How India Sees the World: Kautilya to the 21st Century is a penetrating exploration of India’s foreign policy written by one of its foremost diplomats, Shyam Saran, a former Foreign Secretary of India. Drawing on his extensive career in diplomacy and international negotiations, Saran presents a nuanced understanding of how India views its place in a rapidly changing world.

The book traces Indian strategic thinking from ancient times—particularly the realist wisdom of Kautilya's Arthashastra—to the nation's modern foreign policy in the age of globalization. Saran critiques both past and present approaches while offering insight into the values, interests, and pragmatic calculations that have shaped India’s external engagements. He addresses critical issues including India-China relations, the nuclear doctrine, neighborhood diplomacy, and multilateralism.

Why Read This Book?

• Authoritative Insight: Written by a veteran diplomat who played a key role in shaping India’s modern foreign policy.

• Strategic Depth: Links ancient Indian political philosophy with present-day strategic challenges.

• Contextual Intelligence: Offers historical and cultural context to India’s foreign relations that is often missing in Western-centric analyses.

• Policy-Oriented: Ideal for students, scholars, and practitioners of international relations, political science, and South Asian studies.

• Firsthand Accounts: Includes behind-the-scenes perspectives on major diplomatic events and negotiations.

About the Author

Shyam Saran is a distinguished Indian diplomat and strategic thinker. A former Foreign Secretary (2004–2006), he also served as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Nuclear Affairs and Climate Change. Known for his articulate analysis and scholarship, Saran has been associated with key policy think tanks and was Chairman of the National Security Advisory Board. He continues to write and speak extensively on international affairs, climate change, and India’s global strategy.