Overview of Indian Foreign Policy in 2025

The year 2025 held significant potential for Indian foreign policy, building on the political recalibrations of 2024. Prime Minister set out to revitalize India’s diplomatic engagements, with a focus on regional and global partnerships.

Diplomatic Engagements and Challenges

• Efforts to strengthen ties with the United States encountered obstacles due to actions by the US administration, including tariffs and immigration restrictions.
• Despite attempts to reset relations with China and Russia, tensions persisted, particularly concerning security guarantees and economic investment regulations.
• India's regional diplomacy included efforts to improve relations with Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the Taliban leadership, and preparations for visits from Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Economic and Trade Dynamics

• India aimed to finalize significant trade agreements with several countries. However, key agreements with the U.S. and the EU remained pending.
• Economic ties with Russia saw a dramatic increase in oil imports, despite new U.S. sanctions.
• Trade with the U.K., Oman, and New Zealand advanced through FTAs, yet faced challenges due to global economic conditions.

Security and Regional Stability

• The geopolitical landscape remained fraught with security issues, including terrorism threats in regions like Jammu and Kashmir.
• India faced pressure to manage its response effectively to regional conflicts, balancing military effectiveness with diplomatic campaigns.
• Concerns over the political instability in neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Nepal were heightened by regime-change protests and demonstrations.

Global Strategic Environment

• India navigated a complex strategic environment, with global powers like the U.S. and China influencing international stability.
• Washington’s 2025 National Security Strategy presented ambiguous stances on China and Russia, affecting India's positioning as a global power.
• Global governance initiatives by China posed challenges to the existing international order, prompting India to reflect on its vision for global engagement.

Lessons and New Directions for Indian Diplomacy

• 2025 underscored the limitations of "performative diplomacy," highlighting the need for substantive diplomatic efforts.
• India’s foreign policy approach shifted from being a "Vishwaguru" to a "Vishwamitra," emphasizing global friendship over leadership.
• The narrative of India as a "Vishwa-victim" was cautioned against, urging introspection and consistency in policies, especially regarding minority rights and democratic principles.

As the world becomes increasingly transactional, India's foreign policy must pivot towards consistent principles, whether engaging with global powers or neighboring countries.