Over the last decade, India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, a strategic powerhouse in Asia, and a nation rich in culture, talent and innovation. Yet, an uncomfortable question is beginning to echo within diplomatic circles and global media: Has India lost the respect it once commanded on the world stage? If so, who is responsible? Is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy the root cause—or is the reality far more complex?
1. A Shift in Global Perception
India, for decades, maintained a proud legacy of non-alignment, moral leadership, and a strong voice in multilateral forums. Leaders like Nehru and Vajpayee made it a point to present India as a peace-loving yet assertive democratic force. However, in recent years, the perception of India has taken a hit. Reports of democratic backsliding, religious intolerance, and rising authoritarianism under Modi’s leadership have gained international attention.
India’s once-untouchable reputation as the "world’s largest democracy" has started to crack. Questions are now being raised globally not just about its human rights record, but also about the direction in which its government is steering the nation.
2. Modi's Assertive Foreign Policy – A Double-Edged Sword
Under PM Modi, India has pursued a more muscular and visible foreign policy. From hugging world leaders to promoting "Make in India" and leading global climate talks, the Modi government has certainly tried to place India on a pedestal. But critics argue that this approach often comes with misplaced priorities and missed opportunities.
India has distanced itself from traditional allies like Iran and Nepal, strained relations with Canada, remained ambiguous on Russia’s war in Ukraine, and struggled with neighbouring China’s border aggression. The optics of "strong leadership" are not translating into diplomatic wins. In fact, some argue India is increasingly seen as unreliable, overly nationalistic, and too caught up in internal politics to play a constructive global role.
3. The China Factor – A Missed Opportunity
India's inability to take a firm and strategic position on China has been damaging. Despite repeated Chinese incursions in Ladakh and elsewhere, the Indian government has chosen silence over strength in many international forums. While the U.S. and European powers look for strong regional allies to balance China’s dominance, India has failed to rise as the dependable alternative.
While the Modi government boasts about military preparedness and border infrastructure, the lack of consistent diplomatic pressure on Beijing sends the wrong signals. It appears India prefers optics over outcome, which only weakens its global stature.
4. Domestic Politics Are Hurting India's Global Image
India’s internal affairs are not as ‘internal’ as they once were. International media, human rights groups, and foreign governments now closely monitor the state of democracy, press freedom, and minority rights in India. Modi’s handling of protests (like the farmer agitation), internet shutdowns, and treatment of dissenters has drawn sharp criticism from international observers.
India’s reaction to such criticism has been aggressive, often labelling it as foreign interference. This combative stance, while playing well to the domestic gallery, does little to win friends abroad. Respect in diplomacy is earned through humility, transparency, and cooperation—not defensiveness and denial.
5. India’s Missed Leadership in Global Crises
From the COVID-19 pandemic to the Ukraine war, the world has looked for responsible global leaders. India had opportunities to lead with compassion and wisdom. While the "Vaccine Maitri" initiative was a diplomatic success early on, the second wave of COVID-19 revealed major governance failures. Instead of offering lessons and leadership, India became an example of unpreparedness.
Similarly, on global issues like climate change, AI governance, and trade reform, India has either remained silent or passive. This absence on big global stages has allowed other players like China and Brazil to take the lead—while India appears indecisive or inward-looking.
6. Not Just Modi – Institutional Decay Is Also to Blame
While it’s easy to lay the blame entirely on PM Modi’s shoulders, the erosion of India's global respect is a systemic issue. Indian diplomacy has become increasingly politicised. Bureaucrats are wary of making independent decisions, fearing political backlash. Parliament, the judiciary, and the press—all pillars of democracy—appear weakened.
This institutional decay is visible to the world. It paints a picture of a country where power is centralised and criticism is crushed, undermining the very values that once made India a moral leader globally.
7. The Way Forward – Rebuilding Trust and Respect
Regaining global respect will not happen overnight. It requires India to recalibrate its foreign policy—making it less about image-building and more about impact. That means repairing ties with neighbours, engaging multilaterally with purpose, and defending democratic values at home with conviction.
India must re-embrace its civilisational wisdom of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family), not just as a slogan but as a diplomatic principle. Only by aligning its domestic values with its international posturing can India begin to restore the credibility it once enjoyed.
Conclusion: Respect Cannot Be Demanded, It Must Be Earned
India’s diminishing respect on the world stage is not just about Modi’s foreign policy—it is about how the country presents itself, governs its people, treats its minorities, and acts globally. Nations don’t lose respect overnight. It erodes slowly, through repeated actions and missed chances.
To regain its rightful place as a respected global power, India must go beyond nationalistic bravado and adopt a foreign policy that reflects the spirit of democracy, inclusivity, and responsibility. The world is watching—and waiting.
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