Strategic Democracy: India’s Democratic Values And Their Reflection In South Asian Diplomacy

Abstract

The democratic values are brought into Indian foreign policy, especially in South Asia. It analyses the constitutional ideals, democratic heritage, and civilizational narratives that influence India's regional diplomacy. Employing a strategic democracy perspective, the analysis assesses India's governance support, electoral aid, and soft power outreach, particularly in complicated relationships with Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. While differing with China's authoritarian template, internal fault lines undermine India's normative influence. Emerging arenas such as digital governance and climate diplomacy provide potential avenues in the future to enhance India's democratic credentials through constructive and non-coercive international activism.