From Balakot to BRICS: Modi’s 12‑Year Diplomatic Journey

When Narendra Modi turned 76 on September 17, 2026, he also marked a little more than twelve years at the helm of India’s government. In that time the country’s diplomatic playbook has shifted dramatically – from cautious neighbour‑to‑neighbour moves to a bolder, more autonomous stance on the world stage.

Pakistan: from Balakot to Operation Sindoor – Security concerns have dominated the bilateral agenda. After the 2019 Pulwama attack, New Delhi launched a cross‑border airstrike in Balakot, saying it hit a Jaish‑e‑Mohammed camp. Five years later, the Pahalgam attack triggered Operation Sindoor, another limited strike aimed at terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir. The same year New Delhi even announced a temporary suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, adding a fresh diplomatic wrinkle.

Balancing the US and Russia – Modi’s foreign policy has tried to get the best of both worlds. Ties with Washington have deepened across defence, technology and the Indo‑Pacific, while Moscow remains a key supplier of arms and energy. Even after the Ukraine war, India kept buying Russian crude, arguing that energy security can’t be compromised for political pressure. The message is clear: strategic autonomy, not a formal alliance.

China: managing a bruised relationship – The 2020 Galwan Valley clash was a painful reminder of the volatile border. New Delhi responded with a mix of military posturing and diplomatic outreach. By October 2024 both sides agreed on new patrolling protocols in Depsang and Demchok, easing tension at several flashpoints. The 2025 BRICS summit saw Xi Jinping’s first visit to India in seven years – a sign of dialogue, even if the underlying boundary dispute remains unsettled.

The Gulf: energy, investment and people – Over the past decade India’s partnership with the Gulf has deepened. The UAE relationship was upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and the CEPA took effect in 2022. Saudi Arabia joined a Strategic Partnership Council covering investment, defence and security. For India, the Gulf is not just a source of oil; it’s also home to millions of Indian workers whose remittances fuel the economy.

Neighbourhood diplomacy: aid when it matters – Modi’s “Neighbourhood First” mantra started with SAARC leaders at his 2014 swearing‑in. Since then India has stepped in during Sri Lanka’s financial crisis, sent relief to Nepal after floods, and assisted the Maldives during a water‑security scare. The help blends humanitarian aid, infrastructure projects and, inevitably, a view of regional stability that serves New Delhi’s security interests.

Chabahar: a gateway beyond Pakistan – The Iranian port has become a strategic linchpin for accessing Afghanistan and Central Asia without crossing Pakistan. India pledged $500 million in 2016, and in May 2024 a long‑term operating contract was signed to run the Shahid Beheshti terminal. The project fits neatly into a broader connectivity push that includes road, rail and digital links.

Trade diplomacy: from agreements to economic clout – Economic partnerships have moved to the forefront of diplomacy. The UAE‑India CEPA (2022) and the India‑Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (December 2022) are flagship deals. A Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the UK is slated for July 2026. Together these pacts signal that India is no longer just a market; it’s a trade hub looking to shape rules in multilateral forums like the G20 and WTO.

All told, Modi’s foreign policy has been a careful juggling act – pushing for greater influence while keeping enough distance to avoid being dragged into great‑power rivalries. Whether India will be called a “Vishwaguru” or simply a strategic middle‑player remains to be seen, but the shift from “cautious power” to a more assertive global role is unmistakable.