00:00 Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has been jockeying to play a bigger role on
00:05 the world stage. A democracy of 1.4 billion people, it rides on its credentials as the
00:10 world's largest democracy. Modi has also pitched India as a potential counterweight to China.
00:17 And as Beijing assumes an increasingly aggressive stance, New Delhi is positioning itself as
00:22 a natural go-to partner for Western powers in Asia.
00:27 Proof of India's rising global influence, Joe Biden rolling out the red carpet for Narendra
00:32 Modi back in June.
00:35 Modi was invited to give a speech to the US Congress, a rare privilege for a select few
00:40 world leaders.
00:42 I can relate to the battles of patience, persuasion and policy. But I am delighted to see you
00:53 come together today to celebrate the bond between the world's two great democracies,
01:02 India and the United States.
01:09 Biden and Modi signed business and defence deals aimed at countering Beijing's growing
01:13 influence.
01:14 A month later, and Modi was being wooed again, this time by French President Emmanuel Macron.
01:21 Narendra Modi got a front row seat at France's Bastille Day celebrations as the guest of
01:25 honour.
01:26 The two deepened defence ties, signing deals to sell New Delhi Rafale jets and submarines.
01:33 Today we are going to continue to strengthen this historic relationship of trust between
01:37 our two countries in order to face both international crises and major global challenges.
01:43 Friend, the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine are being
01:49 felt all over the world. We believe that the solution to all disputes should be through
01:56 dialogue and diplomacy. India is ready to contribute to the restoration of peace.
02:05 Modi has struck a delicate balancing act on Ukraine, maintaining ties with both Russia
02:09 and the West. While world leaders slammed Vladimir Putin and rolled out economic sanctions
02:15 against Moscow, Modi has stuck to a policy of strategic neutrality.
02:20 India continues to buy Russian oil at bargain prices. It's a move that's angered politicians
02:25 in Western capitals, but it's boosted India's diplomatic clout on the world stage, making
02:30 it a key partner for both sides in Russia's war in Ukraine.
