India's Multifaceted Contributions to Global Peace

Abstract

India's contributions to global peace, rooted in its civilizational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), span diplomatic, military, economic, and cultural realms. This article examines India's multifaceted role as a stabilizer in an era of geopolitical fragmentation and climate insecurity. As the largest cumulative contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions, India has deployed over 200,000 troops since 1948, prioritizing humanitarian infrastructure and gender inclusion in conflict zones such as South Sudan and Lebanon. Its non-aligned foreign policy and strategic autonomy enable mediation in crises, from Cold War-era Indo-China peace talks to contemporary vaccine diplomacy (Vaccine Maitri), which supplied 235 million COVID-19 doses to 100+ nations. India's nuclear doctrine of restraint, anchored in a No First Use policy, contrasts with regional adversaries, while its advocacy for global disarmament underscores a commitment to reducing existential risks. Economically, India's poverty alleviation efforts and leadership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) link sustainable development to conflict prevention. Culturally, its pluralistic democracy, yoga diplomacy, and Bollywood soft power foster transnational solidarity. However, India faces challenges: unresolved border disputes with China and Pakistan, domestic communal tensions, and balancing strategic partnerships with moral leadership. By championing the Global South through forums like the G20 and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), India amplifies marginalized voices in multilateral governance. This article argues that India's blend of ancient wisdom and modern pragmatism positions it as a critical actor in addressing 21st-century security dilemmas, from climate-induced migration to technological warfare. While internal contradictions persist, India's holistic approach—prioritizing collective well-being over narrow nationalism—offers a model for equitable and enduring global peace.