India's foreign policy today is a testament to its rising global stature and the pragmatic recognition of a multipolar international order. We are witnessing a careful calibration of relationships, a nimble dance across geopolitical fault lines, designed to maximize leverage, secure economic growth, and ensure national security.The Indo-Pacific remains the geographical and strategic pivot of India's foreign policy. While the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) continues to be a vital pillar, providing a platform for collaboration with like-minded democracies on maritime security, critical technologies, and humanitarian assistance, India's strategy extends far beyond this grouping. We are actively cultivating robust bilateral and plurilateral partnerships across the region. Engagements with France, Germany, Japan, and Australia are deepening, particularly in defense, technology transfer, and joint development. Simultaneously, New Delhi is reinforcing its "Act East" policy through enhanced ties with ASEAN, IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association), and other Indian Ocean littoral states. This multi-vector approach aims to build a comprehensive security architecture that is inclusive, rules-based, and resilient, rather than exclusive or confrontational. It underscores India's commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, where no single power dictates terms.A defining characteristic of contemporary Indian foreign policy is its adept management of relationships with major global powers. With the United States, the partnership is deepening across defense, technology, and economic fronts. From the ongoing integration of US defense systems into India's armed forces to collaboration on semiconductor manufacturing and clean energy, the relationship is seen as a key strategic pillar. However, India's engagement is not exclusive. It continues to maintain a crucial relationship with Russia, particularly for defense hardware and energy resources, navigating the complexities of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Western sanctions with a clear focus on its own energy security and strategic requirements.The relationship with China remains the most complex and defining challenge. While recent diplomatic parleys and foreign secretary-level meetings suggest efforts towards normalization, the border disputes, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and Beijing's assertive posture in the Indo-Pacific, continue to necessitate a robust defense posture and strategic vigilance from India. New Delhi's strategy here is a blend of diplomatic engagement and firm defense, while simultaneously diversifying supply chains and engaging in initiatives like the IPEF to reduce over-reliance.Beyond the major powers, India is giving renewed impetus to its "Neighborhood First" policy. While relations with immediate neighbors like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan are seeing further expansion, managing dynamics with Nepal and the persistent challenge of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan remain ongoing concerns. India's leadership within the Global South is also a significant foreign policy imperative. New Delhi actively champions the concerns and aspirations of developing nations on issues ranging from climate finance and sustainable development to debt relief and reform of multilateral institutions. Its leadership of the G20 in 2023 set a precedent for this inclusive approach, pushing for solutions that reflect the diversity of global challenges.Looking ahead to the remainder of 2025 and beyond, India's foreign policy will continue to be shaped by several emerging imperatives. Economic diplomacy will remain central, with a focus on securing critical minerals, digital transformation, and fostering resilient supply chains in an era of de-globalization. Technological autonomy and governance are rapidly gaining prominence, particularly regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cyber security. India seeks to be a rule-maker, not just a rule-taker, in these domains. Furthermore, climate diplomacy will be vital, as India balances its development needs with its commitment to ambitious climate goals, advocating for common but differentiated responsibilities and equitable climate finance.In essence, India's foreign policy in 2025 is characterized by a confident and pragmatic pursuit of national interest in a fragmented world. It is a foreign policy of choices, not compulsions; of engagement, not isolation. It seeks to shape a multipolar global order that is stable, prosperous, and reflective of a more equitable distribution of power, with India firmly positioned as a key architect and a leading voice for a balanced world.