From Global Dreams to Diplomatic Reality
Modi's Foreign Policy Under Fire Amid U.S. Tariff Shock
By Mohammed Ahsan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious vision of turning India into a "Vishwaguru" — a global leader — is facing a harsh diplomatic reality. The recent imposition of a 25% tariff by the United States on Indian exports has exposed the cracks in India's foreign policy, which critics argue has relied more on personal optics and populist rhetoric than long-term strategy.
Modi’s approach, often dubbed “hugplomacy”, prioritized personal rapport and photo-ops with global leaders over deep diplomatic engagement. While this gained short-term visibility, it failed to protect India's strategic and economic interests in the long run. Relations with the U.S. under the Trump administration began to sour after India ...