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A new national survey examining India’s evolving foreign policy outlook suggests rising confidence in the country’s global role while identifying Europe—and particularly Germany—as among India’s most trusted international partners.
The report titled “Navigating India’s Role: Perspectives on Security, Geopolitics and Trade” was released on March 5, 2026, in New Delhi at the Constitution Club of India. The study was presented by the Kalinga Kusum Foundation (KKF) in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) and research organisation Rajneethi.
The event brought together diplomats, policymakers, academics, journalists and business leaders to discuss how India’s strategic thinking is evolving amid geopolitical tensions and economic shifts.
Majority see India becoming a global power within two decades
One of the central findings of the survey is the growing optimism about India’s future position in the global system.
According to the study, nearly 70 percent of respondents believe India could emerge as a global power within the next 20 years, reflecting increasing confidence in the country’s economic trajectory and geopolitical influence.
The survey gathered responses from 1,396 participants across India, including representatives from politics, industry, academia, media and civil society, offering a broad view of elite opinion on India’s global role.
Participants also indicated that India’s international engagement should remain closely linked to domestic development priorities.
Economic development seen as key goal of diplomacy
Respondents emphasised that foreign policy should primarily support economic growth and prosperity at home.
The report notes that many participants believe India’s diplomacy must serve domestic economic development, with trade, investment, technology partnerships and job creation seen as core objectives.
At the same time, respondents highlighted key domestic challenges—including employment generation, environmental sustainability and education—that they believe India should address through stronger international cooperation.
Europe and Germany emerge as trusted partners
A notable outcome of the survey is the strong level of trust placed in Europe as a strategic partner for India.
According to the findings, Europe ranks highest in India’s trust index, ahead of other major global actors including the United States, Russia and China.
Germany in particular is widely viewed as a reliable partner, reflecting deepening India–Germany cooperation in areas such as technology, climate action, trade, education and innovation.
The report describes Europe as a “value partner” for India, highlighting shared commitments to democratic governance, multilateralism and rules-based economic cooperation.
Strategic autonomy remains central to India’s approach
Despite strengthening ties with multiple global partners, the survey indicates that India continues to prioritise strategic autonomy in its foreign policy.
Respondents broadly supported India’s approach of maintaining strong relations with multiple global powers while avoiding exclusive alignment with any one bloc.
This strategy, participants suggested, allows India to balance geopolitical interests while expanding economic and technological partnerships.
India navigating an increasingly multipolar world
The findings reflect a broader perception that India is entering a new phase of global engagement marked by confidence, economic ambition and diversified partnerships.
As the report presented in New Delhi indicates, India’s diplomatic priorities are increasingly shaped by economic development, strategic independence and trusted international partnerships—particularly with Europe and Germany—within an evolving multipolar world order.
Read the full survey here.
