A leading Indian newspaper has described 2025 as a difficult year for India’s foreign policy. The report said India faced serious Diplomatic Challenges that weakened its global position. It added that expectations set by the government were not met during the year.
The report was published by The Hindu and reviewed major foreign policy outcomes. It stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic promises failed to deliver results. Symbolic gestures and personal outreach did not translate into lasting gains. The newspaper stressed that real power comes from economic strength and military influence.
According to the report, India made commitments it could not fully support. These promises were made to both domestic audiences and international partners. The lack of influence reduced India’s ability to shape outcomes. This gap became visible across several key relationships.
The relationship with the United States was highlighted as a major concern. The report called 2025 the hardest year for US-India ties in decades. The US imposed 25 percent tariffs on certain Indian goods. It also tightened sanctions on Russian oil purchases. Restrictions on H-1B visas further strained ties.
The United States also reduced India’s role in its security planning. Compared to 2017, India held less strategic importance. This shift underlined India’s limited leverage. The report cited this as a clear sign of Diplomatic Challenges.
Relations with China and Russia also showed little progress. Despite several high-level meetings, border tensions remained unresolved. There was no major security improvement along the Line of Actual Control. Investment barriers also continued to affect cooperation.
Under pressure from Washington, India stepped back from its Russian oil policy. The report said this retreat showed weak negotiating power. It added that India struggled to balance competing global interests.
The Pulwama attack was described as another serious failure. Military actions that followed did not gain international backing. India failed to build strong diplomatic support after the incident. Aircraft losses during Operation Sindoor further harmed its image.
The report also noted regional concerns. Relations with Bangladesh worsened during the year. A defense agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan added to India’s worries. These developments increased India’s Diplomatic Challenges.
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The newspaper warned that India’s global narrative needs review. It said diplomacy based on optics cannot replace real outcomes. The report urged a move toward practical and result-focused foreign policy decisions.
