Opinion | India’s International Image Under PM Modi: A Decade of Rising Influence

Modi’s foreign policy is its deeply personal character. Unlike traditional diplomacy, which remained behind closed doors, Modi has infused his international engagements with his own energy, rhetoric, and charisma.

Over the last decade, India’s presence on the world stage has undergone a defining transformation—one that has turned the world’s gaze toward New Delhi with a renewed sense of seriousness and respect. At the heart of this diplomatic resurgence stands Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose leadership has reshaped how the global community views India: not as a passive participant, but as an assertive, confident, and forward-looking power. When Narendra Modi took office in 2014, India’s global image, though positive, lacked dynamism. The world acknowledged India’s democratic credentials and economic potential, but often hesitated to view it as a decisive actor in global affairs. That perception began to shift quickly with Modi’s brand of diplomacy—bold, personal, and purposeful.

From his very first foreign visits, PM Modi signaled a break from convention. He reached out not only to heads of state but also to Indian diaspora communities across continents, turning his foreign tours into mass engagements. His 2014 address at Madison Square Garden in New York was more than a speech—it was a declaration that India was no longer content with being on the sidelines of global decision-making. It was ready to lead conversations. One of the most striking features of India’s foreign policy under PM Modi has been its clarity of purpose. Whether it’s strengthening strategic partnerships with the United States, Europe, and Japan, or carefully navigating complex ties with Russia, China, and the Gulf nations—India’s approach has become more confident, calibrated, and self-assured. The guiding principle has been simple: national interest first, but without disengaging from global responsibility.

Take, for instance, India’s growing engagement in multilateral forums. Under PM Modi, India has taken on a more active role in the G20, BRICS, the Quad, and SCO. India’s G20 presidency in 2023 was not just a symbolic milestone—it was a moment of assertion. Modi ensured that the focus shifted to pressing issues like inclusive development, climate change, digital innovation, and global south representation. The inclusion of the African Union into the G20—championed by India—was a powerful example of moral leadership in international affairs. India’s diplomacy under Modi is marked by a careful balance of soft power and hard realism. On one hand, India has championed causes like yoga, Ayurveda, and ancient civilizational wisdom, winning hearts globally and positioning itself as a custodian of holistic living. On the other, it has made it clear that issues of sovereignty and national security are non-negotiable. The surgical strikes post-Uri and the Balakot airstrikes after Pulwama were signals to the world that a new India had arrived—an India that responds with strength when provoked.

Another significant shift under Modi’s leadership has been India’s emergence as a voice of the Global South. Unlike previous decades, where India’s outreach to developing countries was limited by internal constraints, Modi’s government has actively extended support and solidarity—from vaccine diplomacy during the COVID-19 crisis to capacity-building and trade cooperation with African, Latin American, and island nations. Initiatives like ‘Vaccine Maitri’ not only saved lives but also cemented India’s role as a responsible and compassionate global actor.

Economically too, India has become a magnet for global attention. Modi’s focus on ease of doing business, digital infrastructure, and self-reliance through initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Startup India’ has invited massive global investments. Global tech giants, manufacturing leaders, and clean energy innovators now see India not just as a market, but as a partner in innovation and sustainability. India’s digital public infrastructure model—praised by the World Bank—is being studied and replicated by several nations. Culturally, India’s soft power has found new heights. International Day of Yoga, celebrated in over 190 countries, is a testament to the reach of India’s civilizational values. Bollywood, Indian cuisine, classical music, and spiritual tourism have all received a new push under Modi’s global vision, making “India” a desirable brand across continents. However, any honest assessment must also acknowledge the debates.

Critics argue that certain domestic developments—concerns about religious harmony, press freedoms, and dissent—may challenge India’s democratic image abroad. Diplomacy, after all, is not just external—it is deeply connected with internal cohesion and consistency. Yet, even with these criticisms, there’s little doubt that India’s stature has grown stronger, not weaker, over the past decade. What truly defines Modi’s foreign policy is its deeply personal character. Unlike traditional diplomacy, which remained behind closed doors, Modi has infused his international engagements with his own energy, rhetoric, and charisma. Whether it’s forging a close relationship with world leaders—from Biden to Macron, from Abe to the Gulf monarchs—or addressing massive Indian diaspora gatherings in London, Sydney, or Dubai, he has used personal diplomacy as a force multiplier.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s international image has evolved from that of a hesitant emerging power to a proactive global player—strategic, self-reliant, and morally grounded. It is no longer about just participating in global conversations; it’s about shaping them. Whether it’s technology, trade, climate, or security—India’s voice now matters. And much of this credit goes to the clarity, courage, and commitment of the leadership steering it. The world is watching, not just with curiosity, but with conviction—because India today is not simply rising; it is leading.

Author can be reached on : alimahmad2025@gmail.com