The Unfinished Quest : India’s Search For Major Power Status From Nehru To Modi | Hardcover

The Unfinished Quest: India’s Search for Major Power Status from Nehru to Modi by T. V. Paul examines India's long pursuit of greater regional and global influence from Independence in 1947 to the present day. Drawing on international relations and strategic analysis, the book explores how successive governments sought to elevate India's position in the world while navigating political, economic and geopolitical challenges. It is an insightful resource for readers interested in Indian foreign policy, global affairs and the evolving balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.

The book evaluates India's achievements and limitations in its quest for major power status, considering both domestic and international factors. It also places India's rise within the wider context of contemporary geopolitics, offering a framework for understanding its strategic relationship with China and its growing role in the international system.

About This Book

The Unfinished Quest: India’s Search for Major Power Status from Nehru to Modi traces the policies and strategic choices that have shaped India's international standing across different political eras. T. V. Paul assesses the motivations behind India's pursuit of greater influence while identifying the constraints that have slowed its progress toward internationally recognised great power status.

The book introduces clear benchmarks for evaluating national status and applies them to India's post-independence history. It also explores themes such as status competition, power transitions, the China–India rivalry and the strategic significance of the Indo-Pacific, highlighting India's potential role as a "swing power" in an evolving global order.

What You'll Discover

• India's pursuit of major power status from Independence to the Modi era.
• The successes and challenges shaping India's global position.
• Benchmarks used to assess international status and influence.
• Perspectives on the China–India rivalry and Indo-Pacific geopolitics.
• The role of hard and soft power in international competition.
• Insights into India's foreign policy and strategic evolution.
• Analysis of India's potential role as a swing power in global affairs.

Perfect For

• Readers interested in international relations.
• Students and scholars of political science.
• Readers of Indian foreign policy and strategic affairs.
• Those interested in Indo-Pacific geopolitics.
• Researchers studying India's global role and international status.

Why You'll Love This Book

The Unfinished Quest: India’s Search for Major Power Status from Nehru to Modi offers a well-researched examination of India's evolving place in the international system. By combining historical analysis with contemporary geopolitical insights, T. V. Paul provides readers with a thoughtful perspective on the opportunities and challenges shaping India's aspirations as a major global power.