Abstract
The aim of this essay is to conduct an analysis of key factors of the foreign- and security policy of India in order to determine the current status of India in the international system of states. The driving question of the essay is:
India – a regional actor or geostrategic great power?
Buzan og Wæver security complex theory published in “Regions and Powers (2003) provides the frame of the essay within which four objects, derived from navel geostrategic theory of Mahan, are analysed: Economic- resource-, political, and military power.
The final assessment is that a change in the status of India has occurred from being a regional actor balancing Pakistan in the South Asian security complex to a stronger position as a geostrategic great power in the Asian super security complex. This change is based on increased economic and political power, which India uses to gain influence in the Asian region through both bilateral and multilateral agreements and support to the international organizations in the region.