
Panama has officially backed India's bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), calling India an essential voice for the Global South. In an exclusive interview with WION, Panama's Foreign Minister strongly supported comprehensive UN reforms, stating that the current global governance structure no longer reflects the realities of the 21st century.

The minister emphasized that India deserves a permanent seat on the UNSC while also advocating for permanent representation for Latin America. He further highlighted Panama's interest in expanding strategic ties with India through digital governance, innovation, technology, and education. Panama is also exploring the establishment of an IIT campus to serve the wider Latin American region.

Panama backs India’s UNSC permanent seat bid | Big boost for PM 

Over the past 12 years, India's foreign policy has helped forge a distinct new identity on the global stage from “Why India” to “Why not India.” Moving beyond a traditionally reactive approach, New Delhi, in the past 12 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India projected itself as a confident, proactive and strategically autonomous power. The shift reflected a broader effort to position India not merely as a participant in global affairs but as a country capable of shaping them. This multi-alignment strategy raised India's international stature, resulting in PM Modi receiving 32 of the world's highest national honours and addressing 16 foreign parliaments. India has been rebranded in the past 12 years at a world stage.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-s-key-indo-pacific-visit-next-month-indonesia-australia-new-zealand-1780824793204">PM Modi's key Indo-Pacific visit next month: Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand</a><h3>G-20 Presidency and trade ties&nbsp;</h3>One of the defining moments in this transformation was India's G20 Presidency, during which the country positioned itself as a bridge between developed and developing nations. By securing consensus on the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, India elevated its status by becoming the definitive voice for 125 developing nations through the Voice of Global South Summits. It amplified the concerns of the Global South through dedicated summits, India reinforced its image as a voice for emerging economies. The presidency also showcased India's Digital Public Infrastructure model, highlighting the country's growing influence in technology-led governance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-promised-pm-modi-it-won-t-let-its-territory-be-used-against-india-can-it-deliver-wion-decodes-1780395076740">Myanmar promised PM Modi it won't let its territory be used against India. Can it deliver? | WION Decodes</a>&nbsp;Economic engagement became a central pillar of India's foreign policy. The country reached milestone Free Trade Agreements, including the India-European Union (EU) FTA, which covers tariff concessions on 99% of India's trade value and projects benefits of approximately ₹3.2 lakh crore for labour-intensive sectors. Simultaneously, the India-USA Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) opened vast preferential opportunities in the US market valued at over ₹2,850+ lakh crore while eliminating tariffs on Indian agricultural products. These trade policies, alongside heightened foreign investor trust in India’s fast-growing economy, helped draw more than ₹70+ lakh crore in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) between 2014 and 2025. Cultivating robust regional ties, India also advanced its bilateral trade with GCC countries to around ₹13 lakh crore in foreign remittances, bolstering national energy security through diversified imports.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-holds-key-meeting-with-economic-advisory-council-amid-west-asia-crisis-1780739829891">PM Modi holds key meeting with Economic Advisory Council amid West Asia crisis</a><h3>From Uri to Operation Sindoor</h3>The shift was equally visible in the realm of national security. India's response to cross-border terrorism evolved into what the government described as a "new normal", marked by decisive actions such as the Uri surgical strike, the Balakot air strike and, Operation Sindoor. These moves signalled a willingness to combine diplomacy with a firm security posture, reshaping international perceptions of India's strategic resolve and deterrence capabilities. It showed that India was not afraid to take actions against those who harmed them. As PM Modi highlighted in his message: “India will not tolerate nuclear blackmail.” It told the world that India's position is strong and every decision by the country will be taken with a “Nation First” approach.<h3>Vaccine Maitri</h3>India's global identity was further strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic through the Vaccine Maitri initiative. By supplying millions of vaccine doses to countries across continents, India projected itself as a dependable partner during a global crisis. The initiative reinforced India's reputation as the world's pharmacy and reflected the civilisational ethos of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' in contemporary diplomacy. Embodying the civilizational ideal of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (The world is one family), India transformed from a recipient of aid into a reliable global first-responder. Through the Vaccine Maitri initiative launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, India supplied more than 30+ crore vaccines to countries across the world and multiple United Nations entities. This humanitarian outreach cemented India's reputation as a dependable global leader capable of managing domestic needs while simultaneously safeguarding global health security.

Over 12 years, India's foreign policy evolved into a proactive, self-reliant model under PM Modi. From the G20 Presidency and Global South leadership to Operation Sindoor and Vaccine Maitri, India strengthened national security, economic diplomacy, and its position as a leading global power.

Over the past 12 years, India's foreign policy has helped forge a distinct new identity on the global stage from “Why India” to “Why not India.” Moving beyond a traditionally reactive approach, New Delhi, in the past 12 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India projected itself as a confident, proactive and strategically autonomous power. The shift reflected a broader effort to position India not merely as a participant in global affairs but as a country capable of shaping them. This multi-alignment strategy raised India's international stature, resulting in PM Modi receiving 32 of the world's highest national honours and addressing 16 foreign parliaments. India has been rebranded in the past 12 years at a world stage. Also Read: PM Modi's key Indo-Pacific visit next month: Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand G-20 Presidency and trade ties One of the defining moments in this transformation was India's G20 Presidency, during which the country positioned itself as a bridge between developed and developing nations. By securing consensus on the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, India elevated its status by becoming the definitive voice for 125 developing nations through the Voice of Global South Summits. It amplified the concerns of the Global South through dedicated summits, India reinforced its image as a voice for emerging economies. The presidency also showcased India's Digital Public Infrastructure model, highlighting the country's growing influence in technology-led governance. Also Read: Myanmar promised PM Modi it won't let its territory be used against India. Can it deliver? | WION Decodes Economic engagement became a central pillar of India's foreign policy. The country reached milestone Free Trade Agreements, including the India-European Union (EU) FTA, which covers tariff concessions on 99% of India's trade value and projects benefits of approximately ₹3.2 lakh crore for labour-intensive sectors. Simultaneously, the India-USA Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) opened vast preferential opportunities in the US market valued at over ₹2,850+ lakh crore while eliminating tariffs on Indian agricultural products. These trade policies, alongside heightened foreign investor trust in India’s fast-growing economy, helped draw more than ₹70+ lakh crore in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) between 2014 and 2025. Cultivating robust regional ties, India also advanced its bilateral trade with GCC countries to around ₹13 lakh crore in foreign remittances, bolstering national energy security through diversified imports. Also Read: PM Modi holds key meeting with Economic Advisory Council amid West Asia crisis From Uri to Operation Sindoor The shift was equally visible in the realm of national security. India's response to cross-border terrorism evolved into what the government described as a "new normal", marked by decisive actions such as the Uri surgical strike, the Balakot air strike and, Operation Sindoor. These moves signalled a willingness to combine diplomacy with a firm security posture, reshaping international perceptions of India's strategic resolve and deterrence capabilities. It showed that India was not afraid to take actions against those who harmed them. As PM Modi highlighted in his message: “India will not tolerate nuclear blackmail.” It told the world that India's position is strong and every decision by the country will be taken with a “Nation First” approach. Vaccine Maitri India's global identity was further strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic through the Vaccine Maitri initiative. By supplying millions of vaccine doses to countries across continents, India projected itself as a dependable partner during a global crisis. The initiative reinforced India's reputation as the world's pharmacy and reflected the civilisational ethos of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' in contemporary diplomacy. Embodying the civilizational ideal of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (The world is one family), India transformed from a recipient of aid into a reliable global first-responder. Through the Vaccine Maitri initiative launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, India supplied more than 30+ crore vaccines to countries across the world and multiple United Nations entities. This humanitarian outreach cemented India's reputation as a dependable global leader capable of managing domestic needs while simultaneously safeguarding global health security.

Over 12 years, India's foreign policy evolved into a proactive, self-reliant model under PM Modi. From the G20 Presidency and Global South leadership to Operation Sindoor and Vaccine Maitri, India strengthened national security, economic diplomacy, and its position as a leading global power.

Modi govt 12 years: How India's 'Nation First' foreign policy reshaped its global identity

Japan had the centre stage in Quad's state of affairs this week in the wake of Tokyo's publicised aim of doubling its defence spending to about 2 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through 2027. But for increased coordination between the rest of the partners of Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), the White House coordinator for Indo-Pacific affairs said that Washington's interests align with India playing a larger, responsible role in the US foreign policy.&nbsp;

"Our interests are to see India playing an ever larger, responsible role in almost everything that we are doing," Kurt Campbell, the White House coordinator for Indo-Pacific affairs said at Indo-Pacific forecast 2023, an annual preview of security developments held by Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/quad-is-most-prominent-platform-says-indian-foreign-minister-in-thailand-508168">Quad is 'most prominent' platform, says Indian foreign minister in Thailand</a>

Japan will host the annual summit of Group of Seven (G-7) nations in May, which will be followed by a Quad summit in Australia in the same month. India will host the annual summit of Group of 20 (G-20) nations in September 2023. In November, the US President Joe Biden is scheduled to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in San Francisco in November.

"We have got a lot of things that we are planning for 2023, active travel in the region," Campbell said, hinting at more presidential and official US visits in the Indo-Pacific region.

As this year's president of the Group of 20, India is expected to be the focus of U.S. diplomacy, Nikkei Asia reported.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the United States expects India to "diversify" its defence imports, in a series of moves aimed at taking New Delhi away from its dependence on Moscow,&nbsp;

"We have stated clearly our interests to help India diversify away from its reliance, largely on Russian military supplies. We work closely with a number of other nations, like-minded nations, that also seek that goal," he said.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-prime-minister-addresses-voice-of-global-south-summit-551778">Indian Prime Minister addresses Voice of Global South Summit</a>

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India hosted the first Voice of Global South Summit, with an aim to bring together developing countries from Asia, Africa and South America in a two-day virtual summit. The summit held relevance in the wake of New Delhi's status of G-20 host later this year.&nbsp;

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Japan had the centre stage in Quad's state of affairs this week in the wake of Tokyo's publicised aim of doubling its defence spending to about 2 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through 2027.

Japan had the centre stage in Quad's state of affairs this week in the wake of Tokyo's publicised aim of doubling its defence spending to about 2 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through 2027. But for increased coordination between the rest of the partners of Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), the White House coordinator for Indo-Pacific affairs said that Washington's interests align with India playing a larger, responsible role in the US foreign policy. "Our interests are to see India playing an ever larger, responsible role in almost everything that we are doing," Kurt Campbell, the White House coordinator for Indo-Pacific affairs said at Indo-Pacific forecast 2023, an annual preview of security developments held by Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. ALSO READ | Quad is 'most prominent' platform, says Indian foreign minister in Thailand Japan will host the annual summit of Group of Seven (G-7) nations in May, which will be followed by a Quad summit in Australia in the same month. India will host the annual summit of Group of 20 (G-20) nations in September 2023. In November, the US President Joe Biden is scheduled to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in San Francisco in November. "We have got a lot of things that we are planning for 2023, active travel in the region," Campbell said, hinting at more presidential and official US visits in the Indo-Pacific region. As this year's president of the Group of 20, India is expected to be the focus of U.S. diplomacy, Nikkei Asia reported. Meanwhile, the United States expects India to "diversify" its defence imports, in a series of moves aimed at taking New Delhi away from its dependence on Moscow, "We have stated clearly our interests to help India diversify away from its reliance, largely on Russian military supplies. We work closely with a number of other nations, like-minded nations, that also seek that goal," he said. ALSO WATCH | Indian Prime Minister addresses Voice of Global South Summit × India hosted the first Voice of Global South Summit, with an aim to bring together developing countries from Asia, Africa and South America in a two-day virtual summit. The summit held relevance in the wake of New Delhi's status of G-20 host later this year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

White House official echoes ‘larger, responsible role’ for India in US foreign policy

Experts have argued for long that China and&nbsp;not Pakistan is India’s biggest threat.&nbsp;

New Delhi might is&nbsp;recognising this fact by stepping up its defences by deploying the ultimate weapon: the nuclear bomb.

India’s nuclear weapons are pointing towards China now with Beijing within the range of Indian missiles.&nbsp;

Three years ago, India tested the Agni-5 missile.&nbsp;Its success was a boost for India’s defence capability.&nbsp;

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In response, Chinese state media outlet The Global Times said “India needs to cool its missile fever”.

''India has broken the UN Limits on its development of nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missile”&nbsp;

The article goes on to argue that Pakistan should have the “same privileges” in nuclear development that india has.&nbsp;

The whole artice appears like a defence of Chinese ally Pakistan.&nbsp;

China is worried about India’s missile capabilities because the Agni-4, as well as the Agni-5 can hit targets within mainland China, includinh its capital Beijing.&nbsp;

Experts who have closely studied India’s nuclear program have confirmed that Pakistan is not the country only focus now.

India is now developing capabilities to deploy nuclear weapons against China.&nbsp;

All three branches of India’s defence forces have a role to play in this new strategy.&nbsp;

On the air front, three or four squadrons of the Mirage 2000h and the Jaguar have been assigned nuclear strike missions against Pakistan and China.&nbsp;

India is also set to induct the Rafale aircraft, a fighter jet that can be used for nuclear missions.&nbsp;

On land, the Agni-4, which if deployed in northeast India, can hit targets like Beijing and Shanghai.&nbsp;

The Agni-5 is much more capable as it can hit targets in china from bases in central and southern India.&nbsp;

On the high seas, India is developing a submarine-launched ballistic missile which will allow Indian submarines to target all of asia.&nbsp;

To back the new strategy, India is increasing its nuclear asrenal.&nbsp;Reportedly, India has developed 150 nuclear warheads.&nbsp;

48 nuclear bombs have been assigned to aircraft with the Indian Airforce.&nbsp;

While India maintains the no-first use policy, it is arming itself to remain a compelling deterrent for any kind of adventurism from the neighbours.

Experts have argued for long that China and not Pakistan is India’s biggest threat. New Delhi might is recognising this fact by stepping up its defences by deploying the ultimate weapon: the nuclear bomb.

Experts have argued for long that China and not Pakistan is India’s biggest threat. New Delhi might is recognising this fact by stepping up its defences by deploying the ultimate weapon: the nuclear bomb. India’s nuclear weapons are pointing towards China now with Beijing within the range of Indian missiles. Three years ago, India tested the Agni-5 missile. Its success was a boost for India’s defence capability. In response, Chinese state media outlet The Global Times said “India needs to cool its missile fever”. ''India has broken the UN Limits on its development of nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missile” The article goes on to argue that Pakistan should have the “same privileges” in nuclear development that india has. The whole artice appears like a defence of Chinese ally Pakistan. China is worried about India’s missile capabilities because the Agni-4, as well as the Agni-5 can hit targets within mainland China, includinh its capital Beijing. Experts who have closely studied India’s nuclear program have confirmed that Pakistan is not the country only focus now. India is now developing capabilities to deploy nuclear weapons against China. All three branches of India’s defence forces have a role to play in this new strategy. On the air front, three or four squadrons of the Mirage 2000h and the Jaguar have been assigned nuclear strike missions against Pakistan and China. India is also set to induct the Rafale aircraft, a fighter jet that can be used for nuclear missions. On land, the Agni-4, which if deployed in northeast India, can hit targets like Beijing and Shanghai. The Agni-5 is much more capable as it can hit targets in china from bases in central and southern India. On the high seas, India is developing a submarine-launched ballistic missile which will allow Indian submarines to target all of asia. To back the new strategy, India is increasing its nuclear asrenal. Reportedly, India has developed 150 nuclear warheads. 48 nuclear bombs have been assigned to aircraft with the Indian Airforce. While India maintains the no-first use policy, it is arming itself to remain a compelling deterrent for any kind of adventurism from the neighbours.

India arming itself to remain compelling deterrent against attack by neighbours

The landslide victory of the BJP-led coalition under the leadership of Narendra Modi in the 2019 parliamentary elections is indeed historic. In the next five years, Modi will have the opportunity to make a new India. In doing so, his government will surely continue to reinvent Indian foreign policy.

True, in Modi’s first term, Indian foreign policy had undergone a remarkable transformation. First, India aggressively pursued a multi-aligned policy in engagement with the word. This change saw India fostering engagement with all the global powers. While the US designated India as a defence partner, New Delhi expanded military ties with Russia, France and Japan. &nbsp;

Under the Modi government, India became a member of the Missile Technology Regime, which aims to check proliferation of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicle capable of carrying weapons of mass destruction. &nbsp;

In another major development, India succeeded in getting Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist at the UN. India’s ties with East and Southeast Asian countries have touched a new high under Modi’s Act East Policy and its relations with its South Asian neighbours, except Pakistan, have also been on an upward trajectory.

At the same time, the BJP government has sent a clear signal to India’s neighbours and beyond that its efforts to foster friendly ties should not be seen as the sign of weakness. This is in the context of the Balakot strike in Pakistan and India’s position during the Doklam crisis with China. &nbsp;

Thus, in his first term, Modi did not just set the agenda for Indian foreign policy, but its efforts boosted the country’s image as an important player in shaping regional and global geopolitical, strategic and economic landscapes.

Consequently, as Modi begins his second term, there would be more of continuity than change in Indian foreign policy. India’s invitation to the member states of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) – Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan for the swearing-in ceremony of Modi, clearly underscores his continued efforts to boost India’s Neighbourhood First policy. &nbsp;

BIMSTEC, which covers a vast regional geographical area, can play an important role in meeting India’s economic aspirations. At the same time, there is also an indication that the Modi government would take further efforts to isolate Pakistan at the regional and global level for providing shelter to terrorists operating against India. &nbsp;

The invitation to the President of the Kyrgyz Republic indicates India’s seriousness about strengthening ties with Central Asian countries to effectively protect its strategic, economic and energy interests. &nbsp;

Strong ties with Bishkek will also help India promote its agenda at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), since the Kyrgyz Republic heads this grouping. &nbsp;

As Mauritius has been a major source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in India, the presence of the leader from this country at the oath-taking ceremony of the Modi government will surely help deepen ties between the two countries. &nbsp;

Of course, the rise of China and its deepening engagement in the Indian Ocean and in South Asia, has posed a serious security concern in India. Though New Delhi has been looking to ‘reset’ ties with Beijing, it is highly unlikely that China, under the leadership of Xi Jinping, will end its hostile approach towards India, especially when both the Asian powers are aspiring for a similar status in the same geography. &nbsp;

Thus, fully aware of these structural and other compulsions, India has endorsed America’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy. Last month, New Delhi also established the Indo-Pacific Desk to bring more clarity to its Act East Policy, thereby playing its role in promoting a multipolar order in the region. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Nevertheless, China’s assertive posturing, Trump’s unpredictable behaviour and his America First Policy, the impact of the Iran sanctions on India’s energy requirement and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism are some major issues facing the Modi government in his second term. &nbsp;

Last but not least, this time India’s induction as a permanent member of the UN Security Council could be a top foreign policy priority of the Modi government.

 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-modi-s-second-term-spells-foreign-policy-continuity-2756865">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The landslide victory of the BJP-led coalition under the leadership of Narendra Modi in the 2019 parliamentary elections is indeed historic. In the next five years, Modi will have the opportunity to make a new India.

The landslide victory of the BJP-led coalition under the leadership of Narendra Modi in the 2019 parliamentary elections is indeed historic. In the next five years, Modi will have the opportunity to make a new India. In doing so, his government will surely continue to reinvent Indian foreign policy. True, in Modi’s first term, Indian foreign policy had undergone a remarkable transformation. First, India aggressively pursued a multi-aligned policy in engagement with the word. This change saw India fostering engagement with all the global powers. While the US designated India as a defence partner, New Delhi expanded military ties with Russia, France and Japan. Under the Modi government, India became a member of the Missile Technology Regime, which aims to check proliferation of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicle capable of carrying weapons of mass destruction. In another major development, India succeeded in getting Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist at the UN. India’s ties with East and Southeast Asian countries have touched a new high under Modi’s Act East Policy and its relations with its South Asian neighbours, except Pakistan, have also been on an upward trajectory. At the same time, the BJP government has sent a clear signal to India’s neighbours and beyond that its efforts to foster friendly ties should not be seen as the sign of weakness. This is in the context of the Balakot strike in Pakistan and India’s position during the Doklam crisis with China. Thus, in his first term, Modi did not just set the agenda for Indian foreign policy, but its efforts boosted the country’s image as an important player in shaping regional and global geopolitical, strategic and economic landscapes. Consequently, as Modi begins his second term, there would be more of continuity than change in Indian foreign policy. India’s invitation to the member states of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) – Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan for the swearing-in ceremony of Modi, clearly underscores his continued efforts to boost India’s Neighbourhood First policy. BIMSTEC, which covers a vast regional geographical area, can play an important role in meeting India’s economic aspirations. At the same time, there is also an indication that the Modi government would take further efforts to isolate Pakistan at the regional and global level for providing shelter to terrorists operating against India. The invitation to the President of the Kyrgyz Republic indicates India’s seriousness about strengthening ties with Central Asian countries to effectively protect its strategic, economic and energy interests. Strong ties with Bishkek will also help India promote its agenda at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), since the Kyrgyz Republic heads this grouping. As Mauritius has been a major source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in India, the presence of the leader from this country at the oath-taking ceremony of the Modi government will surely help deepen ties between the two countries. Of course, the rise of China and its deepening engagement in the Indian Ocean and in South Asia, has posed a serious security concern in India. Though New Delhi has been looking to ‘reset’ ties with Beijing, it is highly unlikely that China, under the leadership of Xi Jinping, will end its hostile approach towards India, especially when both the Asian powers are aspiring for a similar status in the same geography. Thus, fully aware of these structural and other compulsions, India has endorsed America’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy. Last month, New Delhi also established the Indo-Pacific Desk to bring more clarity to its Act East Policy, thereby playing its role in promoting a multipolar order in the region. Nevertheless, China’s assertive posturing, Trump’s unpredictable behaviour and his America First Policy, the impact of the Iran sanctions on India’s energy requirement and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism are some major issues facing the Modi government in his second term. Last but not least, this time India’s induction as a permanent member of the UN Security Council could be a top foreign policy priority of the Modi government. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Narendra Modi’s second term spells foreign policy continuity

The new government of India is now assigned with their tasks and respective departments with new portfolios. The massive mandate of BJP is the supreme key towards nation building and to now focus on foreign policy too.

PM Modi's govt likely to focus on 'Act-East' policy

One of the new dimensions of 2019 parliamentary elections is that the issues connected with foreign policy and national security have assumed significance.

This is evident from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of the successful test of an anti-satellite missile ahead of Lok Sabha elections, which invited criticism of violation of model code of conduct. Critics have accused the Modi government of politicising the foreign policy. It is, therefore, imperative to evaluate the failure and success of foreign policy under PM Modi with a view that to what extent the issue of “strong leadership”, “muscular foreign policy” and “national security” discourse would influence the electoral outcome of 2019 parliamentary elections. &nbsp;

Critics have accused that Modi government could not succeed in ensuring a good relationship with its neighbours, particularly Pakistan, and restoring peace in Jammu and Kashmir. PM Modi’s foreign policy has been criticised for alienating the neighbour countries except Bangladesh. It’s considered that India does not have a good relationship either with Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan etc. How true is this perception?&nbsp;

Such analysis is based on a traditional understanding of foreign policy and lacks a thorough comprehension of changing the dimension of globalisation and its impact on foreign policy behaviour of the states, at a time when terrorism has become a global agenda and national security has assumed core agenda of foreign policy. Hence, it is futile to expect India behaving in terms of traditional understanding of the interstate relationship.&nbsp;

It may be noted here that had India paid attention to national security and developed doctrines of national security, India would not have lost 1962 war. The traditional Indian foreign policy, as fashioned by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, has been a failure in ensuring India’s great power status in international relation or even curbing Pakistan’s belligerent foreign policy. &nbsp;

Under PM Modi, India has achieved a new sense of dignity and status in the international arena, as well as, in the South Asian region. PM Modi has successfully checked the Chinese advancement in Doklam and insulated Bangladesh and Nepal from falling into the hands of China. PM Modi’s great leadership has been acknowledged at world level as evident from Trump’s exemption of India from US sanctions, which would ensure that Indian import of oil from Iran would continue without interruption.&nbsp;

This is indeed a major success of PM Modi ’s foreign policy. Thus, in all probability, a 'muscular foreign policy' with assertive Indian nationalism is likely to yield good electoral dividends for PM Modi. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

 
&nbsp;

One of the new dimensions of 2019 parliamentary elections is that the issues connected with foreign policy and national security have assumed significance. This is evident from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of the successful test of an anti-satellite missile ahead of Lok Sabha elections, which invited criticism of violation of model code of conduct.

One of the new dimensions of 2019 parliamentary elections is that the issues connected with foreign policy and national security have assumed significance. This is evident from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of the successful test of an anti-satellite missile ahead of Lok Sabha elections, which invited criticism of violation of model code of conduct. Critics have accused the Modi government of politicising the foreign policy. It is, therefore, imperative to evaluate the failure and success of foreign policy under PM Modi with a view that to what extent the issue of “strong leadership”, “muscular foreign policy” and “national security” discourse would influence the electoral outcome of 2019 parliamentary elections. Critics have accused that Modi government could not succeed in ensuring a good relationship with its neighbours, particularly Pakistan, and restoring peace in Jammu and Kashmir. PM Modi’s foreign policy has been criticised for alienating the neighbour countries except Bangladesh. It’s considered that India does not have a good relationship either with Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan etc. How true is this perception? Such analysis is based on a traditional understanding of foreign policy and lacks a thorough comprehension of changing the dimension of globalisation and its impact on foreign policy behaviour of the states, at a time when terrorism has become a global agenda and national security has assumed core agenda of foreign policy. Hence, it is futile to expect India behaving in terms of traditional understanding of the interstate relationship. It may be noted here that had India paid attention to national security and developed doctrines of national security, India would not have lost 1962 war. The traditional Indian foreign policy, as fashioned by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, has been a failure in ensuring India’s great power status in international relation or even curbing Pakistan’s belligerent foreign policy. Under PM Modi, India has achieved a new sense of dignity and status in the international arena, as well as, in the South Asian region. PM Modi has successfully checked the Chinese advancement in Doklam and insulated Bangladesh and Nepal from falling into the hands of China. PM Modi’s great leadership has been acknowledged at world level as evident from Trump’s exemption of India from US sanctions, which would ensure that Indian import of oil from Iran would continue without interruption. This is indeed a major success of PM Modi ’s foreign policy. Thus, in all probability, a 'muscular foreign policy' with assertive Indian nationalism is likely to yield good electoral dividends for PM Modi. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Under PM Narendra Modi's leadership, India has earned significant status in global arena