Today, India is universally recognised as an emerging global superpower. It is the fifth-largest economy and will become the third-largest by 2027. India plays a key role in international diplomacy through its prominence in platforms like the G20, BRICS, Quad, and the United Nations. The country has secured its rightful place in the comity of nations and is considered a strategic stabiliser in the new world order. The developed world now turns to India for advice and guidance.

The successful execution of 'Operation Sindoor' during the 90-hour military confrontation between India and Pakistan from May 7 to 9 (2025) has demonstrated the Indian government's strategic resolve and leadership in the region. This operation was launched in response to the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, in which 25 Hindus and a lone Christian tourist lost their lives, alongside a local Muslim pony operator.

The end of the 20th century witnessed a significant boom in global computerization, with India emerging as a primary beneficiary and a global leader in IT services. This technological revolution created job opportunities for a large segment of the youth and now contributes to approximately 10% of India's GDP. Over the past 25 years, Indians have come to occupy top leadership roles in numerous global IT and technology-driven companies.

On April 1, 2025, Finland’s Prime Minister announced the country’s intention to withdraw from the international treaty banning anti-personnel land mines. Contrary to the date’s association with pranks, this declaration is no April Fool’s joke. Historically, wars have compelled states to suspend, derogate from, or even terminate treaty obligations. In many cases, the erosion of treaty commitments becomes visible first on the battlefield before formal withdrawals are announced.

In 2021, during a seminar on gender mainstreaming in India’s foreign policy, India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, emphasized the need for a gender-balanced foreign policy. Jaishankar underscored three crucial aspects: encouraging women's participation in foreign policy issues, integrating women's interests into policy frameworks, and adopting feminist perspectives.

This is the second (and last) part of the article delves into China’s strategic patience, training methodologies, and information warfare. It broadly examines how Beijing is positioning itself for long-term dominance while controlling global perceptions

Cautious Approach and Strategic Patience

The evolving security landscape, characterized by the rising tide of disinformation operations, rapid technological advancements, and the persistent spectre of chemical weapons use, presents an unprecedented challenge to international peace and security. The deliberate weaponization of falsehoods—exacerbated by the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI)—has emerged as a formidable instrument of geopolitical warfare.