India’s Diplomatic Identity: From Principled Leadership to Political Performance
India’s Diplomatic Identity: From
Principled Leadership to Political Performance
India once stood on the world
stage with modest economic strength but immense moral authority. Its influence
came not from military might or monetary leverage, but from the clarity,
character, and credibility of its leadership. Guided by visionaries such as
Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi, India projected a sense of
purpose that resonated well beyond its borders.
These leaders understood the
nuances of diplomacy. Their foreign engagements were rooted in substance, not
spectacle. When Rajiv Gandhi visited world capitals, he was received not merely
as a head of state but as a symbol of India's democratic promise and
forward-looking agenda. Crowds welcomed him with admiration, and global leaders
engaged him with respect. His travels were not about self-promotion, but
strategic outreach calculated, purposeful, and always grounded in national
interest.
Importantly, past Indian leaders
upheld the dignity of their office and the sovereignty of their nation. They
did not allow foreign powers to manipulate domestic narratives or diminish
India’s global standing. Negotiations happened on India’s terms, often on
Indian soil. Global leaders came to New Delhi not just out of obligation, but
because India demanded recognition as an equal stakeholder in global affairs.
National interest was non-negotiable and clearly understood.
In stark contrast, the current
administration has redefined India’s diplomatic playbook. Over the last eleven
years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made foreign travel a central feature
of his leadership brand. While international outreach is a critical part of any
modern governance model, the frequency and tone of these visits raise
legitimate concerns.
The Prime Minister’s approach
often resembles a media campaign more than a diplomatic mission. Personal
gestures, bear hugs, impromptu walkabouts, and carefully choreographed
photo-ops have become signatures of his international engagements. However,
beneath the optics, there is growing skepticism about the strategic substance
and long-term value of these efforts.
Critics argue that many of the
deals and agreements reached under this administration appear to
disproportionately benefit a narrow circle of business interests, rather than
advancing broader national goals. India’s foreign policy, once anchored in
non-alignment and strategic autonomy, now risks appearing transactional and
reactive.
The shift is not just in method,
but in perception. When Prime Minister Modi stands alongside world leaders like
Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, or former U.S. Presidents, the contrast in tone,
preparedness, and diplomatic maturity is often noticeable. In high-stakes
international forums, optics alone cannot compensate for the depth of policy
knowledge or the subtlety of strategic engagement.
This lack of gravitas has
consequences. It affects how India is perceived not just by governments, but by
global institutions, investors, and civil society. What once was a source of
pride for Indian citizens and admiration among neighbors is now increasingly
viewed through a lens of personality-driven politics and performative
diplomacy.
This global posture mirrors a
broader pattern at home. The Prime Minister’s extensive international travel
often coincides with prolonged absences from Parliament and limited engagement
with domestic legislative responsibilities. At a time when India faces complex
internal challenges, such as economic inequality, social unrest, and environmental
degradation, many citizens are left questioning the priorities of their
leadership.
India’s foreign policy should be
an extension of its domestic strength, not a distraction from it. A strong
global image must be earned through inclusive governance, transparent
institutions, and a leadership style that inspires trust at home and abroad.
The number of countries does not
measure leadership visited or summits attended. It is measured by the outcomes
secured, the integrity upheld, and the future safeguarded. India needs leaders
who represent not just the nation’s interests, but its values, leaders who
understand that diplomacy is not theater, but statecraft.
As India moves deeper into the
21st century, it deserves a global presence that reflects its potential, not
one that undermines it. The challenge is not to be seen more, but to be heard
better and respected more deeply.
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