India and the Sovereignty Principle

This book offers a comprehensive analysis of India's evolving relationship with sovereignty in a complex global order. Moving beyond conventional narratives, it examines how the sovereignty principle shapes India's behavior across four critical domains—from traditional military power to contemporary data governance.

Since gaining independence in 1947, India has positioned itself as a fierce defender of sovereignty on the world stage. From its pioneering advocacy of non-alignment during the Cold War to its reputation for diplomatic resistance against great power pressures, India's commitment to this principle has been a defining feature of its foreign policy. Yet, as this incisive volume reveals, India's interpretation and application of sovereignty has undergone significant transformation over time. Through meticulous analysis of India's military interventions in neighbouring states, its evolving stance on bilateral investment treaties, the complex hydro-politics of India-China relations, and its emerging positions on data sovereignty and technology governance, this study provides a nuanced understanding of when, why, and how India's commitment to sovereignty principles shifts across different contexts.

This volume is essential reading for scholars and graduate students of International Relations, South Asian Studies, and Global Politics. It will also appeal to policymakers, diplomats, and professionals engaged in international law, security studies, and global governance who seek deeper insights into India's strategic positioning in world affairs.

The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of India Review.