Successes and Failures of Modi's Foreign Policy.

The foreign policies of a nation play a crucial role in shaping its relationships with other countries and influencing its position on the global stage. The foreign policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India have been a major focus of attention since he took office in 2014. Modi has pursued a number of initiatives aimed at improving India's standing in the world and strengthening its partnerships with other countries, and these policies have had a complex impact on India's foreign relations.The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), are some examples of  Modi's effort to improve regional cooperation and enhance economic and political ties between India and its neighbors. In this blog, we will examine the success and failure of Modi's foreign policies and their impact on India's role in the international community.

Successes of Modi's Foreign Policies:

1. Improved Relations with Major World Powers: 

One of the major successes of Modi's foreign policies has been the improvement of India's relationships with major world powers, including the United States, China, and Russia. Modi has pursued closer ties with these countries through a series of high-level visits and negotiations, leading to increased cooperation and improved economic and strategic partnerships. For example, Modi's efforts to improve relations with the United States have led to increased economic and strategic cooperation, including in areas such as defense, energy, and trade.The Modi government has also pursued closer ties with China, with the two countries working to address their differences and strengthen economic and strategic cooperation. This has been reflected in the increasing economic exchanges between the two countries, including in the areas of trade, investment, and tourism, as well as in efforts to enhance regional stability and security. The signing of the India-Japan Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2016 was a notable example of the success and a major milestone in India's relationship with Japan. India's relationship with Russia has also improved under Modi, with the two countries working to enhance their strategic and economic partnerships. This has been reflected in increased defense cooperation, including in the areas of defense production and joint military exercises, as well as in efforts to enhance economic and energy ties.

2.Improved Regional Ties: 

Another area where Modi's foreign policies have been successful is in improving India's relations with neighbouring Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh and Myanmar.India's relationship with Bhutan has been strengthened through increased economic and cultural cooperation, including in the areas of hydropower, tourism, and education. India's relationship with Sri Lanka has also improved under Modi, with the two countries working to sort out their differences and build a stronger partnership. The increased economic and cultural cooperation, efforts to address regional security challenges of  terrorism and extremism between these two is a very good example of the success of Modi's foreign policy.

3.Increasing India's Global Visibility:

 Modi has been successful in increasing India's global visibility and expanding its influence in the international community,  through focused diplomacy, and active participation in global forums such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the G20. Modi's "Make in India" campaign, has attracted foreign investment and promote entrepreneurship in India. The "Digital India" has fueled a technological revolution in India. These initiatives have helped to increase India's visibility and influence in the international communities.

4.Economic Reforms: 

Modi has also implemented a number of economic reforms aimed at modernizing India's economy and making it more competitive in the global marketplace. The simplifying the tax system, reducing red tape file processing, and promoting entrepreneurship has created remarkable achievements. The GST, Make in India initiative, increased role in the WTO boost the GDP and Indian foreign reserves. India under Modi has promised to become 5 trillion dollars economy. The merge of  PSU bank, disinvestment, corporate tax cut, Ujjawala scheme, demonetisation, the National Single Window payment System, are some great reforms under Modi.

Failures of Modi's Foreign Policies:

1.Handing the tensions with Pakistan:

 Despite Modi's efforts to improve relations with Pakistan, tensions between the two countries continue to be a major challenge. Tensions between the two countries have continued to escalate, particularly in the wake of the Pulwama terrorist attack in 14th February 2019. Modi's foreign policy failed to decouple the growing nexus of Pakistan and China. 

2.Failed to maintain Regional Integration:

 Another failure of Modi's foreign policies has been in the area of regional integration. Despite efforts to build closer ties with regional countries, India has faced challenges in South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). These have created challenges political and economic differences with in the regional countries.

3. China and the Indo-Pacific Region: 

India's relationship with China, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, has been a source of concern for many. Despite efforts to improve ties with China, the two countries continue to have differences over a range of issues, including border disputes, trade imbalances, and regional security. Modi has failed to address the Chinese Belt in road and String of pearl strategy. After the India-China border standoff in Doklam, China has increased its wolf warrior diplomacy against India which increased the military tensions between the two countries. Somehow Modi's foreign policy to counter China has shown no significant result. 

4.Lack of focus in South Asia.

Modi's foreign policies have failed to focus on South Asia and the region's wider strategic and economic spheres. Despite India's historical ties to the region and its position as a regional power, Modi's foreign policies have been criticized for a lack of attention to the region's strategic and economic needs. Modi's " Look East" policy also failed in significant manner and let Chinese to play a more dominant role in this region.

5.Decrease in India's  Human Rights ratings:

 India's human rights record has been criticized by some countries and international organizations, particularly in the areas of freedom of speech and religious freedom. This has been a source of concern for some and has had a negative impact on India's standing in the international communities

In conclusion, Modi's foreign policies have had both successes and failures. On the one hand, his efforts to strengthen ties with major global powers and enhance regional cooperation have been widely praised. On the other hand, his handling of the relationship with Pakistan and his approach to China have been criticized as being insufficient and ineffective. Nevertheless, Modi's foreign policies have undoubtedly had a significant impact on India's relationships with other countries and its position on the global stage, and it remains to be seen how these policies will evolve and what their ultimate impact will be.