Changing Indian foreign policy under Modi

The United States has recently issued a bold call for India to realign its foreign policy, urging it to move away from its current stance of peacemaker and instead align more closely with American interests, particularly in countering China.

This shift was prompted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visits to Austria and Russia, where his embrace of President Vladimir Putin drew criticism from US Ambassador Eric Garcetti.

Garcetti emphasized the need for concrete actions, suggesting India should stand with the US and NATO, possibly even supporting Ukraine against Russia.

Under Modi, India has engaged in military exercises in the South China Sea as part of the QUAD alliance, signaling a departure from its traditionally non-aligned stance.

However, Modi's approach to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, characterized by neutrality, has drawn scrutiny and criticism in Western circles, which view India's stance as opportunistic rather than principled.

Historically, India under leaders like Nehru and later Indira Gandhi maintained a policy of non-alignment and emphasized principles like sovereignty, non-aggression, and peaceful coexistence. Despite occasional conflicts with Pakistan and defiance of Western pressures on nuclear issues, India generally upheld a neutral stance in global affairs.

Modi's tenure has seen a significant increase in foreign engagements, including numerous trips abroad and strategic dialogues with major powers like China and the US.

However, his handling of relations, particularly with China, has been marked by fluctuating dynamics, highlighted by border disputes and military confrontations like the Galwan Valley clash.

Critics, including opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, accuse Modi of erratic diplomacy lacking a coherent strategy, particularly concerning China, Russia, and the United States.

Despite political divisions, past Indian governments maintained a relatively consistent foreign policy, which Modi's administration has diverged from, potentially complicating India's regional and global relationships.

Looking ahead, Modi faces challenges in reconciling India's foreign policy shifts with regional and global expectations, particularly in responding to calls from allies like the US to take a more definitive stance in global conflicts.

The balancing act between asserting India's sovereignty and navigating international partnerships remains a delicate task for his administration.

While Modi has reshaped India's global engagements, criticisms over inconsistency and strategic clarity persist, posing ongoing challenges for India's foreign policy direction under his leadership.