The 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, has once again highlighted India’s ascending trajectory on the world stage. With participation from nearly 3,700 attendees and over 800 speakers from approximately 130 countries, the conference has become a testament to India’s growing influence in shaping global conversations.

As world leaders, policymakers, and experts convened in New Delhi from March 17-19, 2025, the dialogue revealed much about India’s evolving role as a key player in international relations.

“My hope is two-fold. First is that India can take the place of China in the democracy’s critical supply chains. And, second is that, over time, India can become one of the real leaders of the free world,” remarked former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott during the conference, encapsulating a sentiment that has gained increasing traction among global leaders. Abbott’s comments reflect a growing international recognition of India’s potential to not only serve as an economic alternative to China but also as a democratic counterweight in geopolitical dynamics.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at a session titled ‘Thrones and Thorns: Defending the Integrity of Nations,’ articulated India’s distinctive position in the global order. He emphasized three critical dimensions that define India’s approach its identity as part of the Global South with a deep understanding of colonial history, its commitment to democratic values, and its adaptability in navigating a complex international environment. “We have navigated, adapted to a world which has not always been kind to us, which has not always been accommodating,” Jaishankar noted, highlighting India’s resilience and strategic patience in pursuing its national interests.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Now positioned as the world’s most populous country and the fifth-largest economy—with projections suggesting it could become the third-largest by the end of this decade—India has steadily expanded its footprint across multiple domains of global governance. The conference structured its conversations around six thematic pillars, including politics, green energy transitions, digital governance, trade relations, development paradigms, and peace-building initiatives—showcasing India’s comprehensive approach to global issues. What distinguishes India in today’s geopolitical landscape is not merely its economic heft but its unique position at the intersection of various global interests. As Jaishankar aptly described, India’s positions have “stood the test of time,” suggesting a foresight and strategic clarity that has been vindicated by recent global developments.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of India’s rise is its democratic character. In a world witnessing democratic backsliding and the rise of authoritarian regimes, India stands as a powerful counterexample—a diverse, pluralistic society that continues to uphold democratic values despite challenges. The Raisina Dialogue itself exemplifies this democratic ethos. Abbott praised it as one of the few “genuinely global” forums where there is “a great diversity of opinion and an opportunity for real debate.” This openness to varied perspectives contrasts sharply with more controlled international forums and reinforces India’s commitment to democratic principles in its international engagements.

India’s ascendance is not limited to traditional metrics of power such as military capability or economic size. The country has also demonstrated remarkable ingenuity in leveraging its cultural and historical resources for diplomatic ends. A case in point is India’s promotion of millets as a sustainable and nutritious food source under PM Modi’s leadership. One of the most notable aspects of India’s rise has been its ability to maintain strategic autonomy while building partnerships across traditional divides. In an era of increasing polarization, India has defied easy categorization, engaging constructively with diverse powers while preserving its independence of action.

Jaishankar’s reference to India’s “tactical skill” and “long view” captures this approach—a sophisticated balancing act that allows India to pursue its interests without becoming unduly constrained by alliance structures or ideological blocs. This strategic flexibility has proven particularly valuable in a rapidly changing international environment where rigid alignments can quickly become liabilities. As India continues its ascent, it faces both opportunities and challenges. Domestically, sustaining economic growth, addressing social inequalities, and strengthening democratic institutions remain imperative. Internationally, managing complex relationships with major powers, addressing transnational challenges like climate change, and articulating a clear vision for global governance will test India’s diplomatic acumen.

The presence of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as the chief guest at this year’s Raisina Dialogue symbolizes India’s growing engagement with democracies across the Indo-Pacific—a region of increasing strategic importance. As the dialogue explored issues ranging from “Europe’s role within the Indo-Pacific strategic theatre to the African Union’s role within the G20,” it highlighted India’s expanding horizons and its ambition to shape global conversations beyond its immediate neighborhood. The 10th Raisina Dialogue has illuminated India’s distinctive trajectory in global affairs—neither aligned with the established Western powers nor with authoritarian alternatives. Instead, India is charting its own path, drawing on its democratic traditions, developmental experiences, and strategic culture to offer a unique perspective on international challenges.

As Jaishankar articulated, India’s approach is informed by its identity as part of the Global South, its democratic character, its adaptability, and its commitment to a multipolar world order. This multifaceted identity positions India not merely as a rising power but as a potentially transformative force in international relations—one that could help bridge divides and foster a more inclusive global order. In the words of Tony Abbott, India’s potential to become “one of the real leaders of the free world” represents perhaps the most hopeful prospect in an otherwise turbulent global landscape. As the Raisina Dialogue 2025 concludes, it leaves little doubt that India’s voice in global affairs will only grow stronger and more distinctive in the years ahead.