This week, the international media has cast a spotlight on India, highlighting its growing influence across various domains from business to culture, technology, and diplomacy.

The coverage highlights India as a multifaceted power, leveraging its unique strengths to carve out significant roles on the global stage.

Leadership in Offshore Business Services

India’s continued dominance in offshore business services was underscored by Xu Feihong, China’s Ambassador to India.

• His acknowledgment shows how India continues to be a leader in IT and business process outsourcing, reinforcing its reputation for efficiency and innovation in these fields.
• It reflects the economic resilience and the strategic value India adds to global business operations.

For India, It’s Neighbourhood First

• Abdulla Khaleel, Maldives’ Foreign Minister, praised India’s consistent support, noting, “...appreciation for India’s unwavering support and assistance to the Maldives throughout our long history of relations.”
• This sentiment reflects India’s “Neighborhood First” policy in action, highlighting the nation’s role not only as a regional power but also as a reliable and supportive neighbour.
• Moreover, India’s regional influence was further cemented with its developmental aid to Sri Lanka, evidenced by its collaboration to rehabilitate the Karainagar Boatyard. This initiative exemplifies India’s focus on people-centric development, aimed at fostering goodwill, stability and economic cooperation in the region.

Cultural Influence Through Ayurveda

Recently, the global outreach of India’s Ayurvedic beauty brands has become a focal point of interest. Rooted in Ayurveda and crafted for Indian skin types, these beauty brands are not only redefining international beauty norms but are also making significant inroads globally, showcasing India’s cultural soft power. Read more about this story here.

Empowerment and Entrepreneurship

A heartwarming story of empowerment through entrepreneurship has caught the world’s attention. Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad, a cooperative started by seven Indian housewives in 1959, now boasts over 45,000 women members, transforming a simple home-made snack into a commercial success.

This narrative of women’s empowerment through entrepreneurship speaks volumes about the grassroots level impact and the potential of small-scale industries in India, which could inspire similar movements globally.

Digital Payments and Technological Innovation

• India’s technological leap forward was emphasised by the integration of WhatsApp into the National Payments Corporation of India’s framework. This development not only showcases India’s innovative approach to fintech but also its capacity to drive economic activity through technology. Get more details on this here.
• Adding to this, India’s successful launch of its first space docking mission, SpaDex, on top of an India-made rocket was a headline event. This mission, involving sophisticated technology for spacecraft docking, signifies India’s growing prowess in space technology, aligning with its ambitions to be a significant player in space exploration.

Defense Innovations and Military Expansion

• In defense, the narrative took a leap with the inclusion of the indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system in the Kalvari-class submarines under Project-75. This development sends a message about the country’s commitment to self-reliance in defense technology.
• India is set to commission three new warships in a single day, emphasising its commitment to the ‘Make in India’ This move not only boosts India’s operational capabilities and combat readiness in the Indian Ocean but also signals its growing naval might, crucial in an era where maritime security is paramount.

Empowerment in Global Tech

The recognition of four Indian women-led startups on the Aurora Tech Award list for 2025 is a testament to India’s vibrant startup ecosystem and the role of women in tech innovation.

This recognition not only elevates the profile of these startups but also positions India as a hub for tech entrepreneurship, particularly driven by women.

Political Influence in the West

Finally, the political landscape in the U.S. saw a historic moment for Indian Americans, with six leaders sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives. This event underscores the growing influence and recognition of the Indian diaspora in American politics, reflecting India’s power in shaping global political discourse.

The coverage of India this week has been both diverse and profound, reflecting not only a nation advancing in technology and economy but also one that is culturally influential, diplomatically active, and increasingly significant on the global stage.