India’s Foreign Policy Shift: Rejecting Imperialism for Global Equality
India’s foreign policy rejects Western dominance, embracing autonomy and a multipolar world based on equality and dignity.
Introduction: India’s foreign policy
In recent years, India has started to see the world in a new way. This new idea challenges both the power of Western countries and the old belief that only a few nations should make the rules for everyone. Public thinker Pratap Bhanu Mehta, in his article “Against Imperialism” (The Indian Express, August 05, 2025), which he wrote after the USA started a trade war against India, explains that real progress for India means standing proud and not giving in to unfair foreign pressure. Mehta’s main point is that India must resist all forms of imperialism, whether they are obvious or hidden. This view comes from Dr S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, who recently said that India will not accept old ways where it had to seek approval from Western countries. Instead, India wants real independence—making its own decisions, telling its own story, and asking to be treated as an equal in the world. When we look at Mehta’s message about self-respect together with Jaishankar’s strong position, we see a new time for India: one where India leads not by copying others, but by creating a fair and equal future with others. This essay shows how India’s decision to reject Western imperialism is both a moral and practical move for independence, and how it can help make the world fairer for everyone.
Challenging the Old Hierarchies
India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, delivered a speech that was far more than a routine diplomatic address. In clear and direct terms, he signalled the end of an era when India sought validation from Western capitals. No longer willing to be a passive observer or a secondary actor, India now claims its position as an equal among nations. For too long, Western countries—especially America—have created the rules of global politics and economics, expecting the rest of the world to simply follow along. These days, however, are now being left behind.
India’s message is simple yet powerful: the time for accepting Western dominance is over. The idea that the United States and its allies alone can dictate the world’s agenda has been firmly rejected. Instead, India stands ready to shape the future alongside other emerging powers, grounded in its own vision of sovereignty, equality, and dignity.
The Multipolar World
At the heart of India’s response to Western imperialism is the idea of a multipolar world. Rather than one or two countries making all the important decisions, there are now several centres of power—nations like India, China, Brazil, South Africa, and others. In this new reality, India no longer asks permission to speak or act; it takes its rightful place among equals.
This multipolar vision is not about confrontation for its own sake. Instead, it is about balance, partnership, and respect. India knows that the world works best when all voices are heard, and when the needs and hopes of every nation, large or small, are given their due. No longer can one group of countries decide everything for everyone else.
Defending Independence and Interests
A core principle of India’s foreign policy today is strategic autonomy. This means India will work with other countries when it makes sense and when their interests align, but it will never be anyone’s junior partner. No foreign capital—whether Washington, London, or Beijing—can dictate to New Delhi what course it must follow.
India’s insistence on strategic autonomy is rooted in a history of Western double standards. Many Western countries talk about democracy and human rights, but often criticise or interfere with countries that make different choices. By standing its ground, India makes clear that respect between democracies should mean genuine partnership, not patronising lectures or hidden interference.
Reclaiming the Narrative
For too long, India’s image abroad has been shaped by foreign journalists, academics, and think tanks. Sometimes the stories have been fair, but all too often they have been coloured by outdated stereotypes and assumptions. India’s leaders now believe it is time to take charge of its own narrative.
India’s growing influence is visible everywhere—from its achievements in space and technology, to the successes of over 30 million people of Indian origin living around the world. These men and women lead in science, medicine, business, and the arts, showing that India’s talent and ideas are global. By reclaiming its narrative, India refuses to let others define who it is or what it can become.
From Patronage to Partnership
India’s approach to the world is shaped by the idea of genuine partnership. It does not want to replace one form of dominance with another. Instead, India seeks to work with others on the basis of equality, shared goals, and mutual respect. This is a major shift from past relationships where one country acted as the “giver” and others as the “receivers.” Now, India insists that international cooperation must be based on partnership, not patronage.
India’s assertiveness is not just about standing up for itself. It is also about helping to build a fairer world. When India demands respect and equality, it sends a message to all countries—big or small—that they, too, have a right to their own voice, choices, and future.
Exposing Double Standards
India’s new foreign policy also calls out the hypocrisy often found in Western approaches to global affairs. Too often, Western powers promote ideals like democracy and liberty abroad, but do not always practise them at home or apply them fairly in international dealings. When they criticise or sanction countries that refuse to fall in line, they reveal a double standard—one rule for themselves and another for the rest of the world.
By insisting on the right to reply, to make its own policies, and to protect its interests, India underlines the need for mutual respect and true equality among nations. Only when all countries are held to the same standard, and when their voices are truly listened to, can international relations be just and peaceful.
Global Reach and Soft Power
India’s rejection of imperialism is supported by its growing global influence. The Indian diaspora—more than 30 million people worldwide—contributes to every field imaginable, from cutting-edge technology and medical research to business leadership and the creative arts. This is a powerful reminder that India’s influence is not confined to its borders.
Instead of relying on military might or economic pressure, India builds bridges through culture, knowledge, and people-to-people connections. This is sometimes called “soft power”—the ability to win hearts and minds not by force, but by inspiration and cooperation. In this way, India quietly challenges old stereotypes and builds its reputation as a force for good in the world.
A Break with Imperial Attitudes
India’s stance today is a final, decisive break with the attitudes of old imperialism. No longer will it accept lectures from abroad about how to run its economy, manage its society, or practise its democracy. The age of Western arrogance and oversight is finished. In its place comes a new era of equality, mutual learning, and assertiveness.
This is not a call for isolation or confrontation, but for a grown-up, respectful partnership with the world. India wants to be judged by its actions and achievements, not by old prejudices or the opinions of others.
Lessons of Dignity and Confidence
The Indian public intellectual (Pratap Bhanu Mehta 92025) has written thoughtfully about these themes. He warns that “conceding” too much to powerful foreign interests—whether in trade, technology, or politics—is a mistake. Mehta calls on India to act with dignity and confidence, to avoid submitting to one-sided deals or pressures dressed up as “reform.” For Mehta, true reform is about genuine mutual benefit, not just bowing to the demands of stronger countries. It is about protecting India’s ability to make its own laws, serve its own people, and participate in the world as an equal.
Mehta’s insights are a reminder that standing tall in the world is not about arrogance, but about knowing one’s own worth and refusing to accept less than fair treatment. When India acts with self-respect, it sets an example for all countries seeking their rightful place in a fairer, more equal world.
Conclusion
India’s rejection of Western imperialism is much more than a matter of national pride. It is a declaration that the world can—and should—be organised on principles of fairness, respect, and genuine partnership. India’s approach offers a vision for international relations where no country is forced to choose between submission and isolation, where differences are discussed openly, and where all nations are valued for what they can contribute.
This is the promise of the new multipolar world: a place where every country, no matter its size or history, has a voice and a role. By insisting on strategic autonomy, reclaiming its narrative, and building partnerships based on equality, India lights the way for a better global future.
The lesson is clear: stand up for what is right, know your own worth, and treat others as equals. Only then can true friendship, progress, and peace be possible—among people, and among nations.
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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH
