Desk : India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, increasingly perceives itself as a “civilisational power” with a significant role in shaping global affairs, former United States Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster has said.
In an interview with ANI, Juster said India’s strategic outlook has undergone a marked transformation in recent years, reflecting both its ancient civilisational identity and its rising global influence.
He observed that India is no longer viewed solely through a regional lens but is increasingly recognised as an emerging global power with expanding interests and responsibilities across multiple domains, including defence, technology, energy, healthcare, and international security.
According to Juster, this evolving self-perception is accompanied by a more assertive and confident foreign policy approach, aligned with India’s growing economic and strategic stature in the world order.
He also underlined the steady strengthening of India–United States relations, noting that successive administrations in both countries have contributed to deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest. He described the partnership as one that has gained strategic depth over time, supported by sustained diplomatic engagement.
Juster further stated that India’s contemporary global engagement reflects a balance between its civilisational heritage and its aspirations to play a greater role in shaping international norms and institutions.
The remarks come at a time when India is increasingly asserting its position in global diplomacy and expanding its strategic partnerships across regions.