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The prime minister’s decade-long journey has been less about quiet diplomacy behind closed doors and more about symbolism and a relentless effort to make India impossible to ignore
PM Narendra Modi is respected by the West, trusted by the East, and looked up to by the Global South. (PTI)
When Narendra Modi assumed power in 2014, he was seen as an outsider to the world of global diplomacy; a “provincial politician” with little exposure to the delicate choreography of international relations. Eleven years on, the same leader has turned foreign policy into a defining theatre of his political persona as India’s diplomat-in-chief.
From his famous bear hugs with world leaders to bold maneuvers on the global stage, PM Modi has reshaped not only how New Delhi projects itself abroad but also how the world perceives India: as a rising power balancing tradition and ambition, nationalism and globalisation, soft power and hard pragmatism.
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The decade-long journey of the prime minister has been less about quiet diplomacy behind closed doors and more about spectacle, symbolism, and a relentless effort to make India impossible to ignore.
While there’s no denying that India has come of its own with regard to foreign policy, shifting global power dynamics, regional tensions, and the rise of non-traditional security threats has made the landscape increasingly complex. As a growing economic and military power, India must walk the tightrope between the United States and Russia, manage delicate relationships with neighbouring countries like Pakistan and China, and assert its influence in multilateral institutions across the globe. These challenges demand a combination of diplomatic agility, strategic clarity, and strong leadership at the top—a space in which PM Modi has positioned himself assertively.
RUSSIA
In February 2022, as the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, many foreign policy experts felt the India-Russia relationship would be put to test. As the West imposed sanctions and pressured countries to up the heat on Russia—and Russian President Vladimir Putin— India maintained an explicitly balanced political posture, calling for dialogue, immediate cessation of hostilities, and lasting peace, while abstaining from most UN resolutions condemning Russia.
“I have said directly and publicly, this is not an era of war but it is one of dialogue and diplomacy and we all must do what we can to stop the bloodshed and human suffering,” PM Modi said at the joint session of the US Congress, recalling his words to Putin. India maintained communication with both the Ukrainian and the Russian top brass, even as the West pushed it to align against Putin.
In what was seen as a possible body blow to India, the United States—irked at being unable to convince PM Modi to choose sides—levied a 25 per cent additional “penalty” on imports from India. The move, however, did not deter India, which continued to buy Russian oil, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar putting across the government’s stand succinctly: “If you [US] don’t like it, don’t buy it.”
As US President Donald Trump took to social media in what seemed like a desperate attempt to make the world see the rationale behind his unfair move, PM Modi chose silence as his weapon. India maintained that its relationship with the US was treasured and differences, if any, would be ironed out.
Though the prime minister refused to be drawn into a verbal volley on social media, he let optics do the talking as he attended the SCO Summit in China’s Tianjin. Soon, news came in that Putin waited for PM Modi for nearly 10 minutes so that they both could proceed together in the former’s car for their bilateral talks. The two leaders also spent nearly 45 minutes in the car, even after reaching the venue. At the SCO Summit, flanked by Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the prime minister was pictured laughing, chatting and sharing a warm camaraderie. The message was not lost on the United States.
Russia went a step ahead and praised India for continuing its cooperation with Moscow despite pressure from Trump, asserting that any attempt to harm ties with New Delhi will fail. The Russian foreign ministry said India’s approach to its ties with Russia reflected “the spirit and traditions of long-standing friendship” and New Delhi’s “strategic autonomy in international affairs”.
As India’s ties with Russia continue to flourish, much to the West’s chagrin, the prime minister’s balancing act has proven that India will make independent foreign policy choices rooted in its national interests rather than succumbing to external pressures.
CHINA
India and China have historically swung between cooperation and confrontation. At the heart of the complexity is a historic rivalry rooted in border disputes and strategic competition. However, economic interdependence and shared regional interests mean more coordination and better understanding are needed in the Elephant and Dragon tango.
It is with this vision that PM Modi and Xi Jinping met at the SCO Summit in China after a gap of seven years in a meeting that was closely watched by not just the two countries but across the globe. As the prime minister was clicked deep in conversation with Jinping and Putin, the bonhomie was a contrast from recent years where India and China often looked the other way at multilateral forums.
The visible signs of cautious engagement between PM Modi and President Xi were hard to miss. As Russia threw its weight behind India on the issue of Trump’s tariffs, China too surprised the global community by seemingly taking a swipe at the US President, telling his counterparts that the “shadows of Cold War mentality and bullying have not dissipated, with new challenges mounting”. The world has entered “a new phase of turbulence” with global governance at a “new crossroads”, Xi said, calling for joint efforts to build a “more just and balanced international governance framework.”
As Xi emphasised to PM Modi that China and India should be partners, not rivals, the prime minister said there was now an “atmosphere of peace and stability” between them.
To say that the relationship between India and China has mended would be an over-estimation, given that New Delhi remains cautious of the long-standing border disputes with its neighbour apart from China’s close ties with Pakistan.
However, both countries recognise the risk of open conflict and understand that mutual benefit exists in managing rivalry, even if they are unable to resolve it. As the United States keeps up pressure on the Global South, PM Modi’s approach at SCO shows a pragmatic détente. It shows India is willing to talk, but not at the cost of its core interests.
Foreign policy experts believe Modi is the right person for the job as he recognises that both countries pursue strategic autonomy and their relations should not be judged through the prism of third countries or external powers. The prime minister also enjoys a domestic reputation for being a strong leader who protects national interests, thus giving him the political capital necessary to pursue rapprochement with China without appearing weak.
UNITED STATES
It was September 2019 when Donald Trump, in his first stint as US President, called PM Modi “one of America’s greatest, most devoted and most loyal friends”. Cut to September 2025. While India-US relations may have seen hiccups with Trump’s decision to impose 50 per cent tariffs on Indian imports, what has remained constant is the US President’s admiration for PM Modi.
On Tuesday, the eve of PM Modi’s 75th birthday, Trump left many surprised when he dialed the prime minister to wish him and called him his “friend”, noting that he was doing a “tremendous job” and thanking him for his “support on ending the war between Russia and Ukraine”.
Modi was quick to return the gesture and took to X to thank his “friend” for the “warm greetings”. “Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights. We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict,” he added.
While the exchange may have raised some eyebrows, foreign policy experts who have keenly watched the US-India relationship were far from surprised.
When Trump took office in 2017, there were murmurs about how the “America First” President would engage with India. However, the personal chemistry between the two leaders soon became the defining feature of the relationship.
From a cautious partnership, India and the US developed a robust friendship that saw major defense and strategic cooperation, including signing of major defence deals, India being designated a Major Defence Partner, strengthening of the Indo-Pacific strategy and expansion of the Quad.
Two iconic events, “Howdy Modi” in Houston (2019) and “Namaste Trump” in Ahmedabad (2020) made headlines for the “bromance” between the leaders who reaffirmed commitment to take the India-US relationship to new heights.
As Joe Biden succeeded Trump as US President in 2021, the ties between the two countries remained steadfast though the personal warmth from the Trump-Modi era was missing.
It was no surprise then that the return of Trump in January 2025 was celebrated in India too as experts viewed it as a resumption of the historic friendship. However, the year has proved to be one of the most difficult ones for the traditional allies.
Trouble started with Trump’s unsolicited offer to mediate the Kashmir dispute with Pakistan, which did not sit well with India as it maintains the issue is strictly bilateral and rejects third-party mediation. While the US President’s lack of understanding of South Asian complexities came as an irritant in ties, the biggest body blow to the bond was Trump’s decision to slap 50 per cent tariffs on India, including a 25 per cent “penalty” for buying Russian oil.
India was quick to call out the “unfair” penalty, calling its decision smart economics and not profiteering. India buys discounted Russian crude, refines it, and exports it at a premium. This saves the country around $2.5 billion annually, a fraction of the $134 billion Washington has already spent on Ukraine, including $75 billion in military aid.
Also, US giants Exxon and Chevron post record profits selling LNG to Europe but only India is accused of “funding Putin’s war machine”.
Vina Nadjibulla, vice-president of strategy and research at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera: “This is a very difficult moment, arguably the worst in many, many years in their relationship and puts India in a very small group of countries that find themselves without a deal and with the highest tariff rates. They now need some pragmatic path forward and need to find a way to rebuild trust.”
Apart from the tariffs, geopolitical tensions too took a toll on the India-US relationship as Trump repeatedly claimed credit for mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. India vehemently denied the US President’s role in calling for a truce, with PM Modi declaring in Parliament that “no leader in the world asked us to stop Operation Sindoor”.
Pakistan, meanwhile, nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize and has secured agreements with the United States to explore its critical mineral and oil reserves, as part of its ongoing efforts to reset relations with Washington following years of uncertainty and distance during Joe Biden’s presidency.
As Trump—and his close coterie—chose to attack India over its decision to keep buying Russian oil, PM Modi used forums like the SCO to assert India’s right to strategic autonomy. The prime minister’s measured yet firm response also exposed Trump’s unilateralism, contrasting it with India’s balancing act: Delhi wants to work with the US, but not on American terms alone.
Despite the setbacks, both US and India are keen on mending relations, which was evident when Trump, after weeks of acrimonious tweets, said he “look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the upcoming weeks”. PM Modi was quick to respond. “I am also looking forward to speaking with President Trump. We will work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for both our people,” he said.
The thaw in relations could soon translate into a phone call between the two sides, the first since a tense June 17 conversation when the leaders spoke for 35 minutes. It is also expected that Trump may visit India in the year end for the QUAD Summit, though US authorities have refused to comment on the issue for now.
On the trade front, India’s commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal too took a measured stand and said the relationship between the two countries is strong and a “few comments” do not matter.
“While some comments may cause temporary concerns, the India-US friendship is much stronger than a few isolated remarks. The relationship is multi-dimensional and will only strengthen with time,” Goyal said in an exclusive interview with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi.
“The US-India relationship is one of the most consultative partnerships, built on mutual trust and shared values. Although we have faced certain challenges, I believe these situations will pass, and the relationship will only grow stronger,” he added.
The minister also indicated that the first tranche of the agreement with the United States on a trade deal should be finalised by November 2025. “In February 2025, PM Modi and President Trump together instructed us that the ministers of both sides should make a good agreement by November 2025. The first part of that agreement, the first tranche, should be finalised by November 2025, and since March, discussions have been going on on this subject very seriously in a very good environment, progress is being made, and with the progress, both sides are satisfied.”
To sum up, PM Modi’s handling of the relationship with US has been a masterclass in strategic diplomacy, message control, and national interest-first foreign policy. Despite rising tensions, economic pressure, and unpredictable US behaviour, the prime minister has managed to keep India’s core interests intact while signaling both firmness and flexibility.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Pakistan: There are very few relationships that may have tested Modi’s mettle like that with Pakistan, India’s longest adversary. From the 1947 Partition to repeated wars and terrorism, India-Pakistan relations have long been shaped by conflict, mistrust, and deep-rooted historical grievances.
Under PM Modi, India’s approach toward Pakistan has shifted dramatically from traditional diplomacy to a decisive, assertive posture. The prime minister, moving away from dialogue-for-dialogue’s-sake, has opted for a policy of zero-tolerance for terrorism, giving a befitting reply to Pakistan’s provocations.
In 2016, after Pakistan-backed terrorists attacked an Indian Army camp in Uri, Jammu & Kashmir, killing 19 soldiers, PM Modi authorised surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC). The precise, cross-border strikes on terror launchpads—a first-of-its-kind public response—sent India’s message to the world: We will no longer absorb terrorism quietly and will respond with force if provoked.
Pakistan clearly did not get the memo as it attempted to test India’s patience once again in February 2019 when a suicide bombing killed 40 CRPF personnel in Pulwama. The prime minister once again responded with the Balakot airstrikes, targeting a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp deep inside Pakistan—beyond the LoC. The message was loud and clear—India is willing to cross red lines in self-defence.
Pakistan, however, refused to relent. As normalcy returned to Jammu and Kashmir post the abrogation of Article 370 and tourism returned to the Valley, the neighbor fomented trouble again and 26 innocent tourists were brutally gunned down in Pahalgam as they enjoyed the scenic views of Baisaran Valley. An enraged India vowed revenge and launched Operation Sindoor—a precise, non-escalatory campaign targeting nine terror camps and support facilities within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation killed around 100 terrorists, including figures linked to major attacks on Indian soil, and caused heavy damage to terrorist organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
In immediate retaliation, Pakistan launched coordinated drone and missile attacks on over a dozen Indian military installations, but India’s integrated counter-drone grid and air defences intercepted most of these. Border skirmishes escalated, including shelling and limited drone battles, and both countries exchanged attacks on military installations across the border before agreeing to a ceasefire following hotline negotiations between their senior military leaders.
As Indians rallied behind PM Modi for decisively tackling Pakistan, the prime minister had a message for the neighbour’s citizens: ‘Sukh chain ki zindagi chahiye, roti khao, nahin to meri goli toh hai hi’.
Apart from military efforts, Modi’s government has consistently worked to isolate Pakistan diplomatically on the global stage using international forums like the UN, FATF, and G20 to highlight Pakistan’s support for terrorism.
For now, trade between India and Pakistan remains suspended, and diplomatic relations are minimal after both countries downgraded their missions.
India’s position is clear: “Terror and talks cannot go together.” The prime minister’s stance was also visible at the latest SCO Summit as he walked past his Pakistani counterpart. Making a reference to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack at the summit during his address, PM Modi asked: “Can open support for terrorism by some countries ever be acceptable to us?”
The prime minister has categorically said India will no longer be deterred by threats of “nuclear blackmail” and insists that no distinction can be made between state-sponsored terrorists and their government patrons in Pakistan.
For Pakistan, PM Modi has made the options very clear: Either end support for terrorism or face the consequences of international isolation and robust Indian retaliation.
Bangladesh: PM Modi is handling yet another delicate relationship with Bangladesh which is in the throes of a transition after years of robust partnership under prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The two countries share a deep historical, cultural, and economic bond, with extensive cooperation in trade, connectivity, security, and development. Under Hasina’s leadership, India supported major infrastructure and energy projects in Bangladesh, and the nations concluded landmark agreements like the Land Boundary Agreement in 2015.
However, after the political upheaval in Bangladesh in mid-2024, which saw Hasina being ousted and an interim government under Muhammad Yunus taking charge, the relationship between the countries took a hit. India’s perceived closeness to the Awami League (Hasina’s party), as well as its hosting of Hasina in exile, created a sense of suspicion among the new authorities in Dhaka. The interim government began to strengthen ties with China and Pakistan and restricted access to Indian goods and transport routes, fueling Indian concerns. In response, India imposed trade restrictions on Bangladeshi garment exports and other commodities.
Amid reports of attacks on minorities, including Hindus, India repeatedly expressed its concerns to Bangladesh. Dhaka, however, claimed that the violence is politically motivated and not communal.
Despite provocative statements by Bangladeshi leaders, PM Modi has tried to keep the historic relations with Bangladesh in good faith. Indian officials have continued to express support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, and inclusive Bangladesh, emphasising the need for constructive engagement while also pushing the interim government to curb anti-India rhetoric and maintain cooperation on security, border management, and connectivity.
Nepal: India and Nepal share one of the closest and most unique bilateral relationships in South Asia, which is defined by deep historical, cultural, religious, and geographical ties. Apart from sharing an open border, which means citizens of both countries can move freely, live, and work in each other’s territories without visas, both nations have deep Hindu and Buddhist ties apart from strategic cooperation in defence and trade.
Nepal is currently in a state of flux after Gen Z protests erupted across the country against corruption and a social media ban, which was later reversed. At least 51 people, including an Indian national, lost their lives in the riots, which saw a regime change in the Himalayan country as new prime minister Sushila Karki assumed office.
India is keenly watching the transition, given that one of the most significant disputes between the countries involves the areas of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani, which prompted Nepal’s Parliament to release a new political map in 2020 under then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Despite India’s objections, the Oli administration passed an amendment officially recognising the new map, escalating tensions. All eyes are now on how Karki navigates the hiccups in the historic relationship.
PM Modi, while extending his congratulations to Karki, had called it a “new beginning” for the Himalayan nation and a strong example of women’s empowerment. Calling it a “new beginning for Nepal,” PM Modi expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations and regional cooperation under her leadership.
VOICE OF RISING GLOBAL SOUTH
The Global South is a widely used term that collectively refers to the developing nations of Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East (excluding Israel), and the Pacific, distinguishing them from the wealthier, industrialised countries of the Global North (primarily North America, Europe, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand).
With his diplomatic overtures, PM Modi has emerged as the voice of the Global South, not only because of India’s economic rise, but the prime minister’s ability to speak for developing nations without echoing Western narratives.
Since 2023, Modi has made the Global South a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy, hosting the “Voice of the Global South Summit” to create a platform for developing countries to deliberate on their shared developmental priorities, including trade, technology, capacity building, and sustainable growth.
Modi’s nearly continuous visits since 2024 to over 20 Global South countries spanning Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean reflect a deliberate effort to deepen bilateral and multilateral ties beyond traditional Western partnerships. These trips, including historic visits to Ghana, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, have resulted in comprehensive partnerships focused on defence, trade expansion, digital cooperation, vaccine manufacturing, and counter-terrorism, demonstrating India’s commitment to partnering based on mutual benefit rather than charity.
Under Modi, India has championed climate justice, advocated for fairer multilateral institutions, including reform of the UN, WTO, and global financial systems, and hosted the historic G20 Summit in 2023, where the African Union was included as a permanent member.
PM Modi’s deepening bonds with world leaders such as Emmanuel Macron (France), Giorgia Meloni (Italy), and leaders in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reflect not just his diplomatic finesse but also India’s growing stature under his leadership. These personal and strategic relationships have positioned PM Modi as a trusted voice for the Global South that is capable of bridging divides between the developed and developing worlds.
This also puts the prime minister in a unique position as he maintains his relationships with friendly countries despite pressure to pick sides. For instance, given India’s close relationship with Israel, one would not have expected PM Modi to condemn the country’s recent strikes in Doha. However, the prime minister was quick to respond. In a phone call with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the prime minister expressed deep concern over the attacks in Doha and condemned the violation of its sovereignty. “PM appreciated the role being played by Qatar in promoting regional peace and stability, including its mediation efforts in Gaza to achieve a ceasefire and the release of all hostages. The Prime Minister reiterated support for the resolution of all issues through dialogue and diplomacy and the need to avoid escalation,” a statement from the MEA read.
What sets PM Modi apart is the fact that he speaks the language of aspiration, sovereignty, and dignity—themes that resonate deeply across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. He has shown that one can partner with the West without becoming subordinate to it, a model many developing nations admire.
In an era of polarised geopolitics, Narendra Modi has emerged as a bridge-builder. He is respected by the West, trusted by the East, and looked up to by the Global South. His strong bilateral ties, strategic clarity, and commitment to multipolarity make him not just India’s leader, but a global statesman for the 21st century’s emerging order.
About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
September 17, 2025, 08:32 IST
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