Recalibrating Indian Foreign Policy under Narendra Modi: A Comprehensive Review of Strategic Shifts, Ideational Narratives, and Global Engagement

Title

Recalibrating Indian Foreign Policy under Narendra Modi: A Comprehensive Review of Strategic Shifts, Ideational Narratives, and Global Engagement

Author

1. Avinash patel, Student, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, India

Abstract

Since 2014, India’s foreign policy has undergone a visible transformation marked by greater diplomatic assertiveness, energetic global outreach, and the construction of new ideological narratives. This review examines how the period from 2014 to 2025 has reshaped India’s external engagements through a combination of strategic recalibration, leadership-driven diplomacy, and civilizational framing. The paper analyzes major themes such as India’s transition from a traditionally cautious foreign policy toward a more proactive and multi-aligned strategy, the rise of the Indo-Pacific as a central geopolitical space, and the growing emphasis on national identity in shaping global interactions. It highlights how India’s leadership has increasingly employed public diplomacy, branding, and high-level summits to project national confidence and enhance India’s international visibility. The review also explores soft power initiatives, economic diplomacy, diaspora engagement, and India’s efforts to balance major power rivalries while asserting its independent voice in global governance. Overall, the study argues that the Modi era represents a complex blend of continuity and innovation, combining long-standing strategic principles with new ideational narratives and diplomatic frameworks that aim to elevate India’s global stature in an evolving multipolar world.

Keywords

Conclusion

The scholarly literature demonstrates that India’s foreign policy under Narendra Modi represents a fusion of continuity, strategic adaptation, and ideational innovation. While foundational principles such as autonomy remain central, the Modi government has infused foreign policy with new energy, narrative depth, and global ambition. Concepts such as Vishwaguru, multi-alignment, and Indo-Pacific leadership illustrate India’s desire to redefine its role amid global uncertainties. The assertive diplomatic style, personalized engagement, and strategic partnerships underscore a shift toward a more visible and influential India. This review concludes that India’s foreign policy from 2014 to 2025 reflects a recalibration aimed at elevating India’s strategic standing, balancing great-power competition, and advancing a civilizational narrative that complements its geopolitical aspirations.

Author Contrubution

The study's design, data collection, result analysis, and manuscript preparation were entirely managed by the author.

Funding

No specific funding was provided by any public, commercial, or non-profit sectors for this study.

Conflict of Interest

The authors disclose no conflicts of interest in relation to this work.

Data Sharing Statement

Not applicable.

Software And Tools Use

Not applicable.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to all who provided assistance and expertise for this research and manuscript, and to the peer reviewers for their constructive feedback.