NAVIGATING COMPLEXITY: INDIA'S MIDDLE POWER DIPLOMACY IN THE 21ST CENTURY

India's trajectory in the international system reflects its evolution from a post-colonial state to a significant middle power shaping the global order. This paper explores the theoretical foundations of the middle power concept through realist, liberalist, and constructivist lenses, highlighting the characteristics and strategies of middle powers in navigating the complexities of international relations. India’s foreign policy is examined within this framework, emphasizing its role as a leader of the Global South and its reliance on coalition-building and multi-alignment strategies to assert influence in global governance. The paper delves into India's normative middle-power internationalism, demonstrating how it advocates for equitable global reforms while balancing national interests. India’s diplomatic efforts underscore its commitment to inclusive decision-making and structural reforms in international institutions, reflecting a pragmatic approach to fostering global stability. By leveraging its middle-power status, India champions the interests of developing nations and positions itself as a stabilizing force in an increasingly multipolar world. Through a comprehensive analysis of India’s foreign policy and multilateral engagements, this study sheds light on how its middle-power identity shapes its approach to global governance, underscoring its critical role in shaping a more equitable and cooperative international order.