How did India evolve from a newly independent nation finding its footing to an increasingly influential voice in global affairs? Power and Purpose: Rediscovering Indian Foreign Policy in Amrit Kaal by Harsh V. Pant and Anant Singh Mann traces that remarkable journey through 75 pivotal moments that have defined the country’s foreign policy since 1947.

Designed for both scholars and general readers, the book presents a clear and accessible account of the decisions, crises, partnerships, and strategic shifts that have shaped India’s engagement with the world over the past seven decades. Rather than offering a simple chronology, the authors examine how historical choices continue to influence India’s diplomatic priorities today.

The narrative unfolds across four distinct phases of India’s foreign policy evolution. It begins with the era of nation-building under Jawaharlal Nehru, moves through decades of regional challenges and geopolitical rivalries, examines the transformation brought about by economic liberalisation and global engagement, and culminates in the current phase—where India seeks to play a larger leadership role in an increasingly complex international order.

What sets the book apart is its recognition that history is never static. The authors acknowledge that the significance of diplomatic events changes over time, inviting readers to consider not only what shaped India’s foreign policy but also how future generations may reinterpret these milestones. In doing so, the book becomes both a history of India’s diplomatic evolution and a reflection on how nations understand their own strategic past.

Harsh V. Pant, Vice President for Studies and Foreign Policy at the Observer Research Foundation and Professor of International Relations at King’s College London, is one of India’s leading strategic affairs scholars. He is joined by Anant Singh Mann, an independent researcher specialising in global political economy, security studies, and foreign policy.

Insightful, balanced, and richly informed, Power and Purpose offers a compelling introduction to India’s diplomatic journey—making it an essential read for students, researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the ideas and decisions that continue to shape India’s role on the global stage.