New Delhi, Feb. 20 -- India, as a regional power in South Asia, exercises significant political, economic, and strategic influence over its neighboring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. Through economic leverage, diplomatic engagement, labor mobility, and development assistance, India often shapes internal and external policy choices in these states.

At the same time, its vast manpower base and expanding military capabilities enhance its dominance in regional security and defense matters. From a strategic standpoint, India's growing presence and increasingly assertive posture position it as the central force shaping South Asia's balance of power.

Regional Dominance to Global Ambition

In contrast, as an emerging global gia...