A period of transformation in India’s foreign policy has begun, marked by strategic engagement and practical approaches. India has embraced multilateral cooperation and actively sought strategic autonomy over the last eleven years, which has led to stronger, more organized, and forward-looking ties with major world powers.
India’s vibrant alliances with the US, Russia, France, the UK, the EU, and important West Asian countries are clear examples of this development.
Based on a growing convergence of interests across bilateral, regional, and global issues as well as shared democratic values, India and the United States have developed into a comprehensive global strategic partnership.
A strong agenda for defense, trade, and technology cooperation is reflected in programs like the US-India COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) and “Mission 500″—which seeks to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. The introduction of cutting-edge US military platforms into India’s armed forces and the new ten-year Framework for the Major Defence Partnership serve as additional evidence of the two nations’ strong mutual trust and forward-thinking collaboration.
With an emphasis on organized communication and increased defense cooperation, India-Russian relations have also grown stronger. A significant milestone was reached in December 2021 when the first 2+2 Dialogue brought together defense and foreign ministers for in-depth talks.
With cooperation on platforms like the S-400 missile system, T-90 tanks, Su-30MKI jets, and BrahMos missiles, joint production and research now supplement traditional defense purchases, underscoring the long-standing strategic partnership.
India has a long-standing, reliable relationship with France that is based on multilateralism and shared democratic values. Developed during Prime Minister Modi’s trips to France, the Horizon 2047 Roadmap prioritizes environmental sustainability, people-to-people relationships, and security. The partnership is further expanded through economic and climate initiatives, while the induction of 36 Rafale jets into the Indian Air Force represents the depth of defense cooperation.
Significant progress has been made in India’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the United Kingdom, especially since the Double Contribution Convention and India-UK Free Trade Agreement were recently concluded.
With the help of cooperative programs like the UK-India Infrastructure Financing Bridge and the Technology and Security Initiative, these agreements open up new possibilities in the fields of technology, defense, health, and infrastructure financing.
Through organizations like the Trade and Technology Council (TTC), India’s relationship with the European Union—another significant democratic and economic partner—has improved. A new era of strategic dialogue on trade, technology, and security is being heralded by the EU College of Commissioners’ first-ever visit to India in February 2025 and more than 20 ministerial-level meetings, which further solidify India’s commitment to open markets and multilateralism.
India’s connections in West Asia have expanded dramatically due to strategic, financial, and cultural considerations. The 2025 Strategic Partnership Council meeting resulted in significant investment plans and new ministerial committees, further strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia.
With more than 2.65 million members in Saudi Arabia, the Indian diaspora remains an essential link. Under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, India-UAE relations have grown, fostering cooperation and trade in multilateral forums such as I2U2 and BRICS. With high-level visits, defense cooperation, and a $10 billion investment from Qatar in Indian infrastructure and technology, India-Qatar relations have also improved.
Over the last ten years, India’s foreign policy has shown a self-assured, independent approach that puts the interests of the country first while promoting international stability. India has improved its international standing and sovereignty by emphasizing inclusive diplomacy, technological innovation, and defense production. India is positioned as a key player in creating a just and prosperous global order in this age of audacious leadership and practical involvement.
