Research

Research

Doctoral work on how neoliberal economic principles reshaped India's foreign policy after 1991, alongside peer-reviewed publications and conference work on global governance, sanctions, and international political economy.

PhD Dissertation

"The Neo-liberal Formulations of India’s Foreign Policy Since 1991"
Institution University of Allahabad
Supervisor Prof. Rajpal Budania
Period 2019 – 2026
Status Thesis Submitted

This doctoral project investigates how neoliberal economic principles have shaped India's foreign policy orientation since the landmark economic liberalisation of 1991. It represents a critical contribution to understanding the intersection of economic ideology and international relations in the Indian context.

The research develops an analytical framework integrating foreign policy analysis (FPA) with neoliberal political economy approaches, employing qualitative content analysis, interpretive policy analysis, and discourse analysis methodologies.

Key Areas of Investigation

01

Economic Diplomacy Transformation

Tracing the evolution from state-led economic engagement to market-oriented diplomatic strategies in the post-1991 era.

02

Non-Alignment to Multi-Alignment

Analysing India's strategic shift from Cold War non-alignment toward contemporary multi-alignment frameworks.

03

Regional Integration Initiatives

Examining India's deepening engagement with regional economic and political blocs in South and Southeast Asia.

04

Global Governance Participation

Evaluating India's expanding role in multilateral institutions including the UN, G20, BRICS, and WTO.

05

Security-Economic Nexus

Investigating the interplay between India's security imperatives and its neoliberal economic policy framework.

Research Methodology & Sources

✎
Qualitative Content Analysis
⚖
Interpretive Policy Analysis
⚛
Discourse Analysis
★
MEA Statements & Policy Documents
⚙
Parliamentary Debates & Trade Policy
♦
Peer-Reviewed Literature

Publications

Three peer-reviewed journal articles, alongside essays and commentary for policy outlets.

Peer-Reviewed Articles

  1. 2023
    “Implications of the Dynamics of the International Political Economy on the Indian Foreign Policy”
    The Indian Journal of Political Science
    LXXXIV(1), Jan–Mar 2023 · ISSN 0019-5510 UGC-CARE listed
  2. 2023
    “The Legitimacy Crisis in Global Governance Institutions with Special Reference to the G20”
    World Focus
    Special Issue on India’s Foreign Policy, December 2023 · U.S. Library of Congress No. 80910345
  3. 2022
    “The Neo-liberal Adventures of the First World in the Third World: A Case of 21st Century Neo-Colonialism”
    Anveeksha Research Journal
    5(1) · ISSN 2581-8163

Essays & Commentary

  • Essay
    “The Rise of Revivalist Governments Around the World: Reasons and Significance”
    India Foundation
  • Essay
    “NEP 2020 Explained: Makes Room for Indian Languages, Arts and Culture in Educational Curriculum”
    Academics for Nation
  • Essay
    “India-China Relations: Navigating Through the Possibilities”
    Academics for Nation
  • Review
    “From Developmentalism to Neoliberalism: A Comparative Analysis of Brazil and India, by Rahul A. Sirohi”
    Academics for Nation

Presentations

2026 April
Panel Chair

"Global Governance in Transition: The Rise of Alternative Institutions and the Liberal International Order"

Western Political Science Association Annual Conference

San Diego, California, USA

2025 July

"Sanctions as Economic Weapons: Political Competition and the Resilience of Targeted States"

12th Annual Conference on International Studies

CESRAN International, Autónoma University of Lisbon & OBSERVARE, Lisbon, Portugal

2022 November

"The Relationship Between the Indian Foreign Policy and the Politics of Neoliberalism: A Critical Analysis of India's Assimilation in the Capitalist World Order"

National Seminar on "75 Years of India's Foreign Policy: Achievements and Possibilities"

D.A.V. College, Kanpur, India — in collaboration with Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi

2022 October

"The Neoliberal Adventures of the First World in the Third World: A Case of the 21st Century Neo-Colonial World Order"

Asia Pacific Peace Research Association International Conference on "Redefining Peace Towards a Just, Non-Violent and Sustainable Future"

University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya, India — in collaboration with IPSA

2022 August

"India's Stance in the Indo-Pacific: A Potent Defence Against Geopolitical Competition"

National Seminar on "Revisiting Democracy, Diplomacy and Development of India@75"

C.M.P. Degree College, University of Allahabad, India

2022 March

"The Implications of the Dynamics of International Political Economy on the Indian Foreign Policy"

59th All India Political Science Conference & International Seminar

University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya, India — organised by IPSA