Editorial

As Narendra Modi delivers the keynote address at the TV9 What India Thinks Today Summit, themed “India and the World,” the moment carries both symbolic and strategic significance. At a time of deep global uncertainty—from the Middle East crisis to shifting power equations—India finds itself at a critical crossroads, balancing ambition with responsibility.

Over the past decade, India has steadily elevated its global profile. From its leadership during the G20 presidency to its assertive diplomatic engagements across continents, New Delhi has positioned itself as a voice of the Global South. The government’s emphasis on “Vishwa Guru” aspirations reflects a desire not just for economic growth, but for moral and strategic influence on the world stage.

However, the question remains: what does India truly represent in today’s fractured geopolitical order? The summit’s theme invites introspection. India’s foreign policy has increasingly leaned toward strategic autonomy—maintaining ties with the United States while preserving relations with Russia, engaging Israel while expressing solidarity with Palestine, and navigating complex dynamics with China. This balancing act, though pragmatic, often appears ambiguous, particularly in times of global conflict.

Economically, India stands as one of the fastest-growing major economies, attracting global investment and emerging as a manufacturing alternative. Yet, it continues to grapple with domestic challenges—unemployment, inflation, and structural inequalities—that temper its global ambitions. A credible global leadership role must be anchored in strong domestic fundamentals.

The Prime Minister’s address is expected to highlight India’s achievements and future roadmap. But beyond rhetoric, there is a growing expectation for clarity and consistency in India’s global stance. Silence or cautious neutrality in the face of humanitarian crises risks being interpreted as indecision, potentially undermining India’s credibility as a moral force.

Moreover, as global supply chains shift and geopolitical tensions rise, India has an opportunity to redefine its role—not merely as a participant but as a stabilizing force. This requires bold diplomacy, economic resilience, and a willingness to take principled positions when necessary.

The “India and the World” narrative is no longer about potential; it is about performance. As Narendra Modi addresses a global audience, the real challenge lies in aligning vision with action. In a world searching for balance, India must decide whether it will be a cautious observer or a confident leader shaping the course of international relations.

The ripple effects of geopolitical conflicts are rarely confined to their immediate regions. The ongoing tensions involving Iran have once again demonstrated how interconnected the global economy has become. For India, a nation heavily reliant on imported energy and deeply integrated into global travel networks, the consequences are already visible—particularly in the aviation sector.

Airports across the country, including Indira Gandhi International Airport, are witnessing disruptions as flights are delayed, rerouted, or cancelled due to airspace restrictions and heightened security concerns over parts of West Asia. Indian carriers such as Air India and IndiGo are being forced to take longer routes, increasing flight durations and operational complexities. For passengers, this translates into uncertainty, missed connections, and rising ticket prices.

At the heart of the crisis lies the surge in crude oil prices. Any instability in the Middle East—one of the world’s primary oil-producing regions—inevitably drives up global fuel costs. For India, which imports over 80% of its crude oil, this is a direct economic blow. Aviation turbine fuel (ATF), already among the most heavily taxed fuels in the country, becomes even more expensive, squeezing airline margins that are only just recovering from pandemic-era losses.

The broader economic implications are equally concerning. Higher fuel prices contribute to inflationary pressures across sectors—from transportation to manufacturing. The weakening of the rupee against the dollar further compounds the problem, making imports costlier. For a developing economy striving to balance growth with fiscal discipline, such external shocks pose serious challenges.

India’s diplomatic stance also comes under scrutiny in such times. While maintaining strategic autonomy, New Delhi must carefully navigate its relationships with both Middle Eastern nations and Western powers. Its silence or cautious positioning, though pragmatic, may limit its ability to influence outcomes that directly impact its economic interests.

What is unfolding is a stark reminder that in an era of globalization, distant conflicts are never truly distant. The screens at Indian airports flashing updates about disruptions linked to the Iran conflict are not just travel advisories—they are symbols of a fragile global order where economic stability can be unsettled overnight.

India must respond with a mix of short-term resilience and long-term strategy: diversifying energy sources, rationalizing fuel taxes, and strengthening diplomatic engagement. Because in a world of shared vulnerabilities, preparedness is the only true safeguard against turbulence beyond borders.

• SAS Kirmani