In the early days of India’s independence, and in the absence of economic and political clout, India emphasized its civilisational and ideational properties to get visibility in world politics. However, the second most populous country in the world with a functioning democracy was kept out of the high tables of international politics by the big powers. The situation began to change with the end of Cold War when India registered impressive economic growth. The emergence of India as an increasingly influential power in international politics is a remarkable feature of the contemporary global system. Nations across the world—big and small—consider India an attractive partner and want to strengthen their relationship with it. India is spreading its wings to all parts of the world to consolidate its growing position as a pre-eminent power.

India’s ambition to become a great power depends upon the careful formulation of its foreign policy strategies and perspectives. A systematic and thoughtful choreographing of India’s foreign policy is essential to realise its ambition to become a great power. Issues of cyber security, terrorism, maritime security and climate change need to be tackled with extra care at all levels. A country should have not only the ambition and capacity to become a great power but also the ability to shape and mould the behaviour of other states in a way that suits its interests. No country is destined to be a great power without working towards it. The consolidation of India’s position and great power status depends on the pursuance of its foreign policy through the 21st century.

This book consists of 12 scholarly papers, authored by experts in the field, which provide deep insights into various aspects and dimensions of India’s foreign policy.  

Dr. Josukutty C.A. is currently Assistant Professor and Honorary Director, Survey Research Centre, Department of Political Science, University of Kerala. He received his M.A. (Political Science), M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Kerala. He was a fellow of the Salzburg Global Seminar (2007) and was selected to study at the United States Institute on U.S. Foreign Policy at the University of Florida, US in 2010. In 2015, he was awarded the Fulbright Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship and taught a semester course on India’s foreign policy at the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, US. Dr. Josukutty has to his credit 2 books and more than 60 research and popular articles. He has participated and presented papers in a number of national and international conferences and seminars. He has been serving as General Secretary, Association of Political Scientists, Kerala since 2011. His areas of interest and research include international relations, India’s foreign policy, Indo-US relations, electoral politics, and human rights.

    Professor J. Prabhash presently teaches Political Science at the University of Kerala and is the former Pro-Vice Chancellor (2009-2013) and Director of School of Social Sciences (2013-2015) of the University. He also worked as Adjunct Professor (2004) at the School of Politics and Economics, Claremont Graduate University, California, US. He was a visiting research fellow (2010-2013) at New South Wales University, Sydney, Australia. He was also the Director General (2008-09) of the Institute of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. He has published 208 research and popular articles and 3 research monographs.