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Introduction

As Western dominance wanes, middle powers like India are shaping a multipolar diplomatic order through pragmatic engagement and regional credibility. India’s tradition of non-alignment and balanced foreign policy enhances its role as a stabilising force. Its growing mediation efforts reflect both strategic autonomy and moral leadership in global affairs.

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India’s Role as a Middle Power in Balancing Diplomacy and Conflict Mediation

Diplomatic Balancing

• Strategic Autonomy: India maintains independent relations with rival powers engaging the U.S., Russia, and Iran simultaneously ensuring flexibility in a polarised global order.
  Eg: India’s neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict while deepening ties with both Washington and Moscow.
• Bridge Between Global North and South: India projects itself as a voice of the Global South, advocating equitable reforms in global governance structures.
  Eg: Hosting of the 2023 G20 Summit focused on debt relief and inclusive development for developing nations.
• Regional Stability Promoter: India balances regional diplomacy through initiatives like BIMSTEC and IORA, fostering cooperation without overt dominance.
  Eg: India’s outreach to Indian Ocean states to counterbalance China’s growing maritime influence.

Conflict Mediation

• Historical Peacemaking Role: India has mediated conflicts within Asia, upholding peaceful dialogue and UN principles.
  Eg: Mediation efforts during the Korean War and peacekeeping operations in Africa and West Asia.
• Subcontinental Engagement: India promotes internal dialogue in neighbouring nations, preferring political reconciliation over intervention.
  Eg: India’s peace efforts in Sri Lanka (1987) and support for democratic restoration in Nepal and Maldives.
• Credibility from Domestic Conflict Resolution: India’s success in integrating former insurgent groups provides lessons for peacebuilding.
  Eg: Peace accords in Mizoram and Assam that transformed rebels into mainstream political actors.

Challenges in India’s Diplomatic Balancing and Conflict Mediation

• Perception of Bias: India’s strategic ties with certain states (like  Israel, the U.S.) can limit trust from opposing sides in conflicts.
• Limited Leverage in External Conflicts: Lack of coercive power or security guarantees reduces India’s influence in international mediation efforts.
• Regional Volatility: Persistent border tensions with Pakistan and China constrain India’s ability to act as a neutral peacemaker.
• Institutional Constraints: Absence of dedicated diplomatic mechanisms and research capacity for sustained mediation initiatives.
• Geopolitical Rivalries: Competing ambitions of other middle powers, especially China and Turkey, challenge India’s diplomatic space in Asia and Africa.

Conclusion

India’s effectiveness as a mediator rests on strengthening institutional capacity, sustaining regional engagement, and maintaining strategic neutrality. By combining moral authority with pragmatic diplomacy, India can shape a cooperative, multipolar global order rooted in peace and inclusivity.

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