Answer: 

Introduction:

India’s foreign policy approach has undergone a significant shift from its long-standing image as a leader of oppressed and marginalized nations to a new-found role in the emerging global order. While India’s leadership and idealistic credentials were sustained during the Cold War era, its focus has shifted towards prioritizing national interests over the collective interests of developing countries.

Body:

Leadership and idealistic credentials of India was sustained and can be seen:

• Upholding the Interests of Smaller Economies: India’s Contribution in the Doha Round of WTO.
• Support for Vulnerable Nations: India’s Stand in Climate Change Negotiations
• Shift in India’s Foreign Policy Perspective: Prioritizing Economic Development
• India’s Changing Stance in International Forums: Havana NAM Summit 2006
• India’s Approach in Regional Forum SAARC: Pressing Priorities and Delays in Development Projects
• India’s Focus on Indo-Pacific Regional Growth: Counterbalancing China’s Influence Shifting from Idealism to Realism: Prioritizing National Interests in Foreign Policy.

Shift in India’s Approach towards Strategic Foreign Policy Perspective:

• Economic Development as a Priority: India’s foreign policy now places significant emphasis on economic growth and positioning itself as a global power.
• Focus on Key Global Issues: India’s engagement in forums like the NAM Summit Havana 2006 reflects its concern for anti-terrorism, nuclear disarmament, energy security, and investment in Africa, aligning with its own growth objectives.
• Evolving Climate Change Stand: While India has historically advocated for the cause of developing and marginalized nations in climate change negotiations, its stance has faced some dilution in recent Paris negotiations.
• Allegations of Interference: India has faced criticism for alleged interference in the internal affairs of neighboring countries, such as Nepal, leading to strained bilateral relations.
• SAARC’s Stagnation: India’s strong stance on boycotting Pakistanin the SAARC regional forum has resulted in the non-functioning of the organization, potentially delaying development projects for smaller neighboring nations within the SAARC framework.
• Prioritizing Indo-Pacific and Countering China: India’s increased involvement in the QUAD and its focus on Indo-Pacific regional growth reflect its growing concerns about China’s influence and its efforts to safeguard its national interests in the region.

Conclusion:

India’s shift towards Realpolitik marks a departure from its traditional idealistic approach as a leader of oppressed nations. India’s new-found role in the emerging global order indicates its growing ambitions as a major world power. India’s leadership in promoting a rules-based international order will be vital in shaping the future of the global community.

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