The year 2025 will be remembered for wars, tensions, and uncertainty. There were no big victories or lasting peace deals made and conflicts caused suffering to millions of people around the globe.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict continues and attacks in Gaza still make headlines. Sudan faced one of the worst humanitarian crisis. Civil wars and violence continued in parts of Africa, including Congo and the Sahel region. Even Southeast Asia border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia.

Closer home, India and Pakistan came close to a wider conflict in May 2025, after a terrorist attack in Kashmir. India launched Operation Sindoor, carrying out limited missile strikes and Pakistan retaliated. However, the situation was quickly brought under control. The conflict was short, but it showed how quickly tensions can rise in todays world.

However, what defined 2025 was a new kind of conflict. Along with soldiers and weapons, modern wars are also fought through social media, cyber attacks, misinformation, economic pressure, and diplomacy. This is generally defined as "hybrid warfare". Indias response during Operation Sindoor showed restraint and an effort to avoid escalation.

These experiences place India in an important position as the world looks ahead. India is not part of any military bloc. India has friendly relations not only with the United States and Europe, but also with Russia. It also has good ties with Israel, while at the same time, it supports peace for Palestinians. India follows the Neighbourhood First policy, ready to help its neighbours in time of need, but is also steadily emerging as the voice of the Global South.

In recent months, leaders in the United States have openly said that India can play a unique role in helping end the Russia-Ukraine war. Such statements reflect growing global trust in Indias leadership and diplomatic approach.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly said that India stands for peace. During meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, he has made it clear that war is not the solution. At the same time, India has strengthened its ties with Ukraine. Modis visit to Kyiv in 2024 and Indias humanitarian assistance showed that New Delhi is willing to engage with all sides.

At home, India continues to face its own security challenges. Tensions with Pakistan remain, though its ability to launch large-scale proxy wars has reduced over the years. Challenges from China continue along the border. Political changes and instability in neighbouring countries also affect Indias security. These realities mean India must remain cautious while engaging globally.

Based on this own experiences, India understands how fragile peace can be. It knows the cost of escalation and the value of dialogue. Few countries have managed crises under such pressure while keeping communication channels open.

Former diplomat and Deputy National Security Adviser Pankaj Saran recently said in an interview that a new world order will emerge in the New Year. Elaborating, he explained that as soon as the Ukraine war ends, a new picture of the world order will become clear.

As 2026 begins, India is not trying to dominate the world or lead a new power bloc. Instead, it has the opportunity to act as a mediator.
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