Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visits to Poland and Ukraine have perplexed foreign policy experts, who view India's diplomatic balancing act as a strategy to depolarize the world, guided by the “country's interests first" philosophy of his government.

This approach has made India's geopolitical positioning even more complex and nuanced, particularly in the light of persistent Western pressure to adhere to sanctions against Russia, with which New Delhi's relations continue to remain robust.

Read in Hindi: दुनिया को ध्रुवीकरण से मुक्त कराना है मोदी की विदेश नीति का लक्ष्य

In fact, by engaging with nations on both sides of the geopolitical divide, India appears to be skillfully navigating the treacherous landscape of international relations, refusing to be drawn into binary alliances. This pragmatic approach has raised eyebrows among observers, who are struggling to make sense of India's seemingly contradictory moves.

As India continues to chart its own course, defying easy categorization, its diplomatic manoeuvring is likely to remain a subject of fascination and debate among foreign policy experts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been at the forefront of shaping India’s foreign policy, steering it towards an independent and proactive stance on the global stage.

One of the key pillars of Modi's diplomatic strategy has been to nurture relationships with a diverse range of countries, from traditional allies like Russia to forging new partnerships with nations like Ukraine, and Poland, and even engaging with NATO members like Italy.

During his recent visit to Ukraine, Modi seized the opportunity to advocate for peace and stability in the region, cautioning against the futility of war as a solution to conflicts. This bold stance signalled India's commitment to promoting peaceful resolutions to international disputes and strengthening ties with countries in conflict zones.

Modi's foreign policy approach has been complemented by the assertive and principled pronouncements of India’s external affairs minister Jai Shankar, who has consistently been emphasizing the values of free, fair, and India-first diplomacy. These clear policy directives have helped India assert its presence on the global stage, elevating its stature and clout among the community of nations. 

One of the factors bolstering India's diplomatic endeavours is the significant support from its diaspora community scattered across the world. This influential lobby has served as a valuable asset in projecting India's interests and perspectives, enhancing its credibility as a voice representing the global South in international forums.

Despite India's proactive engagement with a range of countries, including traditional Western allies within NATO, its relationship with China has remained fraught with complexities. The persistent border dispute between the two Asian giants has led to a stalemate in their bilateral relations, posing challenges to finding common ground on key issues.

Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that the economic ties between India and China have not witnessed a significant downturn despite their political differences. Trade relations between the two nations have remained resilient, showcasing the practical approach both countries have adopted in compartmentalizing their economic and strategic interests.

In the grand panorama of international diplomacy, Modi's daring initiatives and independent course of action have repositioned India as a key player in global affairs. By fostering partnerships with diverse nations and championing peace and cooperation, India has secured a prominent seat at the table of international decision-making.

As Modi continues to navigate the complexities of global politics and steer India towards becoming a credible voice of the global South, his assertive foreign policy approach and strategic engagements are likely to yield rich dividends for the country in the long run.

With a blend of pragmatism, principle, and vision, India under Modi's leadership is carving a unique niche for itself on the world stage—a testament to the evolving dynamics of international relations in the 21st century. Modi's foreign policy has also focused on strengthening regional cooperation through initiatives like the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

These efforts aim to foster economic growth, enhance connectivity, and address common challenges such as climate change and terrorism. By prioritizing regional stability and development, Modi is ensuring that India plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of South Asia and beyond.