Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic approach centers on strategic autonomy - positioning India as a 'rule shaper' rather than merely a 'rule taker'. According to reports from Business Standard, Modi's strategy involves working closely with America through the Quad, retaining longstanding relationships with Russia, engaging China through Brics, strengthening partnerships with Europe and the Gulf, and championing developing economies through Global South platforms. This approach allows India to cooperate with one country on defence, another on energy, and a third on technology while disagreeing with each of them elsewhere.
Modi's diplomatic style combines warmth and hard-headedness, with hugs, handshakes and photographs attracting attention while maintaining a disciplined foreign policy view. As reported by Business Standard, he has invested considerable political capital in relationships with successive American presidents, continuing engagement with Vladimir Putin, conversations with Xi Jinping, and outreach to leaders across Europe, Africa and the Gulf. His willingness to visit countries rarely visited by Indian Prime Ministers includes Ghana after three decades and Trinidad and Tobago after 26 years in 2025.
During India's G20 presidency in 2023, Modi demonstrated his coalition-building capabilities despite hardened divisions between Russia and the West. According to Business Standard, Modi was characteristically persistent in keeping all sides engaged and secured the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration. Equally significant was his push to make the African Union a permanent member of the G20, personally welcoming the African Union chair and underlining India's commitment to giving the Global South greater voice. India prepared this ground through the Voice of Global South initiative, consulting more than 120 countries.
Modi's diplomatic approach emphasizes symbolism and public-facing diplomacy beyond negotiating rooms. As reported by Business Standard, his foreign policy frequently has a public-facing dimension, with initiatives like Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam giving India's G20 presidency an easily understood philosophy of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'. Yoga Day became an exercise in soft power on an extraordinary global scale, while Vaccine Maitri during Covid-19 carried the message that India's rise should benefit others. These gestures work because Modi understands diplomacy happens simultaneously in negotiating rooms, television studios and on millions of phone screens.
Modi's commitment to foreign policy extends to relentless engagement patterns, with fifteen bilateral meetings in three days at Brics representing a pattern of sustained diplomatic activity. According to Business Standard, Modi treats foreign policy as a prime ministerial responsibility rather than delegating largely to diplomats. His approach involves more than 400 meetings and engagements across 30 Indian cities preceding major summits, with his personal involvement providing the political capital that diplomats alone cannot supply. This stamina and personal touch have transformed India's diplomatic profile and influence in global affairs.
