Nandini Rao explains how today, nations turn to India in times of crisis, seeking its assistance and counsel. The Indian government has truly redefined foreign diplomacy, placing India at the forefront of global affairs. With big plans, the Prime Minister’s continued efforts are set to further elevate India’s position as a key player on the international stage.
India’s diplomatic metre is at a record high and all set to grow. One cannot ignore the overwhelming reception Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives during his overseas visits, which attests to his popularity and the eagerness of the world leaders to engage with him.
Even US President Joe Biden, during a meeting of Quad leaders in Tokyo, jokingly remarked, “You are causing me a real problem…” as he received numerous requests to attend events where Modi would be speaking during his first state visit to the US in June.
PM Modi has left an indelible mark on foreign diplomacy during his nine-year tenure, redefining India’s global standing and garnering admiration from people around the world. His powerful speeches, candid demeanour, and the genuine warmth he extends through heartfelt hugs are unique for a world leader.
His diplomatic efforts have taken him to nations big and small, reviving long-forgotten ties and forging new connections. His adept handling of international relations has elevated India’s position on the global stage like never before. And, it has set the tone for India’s global presence for years to come.
Assertive India
In an unprecedented move for India since its Independence, PM Modi chaired a meeting during India’s presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on 9 August 2021. The debate titled ‘Enhancing Maritime Security — A Case for International Cooperation’ saw Modi outlining a comprehensive five-principle framework.
He emphasised the importance of removing barriers to maritime trade and highlighted India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) framework, which aims to enhance regional maritime security. He also underscored the need to respect the rights of seafarers from other countries for the promotion of free maritime trade.
On 1 December 2022, India assumed the monthly rotating presidency of UNSC. This was the second time, after August 2021, that India presided over the Council during its two-year tenure as an elected UNSC member. On 14 December 2022, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres inaugurated a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the United Nations headquarters – the first time in history.
On 21 June 2023, International Yoga Day, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Csaba Korosi along with India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ruchira Kamboj and New York City Mayor Eric Adams welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he arrived to lead a special Yoga session at the UN headquarters in New York City. The world observing the ancient Indian practice of yoga is a remarkable feat in itself.
Europe et al
In 2015, PM Modi became the first Indian leader to address the British Parliament. His speech, laced with humour and historical references, received a standing ovation at the UK Parliament’s Royal Gallery. In his address, he touched upon crucial issues such as terrorism and radicalisation while emphasising the special relationship between India and the United Kingdom. He underscored that the relationship transcends mere commerce and competition, drawing strength from their shared spiritual links and ideals.
Amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, PM Modi had embarked on a crucial trip to Europe. His visit to Denmark, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in two decades, held immense significance. It is a turning point in India-Denmark ties.
Relations between India and Denmark had been strained since Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 2002 Copenhagen trip when the then premier Anders Fogh Rasmussen offered unsolicited advice on dealing with Pakistan and Kashmir. The subsequent years saw no prime ministerial visits to Denmark, and even during Manmohan Singh’s 2009 visit for a United Nations meeting in Copenhagen, no bilateral talks were held.
Modi made history by becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Palestine, a nation that India has historically supported. The visit was hailed as “historic” by Palestinian leaders and was deemed truly memorable and groundbreaking by India’s foreign ministry. During his three-hour stopover, Modi delivered a speech in the presence of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, endorsing the cause of a “sovereign, independent” Palestine. This visit marked a significant step in strengthening India’s ties with Palestine.
Inviting SAARC leaders
Modi shattered convention even before taking oath as the Prime Minister on 26 May 2014. As the prime minister-elect, he extended invitations to the heads of governments of all South Asian states for his swearing-in ceremony. While foreign envoys had attended similar events in the past, no world leader had been invited to what was traditionally considered a domestic affair. This unprecedented move reflected Modi’s vision of regional cooperation and engagement. Notably, despite speculations, then-Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attended the event, signalling a glimmer of hope for improved relations between India and Pakistan.
EAM Jaishankar elaborates that India is perceived as a credible and effective development partner by the world, particularly the Global South. The country is recognised for its commitment to delivering tangible results on the ground.
The minister recently strongly criticised Canada for hosting an event that celebrated the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He expressed concern about the space given to separatists, extremists, and individuals who advocate violence in Canada. He deemed it detrimental to the relationship between the two countries, questioning the motive behind such actions rightly stated, “We are at a loss to understand, other than the requirements of vote-bank politics, why anybody would do this.”
Addressing the issue of 700 Indian students, primarily from Punjab, facing deportation from Canada due to fraudulent admission offers, Jaishankar stressed that these students should not be penalised for the crimes of others. He highlighted that they had taken admission and pursued their studies in good faith, emphasising that it would be unfair to punish them.
Approach on terrorism
India has remained steadfast in the face of coercion, inducements, and false narratives, vis-à-vis her approach to the situation along the Northern border and firm opposition to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. India has registered commendable success in delegitimising cross-border terrorism, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Yet, on the ongoing tensions between India and China along their border, there is a need for both countries to find a way to disengage. Escalated tensions resulting from the clash in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley, emphasise the importance of peaceful resolution and diplomatic engagement.
India has made her position resolute and stands as a reliable development partner for nations across the world, boldly criticised even developed nations like Canada for its dangerous celebration of Indira Gandhi’s assassination, advocated for fair treatment of Indian students, reiterated India’s principled approach to border disputes and cross-border terrorism, called for disengagement with China, and condemned Rahul Gandhi’s remarks made overseas.
Today, nations turn to India in times of crisis, seeking its assistance and counsel. The Indian government has truly redefined foreign diplomacy, placing India at the forefront of global affairs. With big plans, the Prime Minister’s continued efforts are set to further elevate India’s position as a key player on the international stage.
(Nandini Rao is a media researcher with The History and Heritage Project – A DraftCraft International Initiative to document details, analyse facts and plug lacunae generated by oversight or to further national or foreign agenda in History and Heritage Across India and Beyond Borders.)