## Introduction

The world in 2025 is a far cry from the optimistic dawn of the 21st century. Geopolitical tensions are simmering, global alliances are in flux, and the very foundations of the international order are being questioned. In this turbulent environment, India, under the stewardship of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, has sought to carve out a distinct path, one defined by ‘multi-alignment’ and ‘strategic autonomy.’ However, a critical examination reveals a series of shortcomings, raising serious doubts about the effectiveness of Jaishankar’s approach. While his articulate defense of India’s interests on global platforms has garnered attention, a closer look reveals a disconnect between rhetoric and reality. The pursuit of strategic autonomy, while laudable in theory, has often translated into a hesitant and reactive foreign policy, failing to seize opportunities and address emerging threats proactively. This analysis will dissect the key areas where Jaishankar’s policies have fallen short, highlighting the strategic vulnerabilities and missed opportunities that have resulted from his tenure. It will explore whether his assertive pronouncements have masked a lack of concrete progress in achieving India’s long-term foreign policy goals, and whether a more nuanced and proactive approach is needed to navigate the challenges of the 21st century.

## The China Conundrum: Assertiveness vs. Progress

India’s relationship with China remains its most pressing foreign policy challenge. While Jaishankar has maintained a firm stance in condemning China’s aggression along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the reality on the ground tells a different story. Despite numerous rounds of diplomatic and military talks, the disengagement process has been slow and incomplete. China continues to occupy strategic territory, effectively altering the status quo. Jaishankar’s approach, characterized by strong statements and a focus on bilateral talks, has failed to yield significant breakthroughs. The trade imbalance between the two countries continues to widen, further exacerbating India’s economic vulnerability. Moreover, China’s growing influence in India’s neighborhood, particularly in Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, poses a long-term strategic threat. India’s response has been largely reactive, lacking a comprehensive strategy to counter China’s expanding footprint. To truly address the China challenge, India needs a multi-pronged approach that combines military preparedness with economic resilience and diplomatic finesse. This requires investing in infrastructure development along the border, diversifying its supply chains to reduce dependence on China, and building stronger partnerships with like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific region. The current policy of relying primarily on bilateral talks and assertive rhetoric has proven insufficient to deter China’s aggressive behavior and safeguard India’s interests. Instead of prioritizing optics, India needs a pragmatic strategy that prioritizes tangible outcomes and long-term security.

*Actionable Tip:* Focus on diversifying supply chains and building strategic partnerships to reduce reliance on China.
*Real-life example:* India’s slow progress on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) demonstrates a failure to create a viable alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
*Expert Insight:* According to Dr. Tanvi Madan, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, India needs a more proactive and comprehensive strategy to counter China’s growing influence in the region. (Source: Brookings Institution reports on India-China relations, 2025)

## The Pakistan Predicament: Beyond Rhetoric

Jaishankar’s policy towards Pakistan has been marked by a hardline approach, emphasizing the need for Pakistan to address terrorism before any meaningful dialogue can take place. While this stance resonates with domestic public opinion, it has failed to yield any tangible results. Cross-border terrorism continues to be a persistent threat, and diplomatic channels remain largely frozen. The lack of engagement has created a vacuum, allowing other actors, such as China, to exert greater influence in Pakistan. Moreover, the focus on terrorism has overshadowed other important aspects of the relationship, such as trade and cultural exchange. A more nuanced approach is needed, one that combines counter-terrorism measures with diplomatic engagement. This requires exploring backchannel diplomacy, promoting people-to-people contacts, and addressing the root causes of extremism. While terrorism remains a legitimate concern, a complete breakdown in communication is counterproductive. It prevents India from addressing other critical issues, such as water sharing and border management. Furthermore, it isolates Pakistan and pushes it further into the orbit of China. To break the impasse, India needs to adopt a more proactive and imaginative approach, one that goes beyond the rhetoric of zero tolerance and explores new avenues for engagement. The current policy of isolation has only served to perpetuate the cycle of mistrust and animosity.

*Actionable Tip:* Explore backchannel diplomacy and people-to-people contacts to build trust and address the root causes of extremism.
*Real-life example:* The lack of progress on the Kartarpur Corridor, despite its potential to promote religious tourism and foster goodwill, demonstrates a missed opportunity for engagement.
*Expert Insight:* According to Husain Haqqani, a former Pakistani ambassador to the United States, a more pragmatic approach is needed to manage the complex relationship between India and Pakistan. (Source: Hudson Institute publications on South Asia, 2025)

## Navigating the Shifting Sands of Great Power Rivalry

In an era of intensifying great power competition, India’s foreign policy has struggled to adapt to the changing dynamics. While Jaishankar has championed the concept of multi-alignment, India’s relationships with key powers, such as the United States and Russia, have become increasingly strained. The growing alignment between the US and China, coupled with Russia’s deepening ties with China, has created a complex geopolitical landscape for India to navigate. India’s reluctance to unequivocally condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine has raised concerns among its Western partners. Similarly, its skepticism towards some aspects of the US-led Indo-Pacific strategy has created friction with Washington. To effectively navigate the shifting sands of great power rivalry, India needs to adopt a more agile and proactive foreign policy. This requires strengthening its partnerships with like-minded countries, diversifying its alliances, and promoting a rules-based international order. It also requires being more assertive in defending its interests and values, without alienating key partners. The current policy of hedging and balancing has become increasingly unsustainable in a world where great power competition is intensifying. India needs to make difficult choices and prioritize its long-term strategic interests.

*Actionable Tip:* Strengthen partnerships with like-minded countries and diversify alliances to hedge against great power competition.
*Real-life example:* India’s slow progress in securing a permanent seat on the UN Security Council reflects its failure to effectively leverage its diplomatic capital.
*Expert Insight:* According to C. Raja Mohan, a leading Indian foreign policy analyst, India needs a more assertive and proactive foreign policy to navigate the challenges of great power rivalry. (Source: Carnegie India publications on international relations, 2025)

## Domestic Shadows: Impact on India’s Global Image

India’s domestic policies have increasingly cast a shadow on its global image. Concerns about human rights, religious freedom, and democratic backsliding have raised questions about India’s commitment to universal values. Jaishankar’s attempts to deflect criticism of India’s domestic record have often been perceived as defensive and unconvincing. The international community is increasingly scrutinizing India’s internal affairs, and these concerns are impacting its ability to project influence and build alliances. To restore its credibility and enhance its global standing, India needs to address its domestic challenges and uphold its constitutional values. This requires promoting inclusive growth, protecting minority rights, and strengthening democratic institutions. It also requires engaging in constructive dialogue with international organizations and addressing their concerns in a transparent and accountable manner. The current policy of denying or dismissing criticism has only served to reinforce negative perceptions and undermine India’s soft power. A more proactive and transparent approach is needed, one that acknowledges the challenges and demonstrates a commitment to addressing them. India’s domestic record is inextricably linked to its foreign policy, and its ability to project influence on the global stage depends on its commitment to upholding universal values.

*Actionable Tip:* Promote inclusive growth, protect minority rights, and strengthen democratic institutions to enhance India’s global image.
*Real-life example:* International reports on human rights in India, often met with denial or defensiveness, negatively impact India’s standing in global forums.
*Expert Insight:* According to Human Rights Watch reports, India needs to address its domestic human rights challenges to maintain its credibility on the international stage. (Source: Human Rights Watch reports on India, 2025)

## Economic Diplomacy: Empty Promises?

Jaishankar’s tenure has seen a renewed focus on economic diplomacy, with an emphasis on promoting trade and investment. However, the results have been mixed. While India has signed several free trade agreements (FTAs), the impact on its overall trade performance has been limited. Moreover, India’s protectionist tendencies and bureaucratic hurdles continue to deter foreign investment. The goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2025 remains elusive, and India’s share of global trade has not significantly increased. To achieve its economic diplomacy objectives, India needs to implement comprehensive reforms to improve its competitiveness and attract foreign investment. This requires simplifying regulations, reducing tariffs, and investing in infrastructure. It also requires promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, and creating a more favorable business environment. The current policy of relying on FTAs alone is insufficient to transform India into a major economic power. A more holistic and strategic approach is needed, one that addresses the underlying constraints on India’s economic growth. India’s economic strength is critical to its ability to project influence on the global stage, and its failure to achieve its economic potential will limit its strategic options.

*Actionable Tip:* Implement comprehensive reforms to improve competitiveness and attract foreign investment.
*Real-life example:* The slow progress in implementing infrastructure projects and streamlining regulations hinders India’s ability to attract foreign investment.
*Expert Insight:* According to the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business reports, India needs to address its regulatory challenges to attract more foreign investment. (Source: World Bank reports on India, 2025)

## Conclusion

S. Jaishankar’s tenure as External Affairs Minister has been marked by a mix of assertive rhetoric and strategic hedging. While he has skillfully articulated India’s interests on global platforms, his policies have often fallen short of achieving tangible results. The challenges posed by China and Pakistan remain unresolved, India’s relationships with key powers are increasingly strained, and its domestic policies continue to cast a shadow on its global image. To effectively navigate the complex challenges of the 21st century, India needs a more proactive, nuanced, and comprehensive foreign policy. This requires moving beyond rhetoric and focusing on concrete outcomes. It also requires addressing domestic challenges and upholding universal values. Only then can India truly realize its potential as a leading global power. The next phase of Indian foreign policy requires a re-evaluation of the current strategy and a renewed commitment to building a more secure, prosperous, and just world. Failing to do so will leave India vulnerable to the growing geopolitical and economic challenges of the 21st century, jeopardizing its long-term interests and aspirations.