India
Republic of India
Population
1.43B
GDP
$3.73T
Capital
New Delhi
Government
Federal parliamentary consti...
At a Glance
Human Development
0.6
HDI (0-1)
Democracy
7.2
EIU (0-10)
Press Freedom
—
RSF score
Corruption
—
TI CPI (0-100)
Innovation
—
GII score
Happiness
—
WHR (0-10)
India is the world's most populous country and a rising economic power. A founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement, India maintains strategic autonomy -- balancing relationships with both Western democracies and Russia/China through frameworks like the Quad and BRICS.
India is the largest troop contributor to UN peacekeeping and seeks permanent membership on the UN Security Council. As the world's fifth-largest economy and a nuclear weapons state, India plays an increasingly assertive role in global governance, including through the G20 (which it chaired in 2023) and the International Solar Alliance.
India faces ongoing border tensions with China along the Line of Actual Control and a longstanding rivalry with Pakistan over Kashmir. Domestically, it is navigating rapid economic growth, digital transformation, and social tensions.
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As India, champion the developing world's interests while positioning yourself as a responsible rising power. On climate, insist on common but differentiated responsibilities and highlight the International Solar Alliance. On trade, push for technology transfer and fair market access.
Avoid being boxed into any bloc -- India's value is its ability to talk to everyone. Work the Quad on security, BRICS on economic governance reform, and the Non-Aligned Movement on solidarity with the Global South.
Push hard for UNSC permanent membership -- build a coalition with other G4 aspirants (Japan, Germany, Brazil). On Kashmir, firmly assert sovereignty and reject third-party mediation.
Be prepared to defend India's democratic credentials and human rights record if challenged, but pivot quickly to development achievements and India's contributions to peacekeeping and climate action.
Foreign Policy
India's foreign policy is guided by 'strategic autonomy' -- maintaining flexibility to engage with all major powers without formal alliances. Key relationships include the Quad (with the US, Japan, and Australia), BRICS, and strong bilateral ties with Russia, France, and the Gulf states.
India's priorities include countering China's influence in the Indian Ocean Region, securing energy supplies, and expanding its diplomatic footprint in Africa and the Pacific Islands. The border dispute with China and the relationship with Pakistan dominate security calculations.