Under the Modi regime, India’s foreign policy has increasingly reflected a pattern of strategic miscalculation, diplomatic isolation, and politicization in the global arena. The latest attempt to blame Pakistan for the Pahalgam terrorist attack just remains an illusion as Indian is trying to isolate Pakistan from the entire world despite all efforts of India to bring Pakistan in. Still, Pakistan stands in a firm position today. It remains a stable nation in the South Asia region.

“India’s foreign policy is based on illusion and political theatrics.”

The belief of the entire world has increased in Pakistan, including the United States of America (USA), which has also acknowledged Pakistan’s effort in combating terrorism. In addition, President Donald Trump himself appreciated Pakistan for combating terrorism after the war on terror post-9/11. Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to countering terrorism has further legitimised Pakistan’s position on the globe. Therefore, Indian’s foreign policy status appears more deceptive than influential.

A prime example of India’s flawed diplomatic approach. In September 2019, PM Modi went to the USA on an official visit. Trump hosted the Howdy Modi event in Houston. Modi addressed the event. “We, in India, have connected well with President Trump. The world candidate Trump (ab ki bar Trump Sarkar) this time, elects Trump’s government”. Although this approach was futile, interfering directly with India’s internal party politics in another sovereign State was an undiplomatic and strategic move that risked damaging future relations between India and that country, as well as souring relations between India and the USA. When Joe Biden was elected, despite his overinvestment, Trump’s presidency backfired.

It also faced Modi’s further embarrassment, followed by an extravagant “Namaste Trump” event in India in February 2020. After the Pahalgam incident occurred, President Donald Trump presented a neutral statement for both India and Pakistan and refrained from supporting India’s claims. Reciprocally, Pakistan’s Field Marshal General Sayed Asim Muneer was invited to the white house by Trump, but not a single Indian received outreach. This diplomatic rebuff is revelatory of how misfired India’s foreign policy priorities have been.

India always claims that Kashmir is a bilateral dispute between India and Pakistan, and continues to deny the international status of the Kashmir dispute. Instead, Pakistan acknowledged that Kashmir is an international issue between both states and urged the United Nations (UN) and other members of the international community to resolve the Kashmir dispute peacefully under International Law. After the Pahalgam attack in Illegal Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), Trump has announced that the mediating on the Kashmir issue and will probably resolve it soon. Further, he supports validating Pakistan’s perspective and challenging India’s narrative.

“Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to countering terrorism has legitimised its global position.”

Moreover, India’s isolation became visible when countries like Azerbaijan, China and Turkiye openly supported Pakistan after this incident, for India has not publicly backed any country. In 2017, Turkiye’s President Erdoğan came to India for a state visit. Both nations signed the Joint Anti-Terrorism Agreement. In addition, strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation to fight terrorism. Moreover, Turkiye dismissed India’s accusation. Turkiye believes that terrorism is a global issue and is targeting Pakistan for the attack on Pahalgam. It is just an accusation of India against Pakistan, and I stand with Pakistan. “President Erdogan reaffirmed that terrorism is a global issue that should not be used or politicised to delusively malign others”.

However, today India’s neighbouring countries want to be relieved from India’s influence in domestic politics. Since Bangladesh was formed, this country has always been India’s strong ally. But now, Bangladesh recognised that aligning too much with India is isolating Bangladesh from the entire world and fostering the delusion against Pakistan. Bangladesh today stands with accuracy and is moving the country towards progress and promoting peace in the region. Bhutan is also a traditionally close ally of India, but has never given any benefits, rather pushing it to isolate itself from the rest of the world. Similarly, on 23 October 2023, Bhutan and China talked about setting the boundary row and establishing diplomatic ties.

Historically, relations between India and Nepal were stronger. Nepal always addresses India as a brother country. It was traditionally arguable that after the declaration of election, Nepal’s Prime Minister used to visit India first. But this time, Nepal has shifted priorities and also highlighted India’s diminishing influence on Nepal. Nepal’s PM KP Sharma Oli had expected to visit New Delhi after the election, but he went to Beijing. During his visit, he announced his intention to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). From this perspective, it was a clear message: India’s foreign policy is based on illusion and political theatrics. Having no longer inspired confidence in its neighbour as well as other States.

Additionally, at the heart of India’s diplomatic decline lies the politicisation of foreign policy by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP supported Hindus over Muslims because most of the BJP’s supporters express Anti-Muslims sentiments and made an Anti-Muslims rhetoric campaign during the election. The BJP Government is not only systematically marginalising Muslims in India but also (IIOJK) Muslims; therefore, the BJP has drawn global criticism.

“President Erdogan reaffirmed that terrorism should not be politicised to malign others.”

In addition, India’s blatant support for Israel over Palestine, motivated by shared right-wing ideologies, is another example. In India, waving of the Palestine flag and pro-Palestine protesters have been arrested, while pro-Israel rallies and street marches are permitted. This double standard polices reflects not just a foreign policy choice, but a deeper ideological alignment that alienates the Muslim world and tarnishes India’s secular image.

The Pahalgam attack was just a pretence to expose Pakistan by backfiring on India. The international community, including the USA, has rejected India’s narrative. Moreover, India’s current foreign policy behavior is more driven by domestic optics than diplomacy. India is trying to present itself as a peaceful State and regional leader, but the reality is that it has isolated itself diplomatically from the rest of the world.

“India’s current foreign policy behavior is more driven by domestic optics than diplomacy.”

India must learn a successful foreign policy. Adopting a policy built on illusion, propaganda, and internal political gain will not make it a successful foreign policy. That can be achieved through honesty, mutual respect, and a willingness to engage constructively, qualities that are currently lacking in New Delhi’s diplomatic playbook.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.