What is a Multipolar World
India and the Shaping of a Multipolar World: A multipolar world refers to an international system where several powers, not just one or two, play influential roles in shaping global affairs. It contrasts with bipolarity (like the Cold War era of US vs USSR) and unipolarity (post-Cold War dominance of the US).
Today, many countries are asserting their own interests, values, and strategic choices. Rather than aligning strictly with one bloc, nations increasingly form flexible partnerships. This shift reflects global power decentralization.
Global Transition towards Multipolarity
The world is moving away from post-WWII global institutions and frameworks. Institutions like the UN, IMF, and World Bank, built for a different era, are being questioned for their relevance in today’s context.
Static GK fact: The World Bank was formed at the Bretton Woods Conference in 1944.
Emerging alternatives like the New Development Bank (established by BRICS nations) and platforms like BRICS+, Quad, and SCO highlight this shift. These plurilateral forums represent more flexible cooperation models, moving away from the rigid blocs of the Cold War such as NATO or the Warsaw Pact.
India’s Role in the Multipolar Order
India is no longer following a purely non-aligned path. It has adopted a multi-alignment strategy, simultaneously engaging with diverse groupings.
It is part of Western-oriented blocs like the Quad and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) while maintaining strong participation in Eurasian platforms like SCO and BRICS. This positions India as a bridge between competing global centres of power.
Static GK Tip: India joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as a full member in 2017.
India’s increasing role in minilateral groupings such as I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA) and Quad shows its proactive diplomacy. It is also pushing for a multipolar Asia, ensuring regional balance within a broader multipolar world.
Strategic Challenges for India
Despite these strengths, India faces serious headwinds. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has revived Cold War-style bloc politics, threatening to undermine multipolar aspirations. The world is again being pulled towards bipolar tensions between the US-led West and the China-Russia bloc.
This geopolitical split pressures India to choose sides, especially in sensitive areas like Indo-Pacific security or Eurasian trade. India’s balancing act is becoming harder.
Another concern is the diminishing strategic autonomy of Russia. A weakened, China-aligned Russia limits India’s ability to engage effectively in Central Asia and Eurasia.
India’s Diplomatic Future
As acknowledged by the Singapore Foreign Minister, India is emerging as a key player in shaping the global order. India’s strategy focuses on promoting equity, sovereignty, and regional cooperation—values central to a multipolar world.
However, sustaining this leadership will require navigating complex global tensions without compromising national interest or strategic autonomy.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India and the Shaping of a Multipolar World:
| Topic | Detail |
| Multipolarity | A system where multiple powers influence global affairs |
| India’s approach | Shifted from non-alignment to pragmatic multi-alignment |
| Key groupings | BRICS+, SCO, Quad, I2U2, IPEF |
| Singapore’s comment | Acknowledged India’s rising global role in 2025 |
| UN & Bretton Woods | Created post-WWII, now under scrutiny |
| New Development Bank | Alternative to World Bank, formed by BRICS |
| India-SCO | India became full SCO member in 2017 |
| Cold War revival | Russia-Ukraine conflict revives bloc politics |
| Russia’s strategic weakening | Increased China dependence limits India’s Eurasian leverage |
| India’s goal | Promote multipolarity in global and Asian contexts |
