Book review: Vishwa Shastra: India and the World by Dhruva Jaishankar

By Raj Shah

Dhruva Jaishankar’s Vishwa Shastra: “India and the World has emerged as a timely and significant contribution to the study of India’s foreign policy.“ In the wake of shifting global power dynamics and the resurgence of Donald Trump, global anxiety is rising over issues such as NATO’s future, a tariff war with China, and immigration policy changes. Against this backdrop, Jaishankar’s book offers clarity, grounded analysis, and a distinct Indian perspective on global affairs, making it relevant for scholars, diplomats, civil service aspirants, and engaged citizens alike.

A Dual Approach: History and Strategy
Vishwa Shastra neatly divides into two main parts: the historical evolution of India’s foreign policy and its current strategic priorities. The historical section covers the phases of Indian foreign policy development — from pre-Independence times and non-alignment (1947–71), through the Cold War alignments and liberalization era (1971–2008), to the present scenario dominated by China’s rise and global multipolarity (2008–2024). Jaishankar uses India’s civilizational ethos, cultural strengths, and geographical position to explain the strategic logic behind India’s choices over time.

The strategic part of the book elaborates on concepts such as “Neighborhood First,” “Act East,” and “Think West,” and how these ideas fit into India’s ambition to be a “leading power.” Jaishankar’s key message is that India’s foreign policy is maturing into a comprehensive global strategy that factors in domestic needs, economic aspirations, and global realpolitik.

Contextual and accessible.
Both reviewers highlight how Jaishankar avoids abstract, theoretical jargon and instead opts for a clear, accessible writing style. Rather than wrapping India’s foreign policy in esoteric terms, the book explains India’s behavior and choices in straightforward terms, backed by historical context, cultural insights, and realpolitik. This approach democratizes foreign policy discourse, bringing it out of the corridors of New Delhi’s intelligentsia and into the awareness of youth and citizens across the country.

This accessibility is especially important now, as India finds itself at a pivotal juncture. With increasing global attention and internal aspirations, Jaishankar emphasizes that foreign policy is no longer just about diplomacy but a vital extension of domestic priorities such as development, security, and industrial policy. The aspiration of a “leading power” must be supported by a robust domestic base, military modernization, and economic self-reliance.

Rethinking India’s Strategic Culture
A major strength of Vishwa Shastra, according to both reviewers, is its challenge to the notion that India lacks a strategic culture. Jaishankar asserts that India has always had a vibrant tradition of statecraft, shaped by realism and rooted in both ancient philosophy and modern pragmatism. From Kautilya to Nehru, and from non-alignment to contemporary multilateralism, India has continually adapted its foreign policy to suit internal needs and external pressures.

This argument is significant in a world where geopolitical power is rapidly shifting and where India must constantly negotiate its position vis-à-vis China, the United States, and regional groupings like BRICS, QUAD, and the Indo-Pacific framework. Jaishankar underlines that prosperity cannot be separated from security — global integration has benefits but also exposes vulnerabilities, whether from supply chains, climate change, terrorism, or technological disruptions.

Continuity and Change Under Modi
The second review, titled “The New Change Agent,” underscores how Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar (the author’s father) have infused a new confidence and assertiveness into Indian foreign policy. This transformation is not just about optics or rhetoric, but a deeper shift in how India positions itself globally. The strategic vocabulary has changed, and foreign policy has become a topic of public discussion, particularly among the younger, aspirational generation.

Traditional wisdom held that moral idealism or bureaucratic inertia drove Indian foreign policy, but Vishwa Shastra suggests otherwise. Under Modi, India has adopted a pragmatic, interest-based diplomacy that simultaneously roots in civilizational pride and prepares for future challenges. However, the book also leaves room for debate on what the main drivers of this transformation are: structural global shifts, domestic political changes, or leadership style.

Key Themes and Strategic Questions

Among the central themes Jaishankar addresses are:

• The importance of the Indo-Pacific and maritime security.
• Managing a revisionist Pakistan and an assertive China.
• Building new coalitions and revitalizing old institutions.
• Expanding India’s strategic autonomy while enhancing global influence.

The book also raises pressing questions that remain open-ended, such as:

• How will India balance Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) with the need for foreign investment and military modernization?
• How can India deepen regional connectivity when China’s economic footprint is growing across South Asia?
• How can New Delhi manage its dependency on China for trade while confronting it geopolitically?

These question1s are not fully answered in the book, but they are raised in a way that invites public dialogue and intellectual engagement — an achievement in and of itself.

A Strategic Primer for a Rising India
Vishwa Shastra is more than a chronicle of foreign policy — it is a strategic primer for India’s evolving role in the world. Jaishankar’s pedigree as a thinker with deep roots in India’s strategic tradition adds gravitas to the book. His ability to explain complex global shifts through an Indian lens makes this work an indispensable guide, as it offers practical frameworks for future action to those seeking to understand India’s global ambitions.

The author’s intellectual depth is evident throughout the book, a trait that clearly reflects his distinguished lineage—his grandfather, Krishnaswamy Subramaniyam, was regarded as a pioneer in India’s strategic community, while his father, S. Jaishankar, currently serves as the chief architect of India’s foreign policy.

At a time when the world is uncertain and India is ascending, Vishwa Shastra serves both as a mirror to the past and a compass for the future. Whether one is a student, policymaker, or curious citizen, the book encourages a grounded but ambitious approach to India’s foreign policy — one that begins at home but reaches far beyond.

About the Author

A software engineer by profession, Indian culture enthusiast, ardent promoter of hinduism, and a cancer survivor, Raj Shah is a managing editor of Desh-Videsh Magazine and co-founder of Desh Videsh Media Group. Promoting the rich culture and heritage of India and Hinduism has been his motto ever since he arrived in the US in 1969.

He has been instrumental in starting and promoting several community organizations such as the Indian Religious and Cultural Center and International Hindu University. Raj has written two books on Hinduism titled Chronology of Hinduism and Understanding Hinduism. He has also written several children books focusing on Hindu culture and religion.