This paper examines how India’s foreign policy has evolved since 2000 to position the country as a leading voice of the Global South. As global power shifts create space for emerging economies, India has expanded its diplomatic engagement, development partnerships, and soft-power initiatives to advocate for equitable global governance. Through platforms such as the G20, BRICS, and the United Nations — alongside initiatives like Vaccine Maitri, South–South development financing, and digital public infrastructure cooperation — India has moved from being a participant to an agenda-setter in international affairs. The study evaluates the strategic, humanitarian, and multilateral dimensions of this transformation, while also acknowledging limitations including resource constraints, regional competition, and institutional barriers. It argues that India’s leadership is rooted in coalition-building and moral legitimacy rather than material dominance, presenting a pragmatic and inclusive model of Global South diplomacy focused on solidarity, sustainability, and shared progress.