India sits as the central power in the battle for the trade routes inside the Indian Ocean, but its positioning comes with a precarious situation: its import and export economy has become almost completely reliant on oceanic trade (95% in volume). Historically, this has pushed India towards a non-alignment stance in the global arena, hoping to not make any enemies. Yet, as global power competition between the United States and China starts to heat up inside the broader Indo-Pacific region, India has started to shift towards more active foreign policy, otherwise known as “strategic alignment,” with a specific focus on the political movements of Russia and China.

Looking to the present and future, India’s task is daunting. Trapped between two of the largest powers in the world with its fragile developing economy hanging in the balance, India must grapple with how they want to shape their own image on the global stage. Simultaneously, they must grapple with other competing voices from the ASEAN and Pacific states, as well as numerous external and internal political challenges due to its wide cultural variety and rich history. 

Delegates must use astute diplomatic skills to help balance crises and development, bringing India into the new age of Indo-Pacific relations. It is now up to delegates to face these numerous economic, political, and security challenges while elevating the nation to a real contender on the global stage.