India’s Foreign Policy in the Modi Era: Global Outreach and Strategic Partnerships

India’s foreign policy during the Modi administration has marked a significant shift in the country’s approach to international relations, characterized by proactive diplomacy, strategic partnerships, and a more assertive global stance. Since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has implemented a robust foreign policy framework that builds upon historical foundations while introducing new dimensions of engagement across multiple fronts – from neighborhood diplomacy to great power relations and multilateral forums.

The Modi doctrine: Continuity with change 🔗

While maintaining the core principles that have guided India’s foreign policy since independence – strategic autonomy, non-alignment (now evolved to multi-alignment), and peaceful coexistence – the NDA-II government has introduced a more pragmatic and proactive approach to international relations. This approach has been characterized by personal diplomacy, economic priorities, and cultural outreach.

The most visible aspect of this shift has been Prime Minister Modi’s extensive international travel agenda. In his first term alone, he visited over 55 countries, significantly more than his predecessors in comparable timeframes. These visits were not merely ceremonial but strategically planned to advance India’s economic and geopolitical interests across multiple regions simultaneously.

Personal diplomacy as a foreign policy tool 🔗

Modi’s approach to diplomacy has been characterized by strong personal engagement with world leaders. From his famous “bear hugs” to joint appearances at massive diaspora events, he has cultivated relationships with leaders across the ideological spectrum – from Barack Obama and Donald Trump to Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping (though the latter relationship has faced significant challenges in recent years).

This personalized approach to diplomacy has allowed India to navigate complex international situations and build bilateral relationships that transcend traditional alignments. For instance, India has maintained strong ties with both Russia and the United States despite their growing tensions with each other – purchasing defense equipment from Russia while simultaneously deepening strategic cooperation with the U.S.

Neighborhood first: Recalibrating regional relationships 🔗

One of the foundational pillars of Modi’s foreign policy has been the “Neighborhood First” initiative. Recognizing that India’s global ambitions require a stable and friendly neighborhood, Modi began his first term by inviting all South Asian leaders to his swearing-in ceremony – a symbolic gesture that signaled his administration’s priorities.

This regional focus has manifested in several ways:

• Bangladesh relations: The resolution of the long-standing land boundary issue and enhanced connectivity projects have strengthened ties with Bangladesh.
• Nepal outreach: Despite periodic tensions, humanitarian assistance during the 2015 earthquake and infrastructure development initiatives have maintained engagement.
• Sri Lanka engagement: India has countered growing Chinese influence through development partnerships and post-crisis economic support.
• Pakistan approach: Relations have fluctuated dramatically, from surprise visits to Lahore to surgical strikes following terror attacks, reflecting a policy of conditional engagement based on security concerns.

However, the neighborhood first policy has faced challenges, particularly with the growing presence of China in South Asia through its Belt and Road Initiative. India’s refusal to join this initiative, while simultaneously working to strengthen regional connectivity through projects like the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) initiative, reflects the competitive dynamics at play in the region.

Act East policy: From looking east to acting east 🔗

The Modi government transformed the previous “Look East” policy into the more action-oriented “Act East” policy, signaling India’s commitment to deeper engagement with the Indo-Pacific region. This shift comes at a time when the global center of gravity is increasingly shifting toward Asia, particularly economically.

At the heart of this policy is the strategic partnership with Japan. The personal chemistry between Prime Minister Modi and former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe helped elevate bilateral relations to unprecedented levels. This partnership has resulted in significant Japanese investments in India, including the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project, and growing defense cooperation.

Beyond Japan, the Act East policy has involved:

• ASEAN centrality: Recognizing the importance of Southeast Asian nations in the regional architecture, India has elevated its relationship with ASEAN to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
• Maritime cooperation: Increased naval exercises and port visits across the Indo-Pacific have expanded India’s maritime footprint.
• Economic integration: Enhanced trade and connectivity initiatives aim to integrate India more deeply with the dynamic economies of East and Southeast Asia.

The Indo-Pacific concept itself represents a significant evolution in India’s strategic thinking, acknowledging the interconnectedness of the Indian and Pacific Oceans and positioning India as a key player in this expanded maritime domain.

Managing great power relations: Strategic balancing 🔗

The China challenge 🔗

Perhaps the most significant foreign policy challenge for the Modi government has been managing relations with China. The relationship has witnessed dramatic ups and downs – from Modi hosting Xi Jinping in his home state of Gujarat to the serious military standoff in Galwan Valley in 2020.

The Modi administration has pursued a multi-pronged approach to China:

• Economic engagement: Despite security tensions, trade relations have continued to grow, with China remaining one of India’s largest trading partners (albeit with a significant trade deficit).
• Strategic deterrence: Infrastructure development along border areas, military modernization, and alignment with like-minded partners serve as counterbalances to Chinese assertiveness.
• Multilateral forums: Engaging with China in platforms like BRICS and SCO while simultaneously participating in groupings like the Quad that are perceived as countering Chinese influence.

The border standoffs since 2020 have significantly altered India’s China policy, leading to restrictions on Chinese investments, banning of numerous Chinese apps, and a more explicit alignment with partners concerned about China’s growing assertiveness in the region.

The United States partnership 🔗

The U.S.-India relationship has seen remarkable continuity and advancement under Modi’s leadership, spanning both Democratic and Republican administrations in Washington. From the Obama administration’s designation of India as a “Major Defense Partner” to the Trump administration’s embrace of the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” concept that aligns with India’s interests, bilateral ties have steadily strengthened.

Key developments in this relationship include:

• Defense cooperation: Signing of foundational agreements like LEMOA, COMCASA, and BECA that facilitate deeper military cooperation.
• Strategic alignment: Growing convergence on regional security issues, particularly regarding China and terrorism.
• Technology partnership: Initiatives in emerging areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and space exploration.
• People-to-people ties: Leveraging the Indian diaspora in the U.S. to strengthen bilateral relations, symbolized by events like “Howdy Modi” in Houston.

The relationship has not been without frictions, particularly on trade issues and India’s continued defense relationships with Russia, but the strategic logic driving the partnership has generally prevailed over these differences.

Diaspora engagement: Leveraging soft power 🔗

A distinctive aspect of Modi’s foreign policy has been the systematic engagement with the Indian diaspora. Large-scale community events during his foreign visits have become a hallmark of his outreach strategy. These gatherings serve multiple purposes:

• Building domestic political capital: Showcasing Modi’s international standing to domestic audiences.
• Leveraging diaspora influence: Mobilizing overseas Indians to advocate for India’s interests in their countries of residence.
• Cultural diplomacy: Projecting India’s soft power through cultural performances and celebrations.
• Economic opportunities: Encouraging diaspora investments and knowledge transfer to India.

This diaspora outreach culminated in institutional changes like the merger of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs with the External Affairs Ministry and reforms to facilitate greater diaspora contributions to India’s development.

Multi-alignment: Navigating a multipolar world 🔗

Under Modi’s leadership, India has embraced a strategy of multi-alignment – engaging with multiple power centers while avoiding formal alliances that might limit its strategic autonomy. This approach recognizes the reality of a multipolar world and positions India to extract maximum benefits from various partnerships without becoming overly dependent on any single relationship.

Examples of this multi-alignment strategy include:

• Balancing Russia and the West: Maintaining defense ties with Russia while deepening strategic cooperation with the U.S. and European powers.
• Middle East outreach: Developing strong relationships with traditionally antagonistic partners like Israel and Gulf states simultaneously, while maintaining ties with Iran.
• Global South leadership: Positioning as a voice for developing nations while seeking greater responsibility in global governance.

This approach has allowed India to navigate complex geopolitical situations, such as the Ukraine conflict, without significantly compromising its core interests or relationships with key partners.

Climate diplomacy: From defensive to proactive 🔗

The Modi administration has transformed India’s approach to climate diplomacy from a primarily defensive posture to a more proactive stance. While continuing to advocate for “common but differentiated responsibilities” that recognize historical emissions by developed nations, India has also positioned itself as a leader in climate action.

This shift is evident in initiatives like:

• International Solar Alliance: Co-founded with France, this alliance aims to promote solar energy adoption globally.
• Ambitious domestic targets: Commitments to large-scale renewable energy expansion that bolster India’s credibility in climate negotiations.
• Climate justice advocacy: Championing the interests of developing nations while demonstrating India’s own commitment to sustainability.

This balanced approach has enhanced India’s standing in global climate discussions while protecting its development priorities.

Evaluating Modi’s foreign policy: Achievements and challenges 🔗

The Modi government’s foreign policy has registered several notable achievements:

• Enhanced global profile: India’s voice in global forums has strengthened considerably.
• Strategic partnerships: Relationships with key powers like the U.S., Japan, and European nations have deepened.
• Crisis management: From evacuating citizens during conflicts to pandemic diplomacy, India has demonstrated capacity for effective crisis response.
• Economic diplomacy: Foreign policy has been effectively leveraged to advance economic interests.

However, challenges remain:

• China relationship: Managing the increasingly assertive neighbor while avoiding outright hostility remains a complex challenge.
• Regional influence: Despite the neighborhood first policy, China’s economic heft continues to offer attractive alternatives to India’s smaller neighbors.
• Resource constraints: India’s diplomatic ambitions sometimes outpace its institutional capacity, with the foreign service remaining relatively small for a country of India’s size and aspirations.
• Balancing acts: Maintaining strategic autonomy while deepening partnerships with competing powers requires constant calibration.

Future trajectory: Building on foundations 🔗

Looking ahead, India’s foreign policy under Modi appears set to continue along similar trajectories with potential evolution in several areas:

• Greater emphasis on economic security: The post-pandemic focus on resilient supply chains and self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) is likely to influence foreign policy decisions.
• Technology diplomacy: Growing focus on emerging technologies as areas of cooperation and competition.
• Institutional capacity building: Strengthening diplomatic infrastructure to match India’s growing global footprint.
• Balancing traditional and non-traditional security: Addressing challenges ranging from terrorism to climate change and pandemic preparedness.

The Modi government’s foreign policy represents a strategic continuity with previous administrations in terms of core principles, but with added vigor, personal elements, and pragmatism in their implementation. The result has been a more visible and assertive Indian presence on the global stage, though challenges remain in translating this enhanced profile into concrete outcomes across all domains of interest.

What do you think? Has Modi’s personalized approach to diplomacy substantially enhanced India’s global influence, or are traditional institutional approaches more sustainable in the long run? How effectively can India continue its multi-alignment strategy as great power competition intensifies in the Indo-Pacific region?