When I was appointed by the UK Prime Minister to the UK India Roundtable 25 years ago to advise both UK and Indian PM’s on building closer ties, one thing that struck me was how Indian foreign policy lacked ‘boldness’ on the world stage.
How things have changed.
India’s “muscular foreign policy” is, at its essence, a bold, confident stride onto the world stage, cloaked in the conviction that geopolitical influence is not just a matter of diplomacy, but also of strength, resilience, and strategic autonomy. If you squint just right, it’s almost as if India has traded in its decades-old image of a non-aligned idealist for a more pragmatic, swaggering version of itself—ready to spar with the global heavyweights and even the neighbourhood irritants.
Under Narendra Modi, India’s foreign policy has evolved into something strikingly different from the hesitant neutrality of the past. Today, New Delhi flexes its muscles, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where China’s assertiveness threatens to upend the balance of power. By fostering military alliances with the U.S., Japan, and Australia through platforms like the Quad, India signals it’s not afraid to roll up its sleeves in the geopolitical wrestling ring. In fact, its naval capabilities now play a starring role in safeguarding key maritime routes and maintaining regional stability
But muscle isn’t just about hard power—it’s also about the delicate art of diplomacy with a pinch of assertiveness. Modi’s vision of India as a vishwaguru (world leader) is a stark departure from the meek internationalism of yesteryears. This shift can be seen in India's growing assertiveness with traditional powers, as well as its ability to stand its ground against those poking at its internal affairs—Canada comes to mind, with the recent diplomatic fallout over the Khalistan separatist movement
On the military front, India’s emphasis on strategic autonomy and modernization is crucial. By diversifying its military suppliers and building up its indigenous defence industry through the "Make in India" initiative, it is less beholden to global arms powers. With recent investments in cyber warfare and anti-terrorism capabilities, India is gearing up to tackle threats that go well beyond its contested borders
Yet, India’s muscular foreign policy isn’t without nuance. Like a master juggler, Modi has managed to balance relationships with rivals such as the U.S. and Russia, securing arms deals and defence technologies from both, while maintaining diplomatic ties in a global environment that increasingly demands choosing sides. This "no-nonsense" approach, rooted in the protection of sovereignty and national interests, ensures that India can remain a pole in a multipolar world
India’s foreign policy is no longer content with the quiet diplomacy of old. Instead, it embraces a more unapologetic, assertive posture—one that’s ready to push back when necessary, but also to lead when the moment calls. As India expands its global role, it may well be flexing its muscles for a more prominent place in the annals of world leadership. And perhaps, just perhaps, we’re all better off for it. After all, the world could use a bit more muscle behind reason. The world is still catching up.
