Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - IS 309 D100

Special Topics in International Security and Conflict (4)

India in Global Affairs

Class Number: 3307

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    VANCOUVER

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrollment each term.

COURSE DETAILS:

India’s engagement in global affairs has been a dynamic journey shaped by its ancient civilisational ethos, philosophical depth, and modern strategic vision. Since its independence in 1947, India’s foreign policy and diplomatic engagements have reflected a consistent moral framework rooted in Sanatan (Eternal) principles such as: Satya (truth), Ahimsa non-violence, Dharma (righteousness), and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (universal brotherhood). These timeless values have allowed India to balance moral idealism with pragmatic realism, envisioned in its foreign policy based on non-alignment, peaceful coexistence, and the promotion of a just and equitable world order. The approach of Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) was not merely strategic but deeply ethical, resonating with the Sanatan ideal of harmony amidst diversity. India’s consistent advocacy for nuclear disarmament and its restrained approach to global conflicts reflected its spiritual conviction that true strength lies in restraint and dialogue rather than aggression.

The post-1991 liberalisation era marked a shift from moral diplomacy to a blend of ethics and economic pragmatism. India integrated into the global economy by redefined its foreign relations and began to engage more actively with global institutions such as the UN, WTO, and BRICS, emphasising development cooperation and sustainable growth rather than dominance.

In the 21st century, India stands as a moral and strategic force in global affairs, a bridge between the Global North and South, East and West. Its commitment to peace, democracy, and multilateralism continues to inspire confidence worldwide. Rooted in its civilizational heritage yet responsive to modern realities, India’s diplomacy remains a reflection of timeless, balanced, and inclusive idea of Sanatan ensuring a just, compassionate, and harmonious global order.

The course will support students in acquiring a comprehensive understanding of India's evolving role in global politics, economy, and diplomacy. It enables the acquisition of analytical insight into how the civilizational ethos, strategic priorities, and foreign policy initiatives of India shape and influence its global engagements. This includes developing an understanding of India's relations with major powers and neighboring regions, both historically and in the contemporary setting; assessing India's engagements with international organisations; and evaluating its contributions to global peace, sustainability, and development. Finally, the course prepares students for critical assessment of India's position and responsibilities in an emerging interdependent world order. The aim, among others, is to promote critical thinking on India's place within a changing world order and its quest for sustainable development, peace, and equal global relationships.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

After completing this course, students will:

  1. Develop a critical understanding of India’s evolution as a global actor since independence.
  2. Analyze the contours of India's foreign policy principles, strategies, and decision-making processes in a changing world order.
  3. Assess the diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations of India with major powers and developing nations.
  4. Understand India's engagement with international organizations, multilateral forums, and global governance structures.
  5. Assess how India's civilizational values and cultural diplomacy have been influencing its global identity.
  6. Apply theoretical and analytical frameworks to assess the role of India in promoting peace, sustainability, and equitable global development.

Grading

  • Research Proposal 10%
  • Essay writing (approx. 3500 words focused on topic of students choice) 25%
  • Continuous Assessment (based on attendance and participation in class) 40%
  • Final Exam 25%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

The course will utilize a combination of books, journals, multimedia resources and policy documents. All materials will be provided or recommended by the course instructor prior to each class session. It is expected from the students to review the materials in advance to ensure active participation during classroom discussion.

Web Resources:

  1. Ministry of External Affairs: https://www.mea.gov.in
  2. Ministry of Commerce and Industry: https://www.commerce.gov.in
  3. Prime Minister’s Office: https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/
  4. NITI Aayog: https://www.niti.gov.in 

REQUIRED READING:

Saran, S. (2017). Shaping the World Order and India’s Role, in How India Sees the World: Kautilya to the 21st Century. New Delhi: Juggernaut Books. pp. 258-275.

Dhaliwal, Shveta (2025). India and the Changing World Order. Routledge.

Jaishankar, S (2020). The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World. HarperCollins.

Basu, Partha Pratim, and Tanwir Arshed (2024). 75 Years of India’s Foreign Policy: Bilateral, Conventional and Emerging Trends. Springer Nature.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Yadav, R.S. (2021). India as Rising Power Opportunities & Challenges in India’s Foreign Policy in the Post-Cold War Years. Noida, Pearson, pp. 253-266.

Hall, Ian. (2019). Non-Alignment to Multi-Alignment, in Modi and the Reinvention of Indian Foreign Policy. Bristol: Bristol University Press, pp. 21-40.

Kukreja, Veena. (2017). Dynamics of Change and Continuity in India’s Foreign Policy under Modi’s Regime in Shantesh K Singh (ed.) India's Foreign Policy Continuity with Difference Under Modi Government. New Delhi: Manak Publications, pp.1-16.

Kothari, Raj Kumar (2019). India in the New World Order: The Changing Contours of Her Foreign Policy Under Narendra Modi. Atlantic Publishing Group.

Malone, David M., C. Raja Mohan, and Srinath Raghavan (eds) (2015). The Oxford Handbook of Indian Foreign Policy. OUP Oxford.

Mattoo, Amitabh, and Happymon Jacob (eds) (2009). Shaping India's Foreign Policy: People, Politics, and Places. Har Anand Publications.

Pant, Harsh V. (ed) (2019). New Directions in India's Foreign Policy: Theory and Praxis. Cambridge University Press.

Ragi, Sangit K., Sunil Sondhi, and Vidhan Pathak (eds) (2017). Imagining India as a Global Power: Prospects and Challenges. Routledge.

Sikri, Rajiv (2024). Strategic Conundrums: Reshaping India's Foreign Policy. Penguin Random House India Private Limited.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.