India’s Rise as a
Stabilising Force Not Accidental; Absolute Dominance of a Hegemon Now
Contested: FM Sitharaman
Introduction
India’s
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently made a striking
observation: “India’s rise as a stabilising force in the global order is not
accidental; absolute dominance of a hegemon is now contested.”
Her
statement reflects a shifting balance of power in global politics and
economics, where India has emerged as a reliable partner, a stabilising force
in turbulent times, and a voice for the Global South.
From
being once seen as a developing nation struggling with its own challenges,
India is now increasingly shaping debates on geopolitics, economy, climate,
technology, and security. The idea that no single hegemon (a dominant
superpower) can unilaterally dictate global affairs anymore is a powerful
recognition of this transformation.
In this
blog, we will explore:
- What Sitharaman meant by her statement.
- How India rose as a stabilising force.
- Why hegemonic dominance is weakening.
- India’s role in regional and global affairs.
- Implications for the future of world order.
The Context of Sitharaman’s Statement
Sitharaman’s
words come at a time when:
- The global economy is under stress from wars, trade tensions, and supply-chain disruptions.
- The Russia-Ukraine conflict and Middle East instability have highlighted the limits of Western power.
- The US and China are locked in a contest for influence.
- The Global South is asserting its voice in world forums like G20, BRICS, and SCO.
Against
this backdrop, India has stood out for its measured diplomacy, economic
resilience, and strong growth trajectory.
Her
remarks also reflect a deeper truth: the era of unipolar dominance,
where one superpower (like the US after the Cold War) could dictate terms, is
fading. Instead, we are moving toward a multipolar world, with India as
one of the key poles.
India’s Rise: Not Accidental, But Strategic
India’s
growing influence is not a coincidence. It is the result of decades of
strategic choices, economic reforms, and geopolitical positioning.
1. Economic Transformation
- From
a struggling economy in the 1990s to the world’s 5th largest economy
in 2024.
- Powered
by reforms, IT boom, services sector, and manufacturing growth.
- Forecasts
suggest India could be the 3rd largest economy by 2030.
2. Demographic Dividend
- With over 1.4 billion people, India has the world’s largest youth population.
- A dynamic workforce fuels both domestic consumption and global supply chains.
3. Strong Democracy & Institutions
- Despite challenges, India remains the world’s largest democracy.
- Stable governance and democratic values enhance credibility.
4. Strategic Diplomacy
- Balancing relations with the US, Russia, China, and the EU.
- Championing the cause of the Global South at G20 and BRICS.
- Advocating for reforms in institutions like the UN Security Council and IMF.
5. Defense & Security Role
- Strengthened military capabilities and maritime presence in the Indian Ocean.
- A key player in Quad (India, US, Japan, Australia).
- Leading peacekeeping missions under the UN.
Clearly,
India’s global standing is the outcome of deliberate choices and resilience,
not mere chance.
Absolute Dominance of a Hegemon Now Contested
For
decades, the world order revolved around one hegemon — a single
superpower that dictated terms.
- After World War II, it was the United States, with unmatched economic, military, and cultural power.
- The Cold War created a bipolar world (US vs USSR).
- Post-Cold War, the unipolar moment saw the US dominate global affairs.
But in
the 21st century, this dominance has been contested.
Reasons Why Hegemon Dominance Is Weakening:
Rise of China as a major economic and military power.
Resurgence
of Russia, challenging Western dominance in Eastern
Europe and West Asia.
India’s
emergence as a balancing power in Asia.
Regional
Powers like Brazil, South Africa, Turkey, and
Indonesia gaining influence.
Globalization
& Technology: Power is no longer limited to military might;
digital and economic influence matter equally.
Multipolarity
in Practice: Institutions like BRICS, SCO, and G20
reflect multipolarity over unilateral dominance.
In this
world, India’s rise challenges the notion that any single hegemon can dictate
global order.
India as a Stabilising Force in Global Politics
India’s
foreign policy has consistently aimed at balancing global tensions.
Let’s see how:
1. Neutral Stance in Conflicts
- On the Russia-Ukraine war, India maintained neutrality while pushing for dialogue.
- On Middle East crises, India called for peace and humanitarian aid.
2. Champion of Global South
- India has become the voice of developing nations, highlighting issues like climate finance, debt relief, and equitable trade.
- The G20 Presidency in 2023 was a turning point, where India pushed the Global South’s agenda.
3. Promoter of Multilateralism
- Advocating for a more representative UN Security Council.
- Supporting climate agreements while protecting developing nations’ rights.
4. Connector Between East and West
- Strong ties with the US and EU, while also maintaining close relations with Russia and Asian neighbors.
- This makes India a bridge between conflicting powers.
5. Economic Stability
- Amid global recession fears, India’s consistent 6–7% growth adds stability to global markets.
India’s Role in Global Economy
- Manufacturing
Hub:
“Make in India” and PLI schemes attract global companies.
- Tech
Powerhouse: IT services, digital payments, and startups
lead globally.
- Energy
Transition: Investment in renewables makes India a leader
in climate action.
- Trade
Partnerships: Expanding FTAs with UK, UAE, and others.
India’s
economic performance is not only stabilising for its 1.4 billion people but
also for the global supply chain.
Military & Strategic Importance
- India has one of the world’s strongest militaries, ranking in the top 5 globally.
- Plays a crucial role in ensuring stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Engages in defense diplomacy, providing training and support to friendly nations.
- Strengthens alliances via Quad, Indo-Pacific partnerships, and defense exports.
This
makes India a security stabiliser, not just an economic one.
Technology, Innovation & Digital Leadership
India’s
rise also comes from its digital revolution:
- UPI
& Digital Payments: Exported to many countries.
- AI
& Startups: A booming ecosystem attracting global
investors.
- Space
Leadership: Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1 boosted India’s
global standing.
Such
innovations make India a technological stabiliser, especially for
developing nations.
Implications for the Future World Order
Sitharaman’s
statement reflects a global transition:
- No
longer will the US, China, or any single nation dominate.
- Power
is becoming diffused across multiple poles.
- India’s
role as a responsible, democratic, and stabilising force will be
critical in shaping this multipolar world.
For the Global
South, India offers representation.
For the West, India offers partnership.
For Asia, India offers balance against China.
Challenges India Must Address
While
India’s rise is promising, challenges remain:
- Geopolitical
Pressures: Managing ties with both US and Russia while
countering China.
- Economic
Inequality: Balancing growth with inclusive development.
- Defense
Modernisation: Keeping pace with evolving threats.
- Climate
Commitments: Meeting net-zero targets while ensuring
energy security.
How India
navigates these challenges will define whether it can sustain its stabilising
role.
FAQs
1. What did FM Sitharaman mean by “India’s rise is
not accidental”?
She meant
that India’s global influence is the result of deliberate policies, reforms,
and strategic positioning, not mere chance.
2. What does “hegemon dominance contested” imply?
It means
no single superpower can unilaterally dictate global affairs anymore; multiple
powers like India, China, EU, and others are shaping the world order.
3. Why is India considered a stabilising force?
Because
of its neutral diplomacy, strong economy, democratic values, and ability to
balance relations between East and West.
4. How has India helped the Global South?
By
voicing concerns about climate finance, debt restructuring, trade justice, and
inclusivity at global forums like G20.
5. Can India replace a hegemon like the US?
India may
not replace the US but can become a key pole in a multipolar world,
influencing global decisions significantly.
Conclusion
FM
Nirmala Sitharaman’s statement captures the essence of India’s
transformation. The country’s rise as a stabilising force is a story of
resilience, reforms, diplomacy, and strategic foresight.
As
absolute dominance of a single hegemon fades, the world looks toward
multipolarity. In this shift, India stands tall as a trusted voice, a
reliable partner, and a balancing power.
Its journey is far from accidental — it’s a deliberate path, charted over decades. And as the world grapples with uncertainty, India’s stabilising role will only grow stronger in shaping a more balanced, inclusive, and multipolar global order.
