Book excerpt: India is emerging as a key player in the development cooperation arena, not only because of the increasing volume and reach of its south-south cooperation but more so because of its leadership and advocacy for the development of a distinctly southern development discourse and knowledge generation. This book traces and analyses the evolution of Indian development cooperation. It highlights its significance both to global development and as an effective tool of Indian foreign policy. Focussing on how India has played an important role in supporting development efforts of partner countries in South Asia and beyond through its various initiatives in the realm of development cooperation, the book tracks the evolution, genesis, and the challenges India faces in the current international context. The contributions provide a rich mix of academic and government, policy and practice, Indian and external perspectives. Theory is complemented with empirical research, and case studies on countries and sectors as well as comparisons with other aid providing countries are presented. The book is of interest to researchers and policy makers in the field of development cooperation, the role of emerging powers from the South, international development, foreign policy and global political economy.