Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Modi’s 25 Years in Power and India’s Foreign Policy
This opinion article looks back at Narendra Modi’s 25 years leading governments in India.
The author says Modi has made India more active and confident in dealing with other countries.
It points to stronger ties with nearby countries, the Gulf, Israel, Europe and other partners.
It also describes India’s efforts to protect its interests while working with powerful countries such as the United States and China.
The article says Modi’s governments have taken a tougher approach to attacks linked to Pakistan.
It also gives examples of India sharing vaccines and digital services with other countries.
Some Indian elites, the author says, once doubted Modi’s ability to lead foreign policy.
The article is an opinion piece and presents a strongly positive view of his record.
The opinion article marks Narendra Modi’s 25 years as head of government, beginning with his appointment as Gujarat chief minister on October 7, 2001.
The author argues that Modi reshaped Indian diplomacy through strategic autonomy, economic ties, diaspora engagement and stronger international partnerships.
The article highlights initiatives and relationships involving India’s neighbourhood, the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, Europe, the United States and China.
It credits Modi’s governments with a tougher approach to Pakistan, including the 2016 surgical strikes, 2019 Balakot airstrikes and 2025 Operation Sindoor.
The author says India has become more influential globally, while acknowledging that Modi’s approach and record have faced criticism from Indian political and other elites.
- Who
- Narendra Modi and his record as head of government, as assessed by the article’s author.
- What
- An opinion article argues that Modi reshaped India’s foreign policy and strengthened its global role.
- When
- The article marks 25 years since Modi became Gujarat chief minister on October 7, 2001; it also discusses events through 2025.
- Where
- India and its diplomatic relationships with countries and regions around the world.
- Why
- The author says Modi’s diplomacy has advanced India’s strategic autonomy, economic interests and international influence.
Supportive assessment
Criticism described in the article
Modi’s foreign-policy record
Supportive assessment
The author argues Modi has increased India’s global influence and made the country a more important participant in international affairs.
Criticism described in the article
The article says some Indian political, academic and media elites initially viewed Modi as inexperienced in foreign policy and unfit to lead as prime minister.
Approach to national security
Supportive assessment
The author presents military responses to attacks as a shift toward proactive, calibrated deterrence.
Criticism described in the article
The article says Modi’s detractors feared his administration’s Hindu nationalism could divide the country and alienate international partners.
- Author’s milestone
- 25 years as head of government, starting with Modi’s appointment as Gujarat chief minister on October 7, 2001.
- Development goal cited
- The article says Modi urged citizens to work toward India’s development goals by 2047.
- Sri Lanka assistance
- The article says India extended more than $4 billion in fuel, food, credit lines and currency swaps during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis.
- Security actions cited
- The article refers to the 2016 cross-border surgical strikes, 2019 Balakot airstrikes and Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
- Energy imports
- The article says India expanded its energy and mineral import network from 27 to 41 nations.
- Vaccine Maitri
- The article says India delivered more than 300 million vaccine doses to nearly 100 developing nations through the initiative.
- Article format
- The piece is an opinion column; it says the views are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.