Inclusivity in Action: Evolution of Feminist Principles in India’s Foreign Policy

This paper investigates the development and importance of feminist foreign policy (FFP) principles within India’s foreign policy framework. Since Sweden adopted FFP in 2014, the discussion has broadened to incorporate perspectives from countries like India. While India has not officially embraced an FFP, gender mainstreaming initiatives in its foreign and domestic policies have become increasingly prominent over the past 10-15 years. This paper seeks to analyze these initiatives, which have gained traction in recent years, to better understand their impact on India’s policy landscape.

The paper also explores the concept of women-led development, a major focus during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, and its ongoing influence on various aspects of governance. Gender representation is on the rise, with a growing number of women joining the Indian diplomatic service, achieving parity in recent cohorts. Domestically, efforts in financial inclusion, expanding opportunities, and enhancing women’s political representation reflect the evolving approach to gender mainstreaming in the country. The paper highlights India’s current initiatives in areas such as climate change, trade, development assistance, and multilateral engagement, alongside emerging sectors like digitalization and financial inclusion. Finally, it suggests avenues for further strengthening gender mainstreaming across both established and emerging domains.

Published by Heinrich Böll Stiftung India Office in August 2024.