Abstract
The book “Why Bharat Matters” is authored by S. Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs and an experienced diplomat with a distinguished career in glob-al diplomacy. Jaishankar is well-known for his insightful perspectives on international relations mainly based on his experiences drawn from key former diplomatic positions, including his appointments as ambassador to the United States (US) and China. The book comprises eleven chapters, each focusing on various aspects of India’s foreign policy behavior and strategic positions. The introductory part provides India’s worldview, followed by discussions on the interplay between domestic and foreign policy and its proactive global engagements. Subsequent chapters address historical contexts, specific geopolitical strategies, and future aspirations. The book’s central argument focuses on India’s shift in foreign policy from a traditionally non-aligned and reactive stance to a more assertive and proactive global engagement.