## Introduction

In the kaleidoscope of international relations, diplomacy is the art of navigating complex landscapes, forging alliances, and protecting national interests. Since assuming office in 2014, Narendra Modi has undeniably reshaped India’s diplomatic footprint, injecting a dose of personal charisma and a proactive approach to global engagement. His frequent travels, high-profile meetings, and emphasis on personal rapport with world leaders have brought India to the forefront of international discussions. However, beneath the veneer of success, questions linger: Has this ‘personal touch’ approach always served India’s long-term strategic interests? Have opportunities been missed in the neighborhood? Has the balancing act between great powers been executed flawlessly? And has economic diplomacy been effectively aligned with both trade ambitions and ideological considerations?

As we approach the mid-point of 2025, it’s time to critically assess the trajectory of Indian diplomacy under Modi’s leadership. The world has become increasingly multipolar, with shifting alliances, rising powers, and unprecedented challenges like climate change and global pandemics. In this context, it is vital to examine whether India’s diplomatic strategies have been agile and effective in navigating these turbulent waters. This article aims to delve into the nuances of Modi’s diplomatic style, analyzing instances of both triumph and potential missteps, and considering the perspectives of various stakeholders to determine if India has truly optimized its diplomatic potential on the global stage. It’s not about assigning blame, but rather about fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges inherent in shaping India’s role in an ever-evolving world.

## The ‘Personal Touch’ Paradox: Charm vs. Consistency

Narendra Modi’s emphasis on personal relationships with world leaders has been a defining feature of his diplomatic style. From bear hugs with former French President Hollande to shared cups of tea with then-US President Obama, these gestures have projected an image of warmth and camaraderie. This approach has undoubtedly opened doors and fostered goodwill, leading to tangible outcomes such as increased foreign investment and strategic partnerships. For example, Modi’s close relationship with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe facilitated significant Japanese investment in India’s infrastructure projects, including the ambitious bullet train project. Similarly, his rapport with Gulf leaders has strengthened energy ties and secured crucial support for Indian expatriates in the region.

However, the ‘personal touch’ approach also carries potential risks. Diplomacy is not solely about personal friendships; it’s about advancing national interests in a consistent and predictable manner. Over-reliance on personal relationships can lead to a perception of favoritism, potentially alienating other partners. Moreover, changes in leadership in other countries can disrupt these carefully cultivated relationships, leaving India vulnerable. For instance, the shifting political landscape in Europe and the US in recent years has presented challenges to maintaining the same level of personal rapport with new leaders.

Furthermore, a focus on personal diplomacy can sometimes overshadow the importance of institutional mechanisms and established diplomatic protocols. Bureaucracies and formal channels play a crucial role in ensuring continuity and stability in foreign policy. Neglecting these channels in favor of personal interactions can lead to inefficiencies and a lack of coordination. It’s crucial to strike a balance between personal engagement and institutional strength to ensure that India’s foreign policy remains robust and resilient.

* **Actionable Tip:** Invest in strengthening diplomatic institutions and training programs to ensure continuity and professionalism in foreign policy, regardless of changes in political leadership.
* **Real-Life Example:** Compare India’s diplomatic approach to that of Germany, which, while also engaging in personal diplomacy, places a strong emphasis on its robust diplomatic corps and adherence to established protocols.
* **Expert Insight:** “Personal diplomacy can be a valuable tool, but it should not be the sole driver of foreign policy. A strong foundation of institutional strength and strategic planning is essential for long-term success,” argues Dr. Meera Shankar, former Indian Ambassador to the United States.

## The Neighborhood First Fumble: Missed Opportunities?

India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy, aimed at fostering closer ties with its South Asian neighbors, has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy for decades. Under Modi, the policy has seen renewed emphasis, with initiatives such as increased development assistance and enhanced connectivity projects. However, despite these efforts, India’s relations with some of its neighbors have remained strained, and in some cases, have even deteriorated. The relationship with Pakistan continues to be plagued by cross-border terrorism and political tensions, while ties with Nepal have been tested by border disputes and concerns over Indian interference. Even with Bangladesh, a close partner, issues such as water sharing and border management remain unresolved.

One of the key challenges in implementing the ‘Neighborhood First’ policy has been the lack of a consistent and nuanced approach. India’s size and economic dominance in the region often lead to perceptions of hegemonic behavior, creating mistrust and resentment among its smaller neighbors. Moreover, domestic political considerations in India, such as concerns over illegal immigration and religious nationalism, have sometimes overshadowed the need for a more accommodating and understanding approach to its neighbors.

To effectively implement the ‘Neighborhood First’ policy, India needs to adopt a more holistic and empathetic approach. This includes addressing the legitimate concerns of its neighbors, respecting their sovereignty, and avoiding any actions that could be perceived as interference in their internal affairs. Furthermore, India needs to invest in building trust and promoting people-to-people exchanges to foster a sense of shared destiny and mutual understanding.

* **Actionable Tip:** Prioritize dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms with neighboring countries to address outstanding issues and build trust.
* **Real-Life Example:** Analyze the success of the European Union in fostering regional cooperation and integration among countries with diverse interests and historical grievances.
* **Expert Insight:** “India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy needs to be more than just a slogan. It requires a genuine commitment to building mutually beneficial relationships based on trust, respect, and understanding,” says Dr. C. Raja Mohan, a leading Indian foreign policy analyst.

## Balancing Act: Great Power Games and the China Question

The rise of China as a global power has profoundly impacted India’s foreign policy. The two countries share a long and complex border, and their relationship is characterized by both cooperation and competition. While India and China have engaged in increasing trade and economic cooperation, they also have significant differences over border disputes, regional influence, and strategic alignment. Under Modi, India has sought to balance its relationship with China by strengthening ties with other major powers, particularly the United States, Japan, and Australia. This has led to the formation of strategic partnerships such as the Quad, aimed at promoting maritime security and countering China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

However, navigating the great power competition between the US and China is a delicate balancing act for India. While India shares common concerns with the US and its allies about China’s growing power, it also recognizes the importance of maintaining a stable and productive relationship with its neighbor. Overly aligning with one side could alienate the other, potentially jeopardizing India’s strategic autonomy and economic interests. The challenge for India is to pursue its own national interests while contributing to a stable and balanced regional order.

To successfully navigate the great power competition, India needs to adopt a multi-faceted approach. This includes strengthening its own economic and military capabilities, engaging in proactive diplomacy with all major powers, and promoting a rules-based international order. India should also focus on building strategic partnerships with like-minded countries to enhance its leverage and influence in the region. Furthermore, India needs to clearly articulate its own vision for the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing its commitment to a free, open, and inclusive order.

* **Actionable Tip:** Invest in building India’s economic and military capabilities to enhance its strategic autonomy and bargaining power.
* **Real-Life Example:** Study the foreign policy strategies of countries like Switzerland and Sweden, which have successfully maintained neutrality and independence in a world of great power competition.
* **Expert Insight:** “India needs to avoid being drawn into a zero-sum game between the US and China. It should pursue its own strategic interests while contributing to a stable and balanced regional order,” argues Dr. Shivshankar Menon, former National Security Advisor of India.

## The Economic Diplomacy Dilemma: Trade vs. Ideology

Economic diplomacy has become an increasingly important tool in India’s foreign policy arsenal. Under Modi, India has actively pursued free trade agreements (FTAs) and investment partnerships with countries around the world. The goal is to boost India’s economic growth, create jobs, and enhance its global competitiveness. However, India’s economic diplomacy has sometimes been constrained by ideological considerations and domestic political pressures. For example, concerns over the impact of FTAs on domestic industries and farmers have led to delays and setbacks in trade negotiations. Similarly, ideological differences over issues such as intellectual property rights and environmental standards have hindered progress in economic cooperation with some countries.

Furthermore, India’s economic diplomacy has sometimes been inconsistent and reactive, rather than proactive and strategic. India has often been slow to respond to changing global economic trends and has missed opportunities to capitalize on emerging markets. To effectively leverage economic diplomacy, India needs to adopt a more long-term and strategic approach. This includes identifying key economic priorities, developing clear negotiating strategies, and engaging proactively with potential partners.

India also needs to strike a better balance between promoting its economic interests and upholding its values and principles. While economic growth is important, it should not come at the expense of environmental sustainability, social justice, or human rights. India should use its economic influence to promote these values on the global stage and to encourage other countries to adopt more responsible and sustainable economic practices.

* **Actionable Tip:** Develop a comprehensive and long-term economic diplomacy strategy that aligns with India’s national interests and values.
* **Real-Life Example:** Analyze the economic diplomacy strategies of countries like Singapore and South Korea, which have successfully leveraged trade and investment to drive economic growth and enhance their global influence.
* **Expert Insight:** “Economic diplomacy is not just about trade and investment. It’s about using economic tools to advance India’s broader strategic interests and to promote a more just and sustainable global order,” says Dr. Arvind Subramanian, former Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India.

## Navigating the New World Order: Multilateralism and Beyond

The world order is undergoing a period of profound transformation, with the rise of new powers, the decline of traditional institutions, and the emergence of new global challenges. In this context, India’s approach to multilateralism is crucial. Under Modi, India has actively engaged with multilateral institutions such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the G20. India has also played a leading role in promoting new multilateral initiatives, such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. However, India’s engagement with multilateralism has sometimes been selective and conditional. India has often criticized the existing international order as being biased and unfair and has called for reforms to make it more representative and inclusive.

To effectively navigate the new world order, India needs to adopt a more proactive and constructive approach to multilateralism. This includes working with other countries to reform and strengthen existing international institutions, promoting new multilateral initiatives to address global challenges, and upholding the principles of international law and the UN Charter. India should also use its growing influence in multilateral forums to advocate for its own national interests and to promote a more just and equitable world order. Furthermore, India needs to recognize that multilateralism is not just about government-to-government cooperation. It also involves engaging with civil society organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector. By fostering a more inclusive and participatory approach to multilateralism, India can enhance its legitimacy and effectiveness on the global stage.

* **Actionable Tip:** Advocate for reforms to make multilateral institutions more representative and inclusive, reflecting the changing global power dynamics.
* **Real-Life Example:** Study the role of Canada and the Nordic countries in promoting multilateralism and fostering international cooperation on global challenges.
* **Expert Insight:** “India’s future lies in embracing multilateralism and working with other countries to build a more just, equitable, and sustainable world order,” says Dr. Shashi Tharoor, a prominent Indian politician and author.

## Conclusion

As we stand in 2025, the trajectory of Indian diplomacy under Narendra Modi presents a complex and nuanced picture. While his personal engagement and proactive approach have undoubtedly elevated India’s global profile, questions remain about whether certain aspects of his diplomatic strategy have fully served India’s long-term interests. The emphasis on personal relationships, while fostering goodwill, needs to be balanced with institutional strength and consistency. The ‘Neighborhood First’ policy requires a more empathetic and nuanced approach to build trust and address the concerns of neighboring countries. Navigating the great power competition between the US and China demands a delicate balancing act to safeguard India’s strategic autonomy. Economic diplomacy needs to be strategically aligned with both trade ambitions and broader values. And engagement with multilateralism requires a proactive and constructive approach to shape a more just and equitable world order.

Looking ahead, India’s diplomatic success will depend on its ability to adapt to a rapidly changing world, to build strong and resilient partnerships, and to promote its own national interests while contributing to a stable and prosperous global order. It requires a blend of pragmatism and principle, of strength and empathy, and of vision and execution. The journey ahead will be challenging, but with the right strategies and the right leadership, India can truly realize its potential as a global leader and a force for good in the world. As India continues to evolve its diplomatic approach, it must constantly assess, adapt, and innovate to ensure it remains a relevant and influential player on the global stage, capable of navigating the complexities and uncertainties of the 21st century.