India has always aspired to a seat at the global table. It has tried to assert its importance as a rising global power by projecting its gigantic market, geopolitically-significant location, cultural soft power, etc to build credibility and space in global forums and bilateral partnerships. But that well-rehearsed image is increasingly out of step with troubling events. Accusations of extraterritorial assassinations, predatory foreign policy jockeying, and ongoing human rights abuses cloud its international image. These problems have called into question India’s democratic ideals and its capacity to lead the Global South.

India’s image as a rising global power is tarnished by accusations of extraterritorial assassinations and human rights violations.

Consequently, Modi’s administration in the consolidation of domestic and foreign policy priorities had deteriorated relations with some of its crucial partners and compromised its reliability. It is, thus, fed to the apprehensions about its dictatorial inclinations and the diminishing democratic fabric, therefore, requires a reconfiguration of the international affiliations of India. If this trajectory persists unabated, India’s dream of leading the world might soon become a reality only in the negative sense because it might find itself in a lonely puddle as more and more countries join a new order that is already taking shape in reconfiguring the world.

Recent accusations of India’s being involved in plots to assassinate individuals abroad, including the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and an alleged attempt on the life of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun a Khalistani separatist in the United States have for the first time touched unprecedented diplomatic tensions. It is an international norm-breaking activity and undermines the mutual trust essential for strong bilateral as well as multilateral relationships. In taking steps, in the course of engaging in covert operations resembling authoritarian rule, India endangers democracy and invites a stronger global public spotlight. It does not take more than a moment before repercussions materialize including the expulsions from Canada and India, while Washington has put on notice such practice.

Even as India deepens its focus on its strategic interests through domestic and foreign policy, it leaves behind old friends, endangering the prospect of attaining leadership stature in the Global South. The decline in trust in India’s democratic standing and upsurge of apprehension of the signs of authoritarianism are already generating reconsideration of the country’s foreign relations. This trend becomes problematic when one takes into account that India’s awakening economic and geo-political ambitions rely on its ability to preserve and strengthen its relationships with willing partners and effectively compete with the authoritarian giant next door – China.

The Modi administration’s consolidation of power has strained relationships with crucial partners, raising concerns about its democratic integrity.

What was once the beacon of democratic progress and pluralism is now shrouded in growing fears of internal repression and aggressive external posturing. This shift goes against the very narrative that has propelled India’s global rise. If New Delhi continues down this path, it risks undermining the values it once championed, eroding its soft power, and alienating crucial allies. The consequences could be severe, leaving India increasingly isolated in a rapidly shifting world order, unable to effectively assert its influence or fulfill its ambitions on the global stage.

These trends are not being created in a vacuum. Indian foreign policy decisions, as it has refused to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and increasingly aligned itself to the authoritarian regimes, the relationship with Western allies, India now risks losing such privileged position it once seemed to enjoy against China’s increasing might. Ideological fissures between the U.S. and Europe have exposed fault lines in what was supposed to be a robust strategic partnership. Erosion of trust in India’s commitment to democratic principles is starting to dilute its influence in international forgeries and weakening claims to leadership in the liberal world order.

In terms of trade, such political and diplomatic changes pay tribute. The disagreements escalated to Canada have given people reasons to believe that they will cut down on the amount of business they engage in with Indians. Second, the examples of the Indian tycoon, Gautam Adani, may indicate that the intentions of the U.S. are not limited to the Indian businesspersons who promoted fraud, but any person in India who is involved in business. Indian as well as global companies may be reluctant to invest their capital and time into projects thereby threatening India’s plans for development. Thus pinning such risks undermines New Delhi’s drive to portray itself as a desirable economic partner in a fast-growing international marketplace.

India’s refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine highlights ideological fissures with Western allies, diminishing its influence in international forums.

The decisive domestic and international policies of the Modi government are reshaping India’s image, though not necessarily in the direction its strategists intended. Instead of being celebrated as a democratic powerhouse in the Global South, India is now being compared to regimes that prioritize authoritarianism over accountability. The international community is watching keenly to see if India can turn the tide by taking substantial steps to mend its broken human rights record, respect the norms of international society, and regain the trust of its strategic partners.

If New Delhi fails to realign itself, it threatens to isolate itself in a world where alliances and partnerships matter more than ever. Its ambitions as a world leader, in both economic and political terms, depend on its ability and willingness to live up to the democratic values that it claims to stand for. The clock is now ticking—just before it becomes too late.

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.