Question

Did we have more recognition and power in the world when we were younger, poorer and more vulnerable than now? Isn’t that strange?

Answer 1

India’s early influence was not mainly based on wealth or military strength. Its large size, leadership in the struggle against colonialism, support for newly independent countries, and advocacy of non-alignment gave it considerable moral and diplomatic influence. Nehru’s international standing and India’s role in the Bandung Conference and the founding of the Non-Aligned Movement strengthened that recognition. India has greater material and military capacity today, but international influence also depends on the global context, diplomatic choices and the issues on which a country is heard.