It is unfortunate that many Indians haven't understood their own national foreign policy.
That's also an irony, as perhaps it is one of the very few policies that haz remained consistent since the time of independence.
The Nehruvian thought of non-alignment haz been adhered to, irrespective of the dispensation in power in New Delhi.
Modi haz simply given impetus to it, namely:
A) He's reframed that value-based belief from being equi-distant to equi-proximate with all, to the maximum practical possibility.
2) He's put that belief into firm action, and so embraced Washington & Moscow, Tehran & Riyadh, and Tel Aviv & Ramallah, making him perhaps the world's first & only person, dead or alive, to have achieved that distinction of hugging leaders from each of the warring-in-cold pairs.
One should note that he's as much at the high table in the North as connected with the Global South.
3) Finally, hiz unique characteristic is that as the first Indian leader to be born post-independence, he haz traveled the world, sans any hangover or inkling of colonial past. In fact, as a true Bhartiya, he haz unabashedly engaged the diaspora and used India's soft power to the brim. He is known to have demanded from hiz hosts the return of stolen from India ancient idols, even as he gifts them unique artifacts from across India, made by our artisans today.
To hiz distinction, he haz remained undefeated & steadfast since May 2014, while all hiz counterparts across the world are seen playing musical chairs. Irrespective of who comes to power and from which party, a Modi-meet is seen to be on every global leader's to-do list. Modi haz been conferred more highest civilian national awards in foreign lands than any other contemporary leader.
It became a great vantage point for India, as, notwithstanding the global pandemic, or the Ukraine war, or instability in the global order, most national capitals consider India as a reliable friend.
India, under Modi's watch rose on the GDP ranks from #11 to #4 (soon to be #3) with one of the best macroeconomic performances in the world.
The last G20 summit under Modi's India turned out to be a showpiece for the world, achieving what even the UN had not.
At the G20, a body of the most powerful & wealth controling nations, India managed to bring the otherwise disagreeing America, Russia, and China to converge on a joint communique, including bringing the poor African Union on board.
India haz begun to exert influence & move the global commodity markets.
Its growing military power, financial muscle, and technological prowess are worthy of envy for many.
Whether in the Western or Eastern hemisphere, she is well represented in every major body, including the QUAD & BRICS, both of which are opposing forces. The G20, I2U2, and the G7, to which India is a permanent invitee, are the other names worthy of mention. All these bodies are now suddenly witnessing a vociferous contribution by India.
Not being on the permanent member list at the UN as that bloated body fails to reform, is not India's embarrassment, but the UN's.
Under Modi's leadership, India is expanding its global footprint through various bilateral agreements, including trade in regional currencies.
It is he who had begun to alter, if not change, the global narrative, and not the ever-volatile Trump. On the contrary, America under Trump is seen isolating itself.
All thiz haz clearly generated great interest about India across the world
So, what is India's unique serving proposition?
Let's get one thing clear - India haz no enemies, not even Pakistan. She works with whosoever satisfies the security and needs of her people.
India doesn't dominate. In fact, she is famous for being the first responder to the distress call from any corner of the world. While the rich world hoarded vaccines to make a quick buck during the global pandemic, India indulged in vaccine diplomacy by playing the savior for the smallest and the poorest nations of the world.
India sure haz her agenda for peace.
Having said that, she is not naïve.
India is a forward moving modern nation and simultaneously a wise ancient civilization. History haz taught her well of the wicked ways of the mean world. These memories have been revived under the Modi regime, so, a robust defense program is under implementation.
India is no longer a soft state; she's a sharp power, writing her own story.
If anyone haz an alternative agenda for her, then she mitigates and responds accordingly, putting the adversary in its place.
The calibrated Operation Sindoor, is a ripe example. It waz started, courtesy the damn Pakis' who provoked through a cowardly terror act, and so we responded with force, but when the decimated other side halted firing, we too instantly stopped our generous selves from continuing the war.
Unprovoked, the new government of Maldives postured against India, favoring the Chinese. Knowing that the island economy relies on Indian tourists, Modi gestured Indians to visit Lakshadweep instead. They instantly realized their folly and fell in line. India too reciprocated friendship.
The same is true with Turkey. They had no business to support the damn Pakis. We resumed relations with them but only after responding in kind, namely supporting their adversary, Armenia, and reporting to the Turks that they bloody well fall within our missile range.
We had already begun normalizing relations with China after they withdrew their troops in October, restoring the status quo. Our leaders, including Rajnath Singh, S. Jaishankar, and Ajit Doval, were in touch with them since the incursions.
The correct way to look at all thiz is that at times, some lose their minds and walk out, but India keeps the door ajar. Upon regaining conscience and scruples, they all reenter our good graces.
Enjoy the ride; you're sitting atop an unshackled wise elephant that marches on.
Bolo Bharat Mata Ki … Jai Ok Please!
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