9 years of Modi govt. | The successes and failures of India’s foreign policy | The Hindu

TL;DR

External Affairs Minister SJ Shankar highlights the Modi government's successful foreign policy initiatives, such as increased global influence and partnerships, contributions to global issues, and a stronger perception of India abroad. However, there are challenges in maintaining old alliances, handling the Chinese challenge, and addressing domestic policies that affect relations with neighboring countries.

Transcript

thank you this week on world view as the Modi government marks nine years in power here's what the external affairs minister said among the men in many areas where there's been a significant transformation foreign policy would surely be among them so up ahead we're going to take a closer look at just what has changed where the government's most Sal... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌐 The Modi government's foreign policy has led to an enhanced global perception of India, increased partnerships, and contributions to global issues.
• 🥶 Challenges include the need for continuity in old alliances, handling the Chinese challenge, and addressing domestic policies that strain relations with neighboring countries.
• 🎟️ Efforts have been made to protect Indian citizens abroad through successful evacuation missions and improved security measures.
• 😘 Economic benefits from foreign policy include increased exports, foreign direct investment, and lower oil and fertilizer prices.
• ❓ Diplomacy in regions has facilitated investments and connectivity, benefiting northeastern states and neighboring countries.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Mobility agreements have safeguarded the welfare of Indian workers and professionals traveling abroad.
• 🥺 The government's push for diaspora diplomacy has yielded mixed results, leading to greater political engagement but also potential interference and protests.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are some of the key achievements of the Modi government's foreign policy?

The Modi government has enhanced India's standing globally through its decisive action and stronger delivery on initiatives. It has formed trusted partnerships and made an economic impact worldwide. Additionally, India's global contributions, membership in various global formations, and role in shaping narratives have been significant accomplishments.

Q: How has foreign policy impacted the lives of Indian citizens?

Foreign policy efforts have provided security and economic benefits to Indian citizens. The government has successfully conducted evacuation operations during conflicts and brought back Indians stranded abroad. The land boundary agreement with Bangladesh has improved security. Economic strength is felt through exports, foreign direct investment, and collaborative tech projects.

Q: What are some challenges faced by the Modi government in foreign policy?

The continuity of old alliances like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has been compromised, preventing comprehensive regional integration. India's stance on global alignments in a polarized world remains unclear. The Chinese challenge goes beyond bilateral conflicts and affects India's relationship with its neighbors. Handling cases like Kulbhushan Jadhav's conviction requires delicate diplomacy and international cooperation.

Q: How has India's neighborhood policy affected foreign relations?

While India has initiated connectivity and development projects in the neighborhood, certain domestic policies have strained relations. The Citizenship Amendment Act, changes in Kashmir, and the push for Akhand Bharat have raised concerns among neighboring countries, affecting India's neighborhood-first approach. Muscular positions on internal matters have faced pushback.

Key Insights:

• The Modi government's foreign policy has led to an enhanced global perception of India, increased partnerships, and contributions to global issues.
• Challenges include the need for continuity in old alliances, handling the Chinese challenge, and addressing domestic policies that strain relations with neighboring countries.
• Efforts have been made to protect Indian citizens abroad through successful evacuation missions and improved security measures.
• Economic benefits from foreign policy include increased exports, foreign direct investment, and lower oil and fertilizer prices.
• Diplomacy in regions has facilitated investments and connectivity, benefiting northeastern states and neighboring countries.
• Mobility agreements have safeguarded the welfare of Indian workers and professionals traveling abroad.
• The government's push for diaspora diplomacy has yielded mixed results, leading to greater political engagement but also potential interference and protests.
• Historical references show the enduring principles of Indian foreign policy, such as non-alignment, global cooperation, and connectivity with neighbors.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Accomplishments of the Modi government's foreign policy: increased global standing, trusted partnerships, global contributions, membership in global formations, and shaping of global narratives.

• Impact of foreign policy on average citizens: successful evacuation missions, improved security, economic benefits, impact on regions, mobility agreements for workers and professionals, ease of passport issuance, and globalization of Indian culture.