India has emerged as a significant global player, transitioning from a non-aligned stance to a multi-aligned approach, actively shaping international discourse and outcomes. Its growing economic and strategic weight, coupled with its democratic values and cultural heritage, positions it as a crucial voice in both global and regional forums. India's stands in various summits reflect its commitment to multilateralism, sustainable development, peace, and a rules-based international order.

Stands in Important Global Summits:

1. United Nations (UN): India consistently advocates for the reform of the UN Security Council (UNSC), seeking a permanent seat to reflect contemporary global realities. It champions multilateralism, peace-keeping operations (being one of the largest troop contributors), and the promotion of human rights. India emphasizes the need for equitable global governance and a stronger voice for developing nations.
2. G20: As a major emerging economy, India uses the G20 platform to advocate for inclusive economic growth, financial stability, and addressing global economic disparities. It pushes for reforms in international financial institutions, sustainable development goals (SDGs), and cooperation on issues like climate finance, digital transformation, and resilient supply chains. India's presidency of G20 in 2023 highlighted themes like 'One Earth, One Family, One Future', focusing on sustainable lifestyles, food security, and global health.
3. BRICS: India plays a pivotal role in BRICS, advocating for greater cooperation among emerging economies on trade, investment, and development. It emphasizes the need for a multipolar world order and challenges the dominance of Western institutions. India often pushes for counter-terrorism cooperation, financial stability, and strengthening intra-BRICS ties.
4. Climate Summits (COP): India has consistently emphasized the principle of 'Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities' (CBDR-RC), urging developed nations to take lead in emissions reduction and provide financial and technological support to developing countries. It has committed to ambitious climate targets (e.g., net-zero by 2070, increased renewable energy capacity) but stresses climate justice and equitable burden-sharing. India promotes initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a global solution.
5. World Trade Organization (WTO): India champions the interests of developing countries, advocating for fair and equitable trade rules. It often takes a strong stand on issues like food security (e.g., public stockholding for food security purposes), special and differential treatment for developing nations, and protecting its agricultural and industrial sectors from unfair competition.

Stands in Important Regional Summits:

1. SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation): India has historically been a proponent of regional cooperation in South Asia. However, due to geopolitical challenges, particularly with Pakistan, SAARC's progress has been hampered. India's stand has shifted towards sub-regional cooperation (e.g., BBIN - Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) and other regional groupings.
2. BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation): India views BIMSTEC as a crucial platform for regional cooperation, especially given the challenges in SAARC. It advocates for enhanced connectivity (physical, digital, energy), trade, security cooperation (counter-terrorism, maritime security), and disaster management in the Bay of Bengal region.
3. SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization): As a full member, India uses SCO to enhance regional security cooperation, particularly on counter-terrorism and extremism. It also seeks to promote economic and cultural ties with Central Asian nations. India often emphasizes the need for a stable and secure Afghanistan.
4. ASEAN and East Asia Summit (EAS): India's 'Act East Policy' is central to its engagement with ASEAN. In EAS, India advocates for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, maritime security, freedom of navigation, and peaceful resolution of disputes. It seeks to deepen economic, strategic, and cultural ties with Southeast Asian and East Asian countries.

In summary, India's active participation and principled stands in these global and regional forums underscore its commitment to a stable, prosperous, and equitable world order, while also safeguarding its national interests and promoting its vision for global cooperation.