India's Time Shaping the 21st Century Global Order

Introduction - India in the 21st century has emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing large economies, a pivotal geopolitical actor, and a hub for digital public infrastructure, while navigating complex challenges in jobs, urbanisation, climate resilience, public health, and federal governance. The period has seen major structural reforms and rising global influence through strategic partnerships and leadership in multilateral forums. Besides, India is a powerful country with a rich culture and heritage and the world's largest democracy, with a population of over 1.4 billion people. The country's integration into the global economy has been accompanied by economic growth during the last decade, raising its prominence as a global player. As its influence continues to grow, India will positively play an evermore important role in shaping the 21st-century global order.

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However, the contemporary world order is highly fluid and rife with uncertainties. Geopolitically, the world has undergone a massive metamorphosis. The old bipolar world order has given way to a new multipolar world order. The East-West conflict has paved the way for a new North-South conflict.

At the same time, there is a perceptible shift from geopolitics to geoeconomics. Due to changing global circumstances, India has aligned itself with Western groupings like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or the Quad, whose member countries are the US, Australia, Japan, and India (Lahiry, 2024). As the new world order slowly emerges, humanity stands at a pivotal crossroads. This period of transition presents a rare opportunity for rising nations like India to play a decisive role and make a global impact. Global impact refers to the extensive and far-reaching consequences of actions, innovations, or events that affect countries, societies, and economies around the world.

For example, Ford, the American auto giant that exited India in 2021, has made a dramatic comeback, announcing a ₹3,250 crore investment to revamp its Chennai plant and officially roll out production by 2029. But this isn't just a corporate comeback, it's a statement. A global message that India isn't just assembling cars anymore, it's driving the future of mobility. Ford's exit had left car enthusiasts heartbroken. But the return signals renewed confidence in India's booming manufacturing ecosystem.