Dr. Buragadda Srinadh
President Vladimir Putin’s recent praise for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks a pivotal moment in India’s rise as a global power. Under Modi’s leadership, India has strengthened its role as a true Vishwa Guru—a global teacher and guiding force—while emerging as a key advocate for peace. His transformative foreign policy has significantly advanced India’s diplomatic standing, positioning the nation as a formidable force in international relations.
Throughout the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Modi demonstrated a steadfast commitment to peace, resisting intense pressure from major global powers, including the United States and several European nations, to align with Ukraine. His independent stance was met with considerable pushback, both domestically and internationally.
Well, critics accused him of undermining India’s democratic values by not taking a stronger stand against Russia, while Western allies sought to sway India toward their geopolitical agenda. Despite this, Modi remained resolute, advocating for dialogue and negotiation over military confrontation. His diplomatic efforts underscored India’s commitment to neutrality and peace, reinforcing its non-aligned stance in global conflicts.
Three years later, U.S. President Donald Trump echoed a similar call for peace, urging an end to hostilities between Ukraine and Russia. His remarks reflected a growing realization among global leaders that prolonged warfare was unsustainable. The convergence of Modi’s early peace advocacy and Trump’s subsequent position played a crucial role in shaping diplomatic discourse surrounding the conflict. Ultimately, President Putin acknowledged Modi’s essential contribution to seeking a resolution, recognizing India’s growing influence on global affairs. Modi’s foreign policy has effectively positioned India as a Vishwa Guru, a nation capable of influencing even the world’s superpowers.
India’s rise as a global leader is in stark contrast to its position in the early years following independence. When India gained freedom from British rule in 1947, its first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, sought the United Nations’ intervention in the Kashmir dispute, a decision that many historians argue limited India’s strategic options in the region. Today, however, India no longer waits for global bodies to dictate terms; instead, major powers within the UN increasingly acknowledge and value India’s proactive engagement in global matters. Whether it is mediating between warring nations, championing climate change initiatives, or advocating for economic partnerships, India now commands a seat at the high table of international diplomacy.
Under Modi, India’s foreign policy has undergone a fundamental transformation. His leadership has instilled a renewed sense of pride among Indians, reinforcing their country’s stature on the world stage. This shift is expected to have far-reaching consequences for India’s relationships with neighboring countries, particularly as they begin to recognize India’s true strategic and economic potential.
India’s growing influence has not been without its detractors. Recent criticisms from the President of the Maldives appear to be diversionary tactics aimed at deflecting attention from his administration’s shortcomings. However, such criticisms are unlikely to hold ground, as India’s robust foreign policy continues to strengthen its alliances in the Indo-Pacific region. Similarly, long-standing tensions with Pakistan and Bangladesh may see a shift, with the potential for reduced Pakistani support for terrorism. A stable and assertive India could encourage its neighbors to reconsider their approach, fostering better diplomatic relations and regional stability.
On the international stage, India’s firm stance is also compelling global organizations to rethink their habitual criticisms. Organizations that have frequently passed comments on India’s human rights record may find their narratives increasingly challenged by India’s undeniable diplomatic and economic progress. The era where India was seen as a passive participant in global affairs is over. Today, India is setting the agenda rather than merely responding to it.
With its foreign policy now firmly on an irreversible path forward, India’s transformation into a global power is evident. Modi’s leadership has not only strengthened India’s strategic position but has also reaffirmed the country’s role as a champion of peace and diplomacy. As nations worldwide acknowledge India’s growing influence, it is clear that Modi’s vision of India as a Vishwa Guru is becoming a reality, solidifying the country’s place in the annals of global history.
