Answer

India’s growing economic and political influence is reshaping its role on the global stage, particularly in a world marked by increasing geopolitical uncertainty. As the world’s fifth-largest economy and a major player in regional security, India is poised to drive significant global change. Reports like the IMF World Economic Outlook and World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects highlight India’s robust economic growth, which is expected to continue even amid global challenges. 

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India’s increasing economic and political power is impacting its role on the global stage

• Economic Growth: India’s booming economy boosts its influence, positioning it as a key player in global trade, investment, and economic policymaking.
  For example: India’s rapid economic growth has attracted foreign investments, leading to its integration into global supply chains and influence in platforms like the G20.
• Political Stability: India’s political stability offers an attractive model for countries seeking reliable partnerships, enhancing its global standing.
  For instance: India’s consistent democratic processes and leadership have helped promote trust, making it a key partner for nations like the US and Japan in countering regional tensions.
• Strategic Alliances: India is expanding its diplomatic reach, forming strategic alliances to bolster its political leverage across regions.
  For example: The Quad partnership with the US, Australia, and Japan aims to balance China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific, strengthening India’s geopolitical role.
• Technological Influence: India’s advancements in technology and innovation empower its position in global decision-making bodies, particularly in the digital economy.
  For example: India’s growing expertise in IT and cybersecurity has led to increased collaboration with Europe and the US, particularly in the 5G and AI sectors.
• Global Leadership: India’s increasing economic and political influence allows it to take leadership roles in global organizations and shape international discussions on critical issues. 

Global geopolitical uncertainty and how it affects India’s economic and political influence

• Geopolitical Instability: Ongoing geopolitical conflicts create opportunities for India to position itself as a stabilizing force.
  For example: In the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India has managed to maintain neutrality, strengthening its ties with Russia while building strategic relations with the West.
• Shifting Alliances: Global shifts in alliances affect India’s diplomatic efforts, requiring agile responses to maintain strategic relations.
  For example: India’s absence from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Pakistan highlighted China’s rising influence, prompting India to recalibrate its relationships in South Asia.
• Economic Protectionism: Increasing protectionism in global trade impacts India’s export-dependent growth, urging India to diversify partnerships.
  For example: The rise of trade wars and tariffs between the US and China has prompted India to sign free trade agreements with Australia and the UK to secure new markets.
• China’s Rising Influence: China’s growing geopolitical power challenges India’s position, necessitating strategic responses to safeguard national interests.
  For example: China’s global security initiatives and its leadership in forums like the BRICS push India to strengthen its bilateral ties, particularly in Africa and Latin America.
• Cybersecurity Threats: The increasing frequency of cyberattacks underscores the need for India to prioritize cybersecurity, ensuring national and economic security.
  For instance: India faced a surge in cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, which highlighted the need for enhanced cyber defense measures to safeguard its digital economy.

Ways India can leverage its position to strengthen global partnerships

• Enhancing Trade Relations: India can further promote free trade agreements and strengthen economic ties with key global economies to increase mutual prosperity.
  For example: India’s recent trade agreements with the UAE and Australia highlight its role in expanding economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Advancing Technological Diplomacy: India can use its technological advancements, especially in IT, space exploration, and clean energy, to foster collaboration and innovation in key sectors globally.
  For example: India’s space missions, like Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan, provide opportunities for collaborative ventures with other countries, fostering scientific partnerships.
• Promoting Regional Security Cooperation: India can work on enhancing security cooperation with neighboring nations, focusing on counterterrorism, disaster management, and regional stability. 
• Promoting Sustainability and Green Development: India can lead global efforts on sustainability by promoting clean energy initiatives, climate change action, and environmental conservation through international cooperation.
  For example: India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) encourages countries to collaborate on solar energy solutions, reinforcing India’s green energy vision.
• Strengthening Multilateral Diplomacy: India can use its influence in multilateral organizations such as the United Nations and BRICS to drive global consensus on issues like climate change, trade, and security.

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By leveraging multilateral platforms such as the Quad, BRICS, and G20, and strengthening bilateral ties through initiatives like Act East Policy and Neighborhood First, India can enhance its strategic alliances. Furthermore, its commitment to sustainable development and climate action positions it as a key global partner in tackling future challenges, ensuring that India not only rises economically but also contributes to global stability.

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