energy ties with Iran remain significant. Excessive proximity to any one bloc could potentially affect relations with others. Yet, India has consistently demonstrated its commitment to pursuing an independent foreign policy guided by national interests. India’s response to recent developments concerning Iran further illustrates this diplomatic maturity. While Indian representatives visited the Iranian Embassy to express condolences, New Delhi carefully refrained from becoming entangled in international blame games. India neither criticized the United States nor made any aggressive statements against Israel. Such measured diplomacy has strengthened India’s standing as a responsible global power. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the guiding principle of India’s foreign policy has been “national interest above all.” Consequently, India has prioritized its own strategic interests rather than yielding to external pressures.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict serves as a striking example. Despite considerable pressure from Western countries, India continued purchasing Russian oil to safeguard its energy security. At the same time, it successfully deepened relations with the United States and European nations. Maintaining such a delicate balance was far from easy, yet India managed it with notable success. As a result, India today is perceived not as a member of any particular bloc, but as an autonomous global power. India and Iran share a relationship that spans millennia. Their cultural, linguistic, literary, and commercial ties constitute a rich historical legacy. Persian language and culture have profoundly influenced Indian civilization. From the Mughal era to modern times, cultural exchanges between the two nations have remained vibrant and continuous. Economically as well, Iran has been an important partner for India. For many years, Iran played a crucial role in meeting India’s energy requirements. Although U.S. sanctions compelled India to temporarily halt oil imports from Iran, this did not create lasting bitterness between the two countries. The Chabahar Port project represents a crucial dimension of India-Iran strategic cooperation. The project provides India with access to Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan, thereby opening new avenues for regional connectivity and trade. At a time when China is expanding its influence through the Belt and Road Initiative, Chabahar assumes immense strategic significance for India. Over the past decade, India’s foreign policy under Prime Minister Modi has achieved several notable milestones. India has developed unprecedented cooperation with the United States in defense, technology, and investment. New partnerships with Israel have emerged in agriculture, defense, and innovation. Economic and strategic ties with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have reached unprecedented heights, while traditional friendship with Russia has been further strengthened. India has also redefined and expanded its engagement with Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
India’s leadership during its G20 presidency won widespread international acclaim. Guided by the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family—India effectively amplified the voice of the Global South. Its role in securing permanent membership for the African Union in the G20 was historic, demonstrating that India seeks not only to advance its own interests but also to represent the aspirations of developing nations. Another important dimension of India’s foreign policy is its neighborhood policy. India has consistently adhered to the principle of “Neighbourhood First.” Even after the Taliban assumed power in Afghanistan, India continued to provide humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people by supplying food grains, medicines, and other essential items. This sent a clear message that India’s relationship extends beyond governments to the people themselves.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s “Vaccine Maitri” initiative supplied vaccines to numerous countries. When Sri Lanka faced a severe economic crisis, India provided food, fuel, medicines, and financial assistance. India has similarly extended support to Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Bangladesh whenever needed. Consequently, India has emerged as a vital pillar of regional stability and development. In contrast, Pakistan has long pursued a policy of anti-India propaganda and hostility. It has repeatedly attempted to blame India for tensions and violent incidents involving Afghanistan and Pakistan, often as a means to divert attention from its internal crises and governance failures. The reality, however, is that India has consistently championed regional peace, stability, and development. India has never pursued a policy of interference in the internal affairs of neighboring countries. Instead, it has focused on humanitarian assistance, developmental partnerships, and the promotion of democratic values.
Despite Pakistan’s baseless allegations, the international community increasingly regards India as a responsible and trustworthy nation. India’s unequivocal stance against terrorism and its enduring commitment to peace have further enhanced its global stature. This is why an overwhelming majority of countries today view India as a dependable partner for stability, development, and cooperation. India is now steadily progressing towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy. Its growing economic strength, technological advancement, demographic potential, and diplomatic dynamism have positioned it for a larger global leadership role. Prime Minister Modi’s active diplomatic engagements and sustained dialogue with world leaders have significantly strengthened India’s international standing. Perhaps India’s greatest strength lies in its ability to harmonize power with compassion. While safeguarding its national interests, India continues to uphold the values of humanity, cooperation, and global welfare. Its balanced approach toward Iran is a reflection of this broader worldview.
In today’s complex international order, only those nations can succeed that demonstrate dialogue, balance, coexistence, and foresight. India has proven that it is capable not only of protecting its own interests but also of serving as a credible advocate for global peace, stability, and cooperation. Undoubtedly, India’s balanced foreign policy and the diplomatic initiatives undertaken under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership will play a decisive role in establishing the country as a strong, influential, and morally responsible global power in the years ahead.
The Writer, Journalist and Columnist
