- As Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks nearly a decade in office, his foreign policy endeavors stand out as a tale of formidable challenges navigated with remarkable achievements.
- Through bold leadership and visionary initiatives, India emerged as a trusted partner, a voice of reason, and a catalyst for consensus-building on the world stage.
- A cornerstone of Modi’s foreign policy strategy was the ‘Neighbourhood First’ approach, symbolized by inviting SAARC and BIMSTEC leaders to his swearing-in ceremonies.
- In Nepal, Prime Minister Modi’s visits and bilateral engagements revitalized ties after years of stagnation, exemplified by the resumption of the Joint Economic Commission meetings.
- Modi’s outreach extended beyond immediate neighbors, fostering robust relations with West Asia and the United States.
- India’s engagement with Middle Eastern nations transcended religious lenses, culminating in strategic partnerships and prestigious national awards for Modi.
- India-US ties flourished across political, economic, and technological domains, bolstered by multiple high-level dialogues and joint initiatives.
- India’s G20 presidency showcased Modi’s adept diplomacy, crafting consensus amidst divergent global interests, further elevating India’s global standing.
- As India stands at the nexus of global transitions, Modi’s foreign policy legacy reflects resilience, adaptability, and visionary leadership.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks nearly a decade in office since assuming leadership of India’s NDA government in May 2014, his foreign policy endeavors stand out as a tale of formidable challenges navigated with remarkable achievements. Initially perceived as an untested hand in international relations, Modi has transformed foreign policy into one of his administration’s defining strengths, steering India through unprecedented global upheavals.
The past decade has seen a cascade of crises, beginning with the seismic shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, a once-in-a-century event, swiftly followed by geopolitical flashpoints like the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Hamas clash. Amidst these tumultuous times, China’s assertive maneuvers in various regions, including the South and East China Seas, added further complexity, while India faced border tensions with both China and Pakistan.
Despite these trials, Prime Minister Modi, alongside his diplomatic stalwarts like former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and current EAM S Jaishankar, has elevated India’s global stature. Through bold leadership and visionary initiatives, India emerged as a trusted partner, a voice of reason, and a catalyst for consensus-building on the world stage.
A cornerstone of Modi’s foreign policy strategy was the ‘Neighbourhood First’ approach, symbolized by inviting SAARC and BIMSTEC leaders to his swearing-in ceremonies, fostering stronger ties with immediate neighbors. While relations with Pakistan, China, and recently Maldives encountered hurdles, India’s engagements with other neighbors deepened significantly.
In Nepal, Prime Minister Modi’s visits and bilateral engagements revitalized ties after years of stagnation, exemplified by the resumption of the Joint Economic Commission meetings. Similarly, the ratification of the Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh underscored India’s commitment to fortifying bilateral relations.
In Sri Lanka, India’s timely support during existential crises cemented the partnership, with a historic bilateral visit in 2015 followed by substantial economic aid in 2022. However, strained relations with Pakistan and China stemmed from their domestic and strategic choices, prompting India’s firm responses to security threats.
Modi’s outreach extended beyond immediate neighbors, fostering robust relations with West Asia and the United States. India’s engagement with Middle Eastern nations transcended religious lenses, culminating in strategic partnerships and prestigious national awards for Modi. Concurrently, India-US ties flourished across political, economic, and technological domains, bolstered by multiple high-level dialogues and joint initiatives.
Notably, India’s strategic autonomy was underscored by maintaining relations with Russia amidst global pressures, exemplified by continued energy imports. India’s G20 presidency showcased Modi’s adept diplomacy, crafting consensus amidst divergent global interests, further elevating India’s global standing.
Beyond political and economic realms, Modi’s cultural diplomacy promoted India’s ancient traditions globally, epitomized by initiatives like yoga, Ayurveda, and the International Solar Alliance. These endeavors projected India as a beacon of spiritual leadership, rooted in the ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – the world is one family.
As India stands at the nexus of global transitions, Modi’s foreign policy legacy reflects resilience, adaptability, and visionary leadership. Amidst the turmoil of the past decade, India has seized opportunities to enhance its global influence, poised to emerge as a more consequential player on the world stage in the years ahead.
(With inputs from agencies)
