India is hastening its rise in the world order by working on a series of multi-lateral relationships.

India has traditionally been diffident in her relationships with the world powers and usually aligned with one or the other. Even during the NAM years, India was close to USSR and had a pretty bad relationship with the western powers.

India has now developed a good relationship with the US. At the same time, it has used its military purchases and nuclear needs to continue a strong relationship with Russia. Over the last decade, India has also developed a good relationship with France.

Also India now has a special relationship with Israel. Until the late 90s (even though India formally started a relationship with Israel in 1992), India was in a funny situation. It didn't establish relationships with Israel for the sake of a relationship with the Arab world. But it got nothing in return esp. in its issues with Pakistan (the arab world always supported Pakistan) and got taken for granted. Now the strong relationship with Israel has multiple benefits - cutting edge arms supplier, an influential voice in the US (through the jewish lobby) and some efforts being taken by the Arab world (Saudi Arabia and Oman) to re-engage India on more equal terms.

Over the last 3-4 years, India has focused on developing deep relationships with Japan, Brazil and South Africa. This also leads to a lot of value for all concerned and was very helpful during the NSG debates.

India has also made belated and tentative moves in engaging Africa. It has kicked off a series of initiatives including preferential access, soft loans and technological support. The Pan Africa e-network covering health care and education through internet is a pioneering initiative.

And finally, India is slowly losing its diffidence with China. It is still not anywhere near where it should be - two equal powers. But India is on its way.

All in all, India is getting there albeit slowly.