India's foreign policy must evolve to embrace proactive peacemaking strategies amidst a rapidly changing global landscape. As Prime Minister Modi embarks on his third term, the complexities of the global landscape present both challenges and opportunities. His recent engagement with G7 leaders in Italy signaled not just a new chapter in Indian diplomacy, but also a need to address pressing global conflicts that threaten stability. While Modi chose to bypass a Swiss-Ukrainian peace conference, the event highlighted the importance of international dialogue. India must critically assess such peace initiatives, positioning itself not only as a participant but as an active contributor to global peace efforts.

Navigating Geopolitical Turmoil

The current geopolitical climate is marked by significant turmoil, from the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza to tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. India's aspiration for a developed economy by 2047 hinges on its ability to navigate these external challenges effectively. With growth projections exceeding 8% for 2023-24, any escalation of conflicts could derail progress. India’s foreign policy must therefore focus on de-risking its environment, addressing not only traditional threats like climate change but also the rising geopolitical tensions that could lead to broader conflicts.

The rise of powers such as China and Russia, alongside middle powers like Iran, presents a formidable challenge to the US-led global order, impacting India's strategic interests. As China asserts its influence in Asia, and Russia pushes back against NATO, India must adapt its diplomatic strategies. With immediate concerns arising from the China-India border disputes, India's role as a neutral mediator is complicated. Instead, it must leverage alliances such as the QUAD and strengthen its ties with both the US and Russia to counter these assertive behaviors.

Reimagining Peacekeeping

The credibility of the United Nations Security Council has waned, as its ability to address conflicts involving the P5 nations—such as China and Russia—has diminished. Historically, India has engaged in peacekeeping under the UN’s auspices, but effective peace-building necessitates a more proactive approach. To embody the philosophy of ‘Vishwabandhu’, or ‘world friend’, India must move beyond a passive stance, embracing its role in global stability.

Given Modi’s unique position to engage leaders from conflicting nations, there is an opportunity to establish dedicated peace-building teams within the Ministry of External Affairs. These teams could consist of diplomats and civil society experts focused on conflict resolution, drawing lessons from successful global peace initiatives, such as Norway’s esteemed peace unit. By collaborating with like-minded countries and leveraging its diplomatic weight, India can contribute meaningfully to peace efforts.

Conclusion

As the world grapples with escalating conflicts, India stands at a crossroads. By adopting a proactive stance in peace diplomacy, India can navigate its complex external environment and work toward fostering stability both in its neighborhood and beyond. Know more about the issue in a detailed blog here.