Discuss India's evolution into a key player on the global stage, analyzing the diplomatic strategies, economic achievements, and cultural exports that have elevated its influence in international affairs. We trace the historical roots of India's global engagement, from ancient trade routes and the Kushana Empire to the complexities of British colonial rule and the struggle for independence. The impact of partition and the challenges of nation-building in the early decades after independence are also examined.

Furthermore, the episode explores the significance of 1991 as a turning point, the year India embraced economic liberalization, and the subsequent economic growth and transformation. We delve into the rise of Hindu nationalism, the BJP's influence on India's foreign policy, and the complexities of navigating a world undergoing a resurgence of nationalism. Finally, we examine India's current standing in the world, its growing economic and military power, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.