Reimagining International Relations: Building an India-Centric Theoretical and Strategic Framework

International Relations (IR) as a discipline has long been dominated by Western-origin theories such as Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism. These frameworks, deeply rooted in Western historical experiences, often fail to explain the strategic cultures, diplomatic practices, and priorities of postcolonial states like India.

This Sharp Scope issue explores the urgent need to reimagine IR from an India-centric perspective, grounded in civilisational ethos, indigenous intellectual traditions, and contemporary strategic practices.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Western Origins of IR: Dominant theories remain Eurocentric and ill-suited for India’s realities.
• Westphalian Limitation: The Treaty of Westphalia, seen as the foundation of modern IR, reflects European worldviews.
• Need for Non-Western Theories: Frameworks from the Global South must reflect multipolarity and civilisational diversity.
• India’s Philosophical Assets: From Advaita Vedanta and Kautilya’s Arthashastra to Gandhian ethics and Buddhist interdependence.
• Diplomatic Practice as Theory: NAM, Act East, Neighbourhood First, and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam demonstrate how India’s diplomatic behaviour generates theory.
• Structural Exclusion in Global IR: Western journals and publishing norms marginalise Global South scholars.
• Gandhian & Tagorean Alternatives: Non-violence, trusteeship, and ethical cosmopolitanism offer moral diplomacy over power politics.
• Civilisational Foreign Policy: India’s stance in global conflicts, from Ukraine to digital sovereignty, reflects enduring civilisational values.

🌏 Why It Matters

The call for India-centric IR is not about discarding global theories but about broadening the field to include plural voices. By integrating its philosophical heritage with contemporary practice, India can contribute frameworks that resonate with the realities of the Global South while reshaping the global discourse.

👉 Read the full Sharp Scope below.

Archita Gaur

Archita Gaur is a postgraduate student at the School of International Studies, JNU. She specialises in the World Economy and has a strong interest in public policy, economic research, and governance. The views expressed are the author’s own.