India's rise in the eyes of the world began with its 1991 economic reforms. Given its vast soft power potential and complex power capabilities, India is expected to take on more responsibilities than it currently undertakes. This comprehensive volume examines India's evolution not only as a rule follower but also as a rule-shaper and rule-maker, exploring how India plays a vital role in global affairs. The book adopts a multidisciplinary approach through analytical and descriptive methodologies, relying on substantial primary sources to draw inferences and conclusions. It explores historical, present, and future scenarios to evolve concrete thought processes for policymakers, academics, and researchers. The volume is structured in three sections: the first examines the evolution of India's foreign policy since independence; the second focuses on India's technological and economic prowess; and the third evaluates India's maritime power. Key features include analysis of India's transition from idealism to pragmatism in foreign policy, examination of strategic autonomy and developmental diplomacy, assessment of India's role in multilateral bodies and the Global South, and evaluation of India's position in the Indo-Pacific region.This volume is essential reading for postgraduate students, researchers, academics, policymakers, and think tanks engaged in International Relations, Political Science, Asian Studies, Development Studies, and Strategic Studies. It provides an invaluable and pragmatic understanding of India's rising power in a globalised world, making it an indispensable resource for those seeking to understand India's multifaceted role in contemporary global affairs.