1. The Changing Landscape of International Law

International law was largely conceived in the aftermath of global conflicts, with the intent of promoting peace, cooperation, and shared norms. Yet, as global power becomes more diffused, its very foundations are being tested. New centres of influence are emerging, and with them come competing ideas about sovereignty, security, and justice.

In this evolving landscape, questions arise: Who sets the rules? Who enforces them? And how can international law remain relevant when nations increasingly assert their own priorities over collective norms?

India’s growing role in this debate is particularly significant. As a country deeply committed to sovereignty and democratic governance, yet actively engaged in multilateral institutions, India embodies the challenges and opportunities of a multipolar world order.

2. India’s Historical Relationship with International Law

India’s engagement with international law is deeply intertwined with its post-independence identity. At the time of its founding, India adopted a foreign policy of non-alignment — not as isolationism, but as a moral stance rooted in autonomy and fairness. Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru viewed international law as a means to promote global justice, equality among states, and peaceful coexistence.

Over time, however, India’s approach matured. From being a “rule-taker” in the early decades to becoming a “rule-shaper” in the 21st century, India has steadily expanded its influence in forums such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the International Court of Justice. Its participation reflects a blend of legal idealism and strategic realism promoting equity without compromising national interest.

3. Multipolarity and the Rebalancing of Global Norms

A multipolar world naturally diffuses authority. Instead of a single dominant voice, multiple powers now participate in norm creation and enforcement. This shift challenges the traditional Western-centric frameworks that long defined “universal” law.

For India, this rebalancing presents both responsibility and opportunity.

• Responsibility, because as a leading democracy and major economy, India is expected to contribute constructively to global governance.

• Opportunity, because a more pluralistic order allows for the inclusion of perspectives rooted in the Global South perspectives long underrepresented in international decision-making.

India has already begun to influence discourse in areas such as climate justice, digital governance, and maritime law. Its advocacy for the “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities” principle in climate negotiations, for instance, reflects an insistence on fairness between developed and developing nations, a cornerstone of India’s international legal philosophy.

4. Key Areas of Emerging Influence

• International Trade and Economic Law

India’s participation in global trade governance reflects a nuanced balance between liberalization and self-reliance. By championing equitable access and resisting coercive economic practices, India seeks to reshape trade law in favour of development-oriented fairness.

• Climate and Environmental Law

India’s climate diplomacy highlights the idea that sustainability must not come at the cost of development. It continues to advocate for climate obligations that recognize historical responsibility and the right to develop an increasingly accepted global norm.

• Cyber and Technology Law

As technology transcends borders, India’s legal input on digital sovereignty, data protection, and cybersecurity will shape how international law adapts to a rapidly digitizing world.

• Humanitarian and Peacekeeping Efforts

India’s long-standing role in UN peacekeeping missions underscores its belief that international peace and justice are best served through collective action, not coercion.

5. The Path Forward: From Participant to Principle-Setter

For international law to thrive in a multipolar era, it must evolve beyond dominance-based structures. India’s role in this evolution will depend on its ability to lead through example blending its civilizational ethos with pragmatic diplomacy.

India’s growing influence in groupings like BRICS, the G20, and the QUAD illustrates that leadership today requires dialogue, diversity, and adaptability. Whether addressing global trade inequities, climate transitions, or digital governance, India’s approach remains guided by the belief that international law should not be an instrument of power, but a framework for fairness.

Conclusion: The Promise of Balance

As the world transitions toward multipolarity, international law is being redefined, not discarded. The challenge lies in ensuring that this new order remains rules-based, inclusive, and humane.

India’s voice in this transformation carries moral weight. Rooted in ancient ideals of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam “the world is one family” and informed by contemporary legal sophistication, India stands poised to help craft a new kind of international law: one that reflects diversity without disorder, and power with responsibility.

In the coming decades, the effectiveness of global governance will depend on whether nations can collaborate without conformity. India’s evolving role offers hope that balance between justice and sovereignty, between national interest and global good remains possible in our interconnected world.