India: A Rising Global Leadership
By Sanjeev Oak
India is asserting its place at the heart of global diplomacy. At the UN, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized Security Council reforms, strategic autonomy, and India’s readiness to take on new responsibilities, signaling a shift in global power dynamics.
India’s voice at the United Nations General Assembly has grown stronger, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar directly challenging conventional perspectives and asserting that reforms in the UN Security Council are now imperative. The message is clear: India is ready to shoulder new responsibilities and has emerged as a central actor in global diplomacy.
“India is ready to take on larger responsibilities. Our economy, military, diplomacy, and technology now carry global weight,” – S. Jaishankar
US Pressure and Diplomatic Contradictions
Recent remarks by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have raised eyebrows. Lutnick suggested that India must align with the American President if it wishes to access U.S. markets. While diplomatic in tone, the statement sparked concerns over the future of bilateral relations.
“Treating a sovereign nation like a subordinate in trade negotiations is not only disrespectful but highlights inconsistencies in U.S. policy,” experts note.
This stands in contrast to the approach of President Trump, who has actively sought to build friendly ties with India, open U.S. markets, and enhance strategic cooperation. The result is a dissonance: one hand extends friendship, the other applies pressure, leaving Indian policymakers cautious but resolute.
A New Global Context
Historically, the U.S. dominated the post-World War II economic order. Europe was exhausted by conflict, Asia lay in ruins, and Africa remained under colonial rule. The dollar-based system gave America near-unquestioned authority.
Today, the equations have shifted. China has asserted global dominance in manufacturing and investment, India has emerged as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, and energy dynamics in West Asia have been reshaped by Russia’s policies.
“The era when America could dictate terms to the world is over. India will chart its own path,” analysts note.
India’s Strategic Autonomy
Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has consistently resisted undue pressure. The country has asserted its sovereign right to procure energy and defense equipment based on national interest, independent of American preferences. This includes energy and defense purchases from Russia despite U.S. sanctions post-Ukraine conflict.
“India’s foreign policy prioritizes national interest and autonomy: friendship with all, subservience to none,” – diplomatic observers
The reality is simple: while America remains a major export market for India—covering pharmaceuticals, IT services, textiles, and engineering goods—India is not compelled to yield to every demand. Global strategic alignments, such as the Quad or Indo-Pacific initiatives, are incomplete without India.
UN Security Council and Global Responsibility
Jaishankar’s intervention at the UN underscored India’s readiness to assume larger responsibilities. He highlighted the urgent need to reform the Security Council, noting that the institution still reflects the 1945 structure, dominated by five nations, while the world’s largest democracy, representing over two billion people, remains without permanent membership.
“The UN must reflect today’s world, not the post-war order of 1945,” – S. Jaishankar
India’s advocacy received support from countries like Russia, Bhutan, and Mauritius, emphasizing India’s legitimacy and centrality in global governance.
Bilateral Relations and Global Influence
The United States’ contradictory messaging—between presidential outreach and ministerial pressure—illustrates the challenges of navigating modern diplomacy. Yet, Indian-U.S. collaboration in technology, defense, and energy continues to grow. When based on mutual respect, this partnership not only strengthens bilateral ties but also global stability.
“India is indispensable in today’s multipolar world. Trade, security, technology, or diplomacy—all global equations now factor India in,” – policy analyst
India’s message is unequivocal: it will not succumb to coercion but remains ready for cooperation. Attempts to pressure India will ultimately harm U.S. interests.
India at the Center
India has emerged as a pivotal player in shaping a multipolar world. Leadership, in today’s context, is no longer the prerogative of old powers—it is the responsibility of nations like India that combine strategic autonomy with global vision. The sooner the world, including the U.S., recognizes this, the stronger and more balanced global governance will become.
“The leadership the world needs today is not America’s—it is India’s,” – diplomatic commentary