ThePrint NationalInterest: India’s ‘Vishwaguru’ delusion, mine vs yours, is ruining our view of the world
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Mar 21, 2026 A sharp take on whether India is overestimating or underestimating its global influence amid the Iran war. A look at competing narratives that India has balanced ties with the US, Iran, Arabs and Israel. Traces a long-standing Vishwaguru self-image and explains why middle-power constraints shape realistic choices.
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Partisan Myths Overestimate India's Role
- Domestic partisan narratives cast the Middle East war as either India's strategic triumph or a betrayal of moral leadership.
- Gupta dismisses both, arguing claims that Modi made India punch above or below its weight are delusional.
Seven Middle East Strategic Partnerships Expand India's Reach
- India now holds seven formal strategic partnerships in the Middle East, aligning it closely with Gulf states and Israel.
- Gupta highlights tankers through Hormuz, naval port calls and frequent leader calls as signs of that diplomatic reach.
India Acts Within Its True Middle Power Limits
- India is punching according to its real power, not above or below its weight amid the West Asia war.
- Shekhar Gupta ties this to India's middle-power dependencies and pragmatic choices across US, Russia, Israel, Gulf and China.