The influence of civilization factors on India’s foreign policy and its role in contemporary international relations

Abstract

The article examines the factors determining India’s foreign policy, among which a special place is occupied by the foundations of civilization and the specifics of the country’s development, formed in the period of ancient India. It is emphasized that over the last decades, India’s main goal was to achieve the status of one of the leading countries in the world. In this context, special attention is paid to India’s active foreign policy activities aimed at increasing its role and influence on a global scale, as well as in the South Asian region, where the country seeks to become a leader. Indian civilizational principles, formed over thousands of years, became an important basis not only for socio-economic development, but also for the formation of the country’s international image. These principles have helped India not only to achieve significant success in the field of economic growth and modernization, but also contributed to the creation of a balanced and calculated foreign policy. The country made a major emphasis on maintaining neutrality and national independence in international affairs, which allows it to maneuver between various global and regional political forces. The article pays special attention to the analysis of India’s neutral position regarding the problem of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Such a position is due to the deep civilizational features of India, its historical traditions of neutrality in international conflicts and the desire to maintain a strategic balance in relations with various states. These principles, in turn, should not interfere with the development of a constructive dialogue between India and Ukraine. A balanced approach to foreign policy gives India the opportunity to strengthen its diplomatic relations with various countries, including Ukraine, and promote the further development of bilateral relations, while maintaining neutrality in controversial international issues. Thus, India, relying on its historical and civilizational heritage, is successfully moving towards achieving the status of a global leader. Its foreign policy, based on the principles of neutrality and independence, allows the country to strengthen its position in the international arena without entering into severe global and regional confrontations and actively support peace and stability in the world.