India, the world's fourth-largest economy, aspires to become a top power on the international political stage.

"India is emerging as a global leader in different aspects of technology, be it space, AI [artificial intelligence], digital innovation, green technology and more," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X last month.

However, some experts told DW that India's global ambitions come at the cost of its relationship with regional neighbors that have turned hostile to New Delhi's quest for regional hegemony.

India's rise comes as economic instability and political fragility are threatening South Asia.

More than half of Afghanistan's population has slipped below the poverty line since the Taliban returned to power. Myanmar grapples with political instability under military rule. Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have turned to the International Monetary Fund for bailouts, and India itself faces a rise in sectarian violence.

China is, meanwhile, expanding its influence across South Asia through deepening economic and strategic partnerships.

After coming to power in 2014, Modi signaled a revitalization of

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