As the Modi government completes eight years in office, its diplomatic achievements must be appreciated against a volatile and uncertain world. It has addressed long-standing issues effectively while responding to emerging challenges. And all this while harnessing diplomacy more for development at home and for meeting the expectations of ordinary citizens.

A greater clarity is evident in India’s foreign policy thinking since 2014. A generous and non-reciprocal engagement underpins a Neighbourhood First approach. On the ground, it is realised through road, rail, power and energy projects, broader contacts and as a first responder during distress. That project delivery has vastly improved on PM Modi’s watch is key. The extended neighbourhood has seen an Act East policy, a SAGAR doctrine, a Gulf engagement and a Central Asia initiative. Stronger commitment to Africa and the Global South is similarly visible in health, education, digital and green growth.

New challenges emerged in recent years, notably a changed Chinese posture, a different Afghan dispensation, a continuing conflict in Ukraine, and a ‘once in a century’ pandemic. They have impacted our national, energy, food and health security. In each case, the government has responded with determination, imagination and effectiveness. National interest alone has been the yardstick for decision-making.

Resolute in its stance against both conventional and non-conventional threats, the government has ensured continuing access to multiple technology providers. It has maintained good ties with major power centres simultaneously. India has come out stronger as a result with international understanding for its core concerns. Delegitimisation of terrorism has been paralleled by stronger collaboration with global partners in that domain. India’s diplomatic energies are more visible including at the highest level. The resulting dexterity has created many formats of engagement, including 2+2 meetings, trilateral mechanisms and two quadrilateral groupings.

With a growing deficit in global goods, the government has harmonised national interest with stronger international contributions. It shaped the world’s debate on connectivity initiatives. It has since encouraged trust and transparency in the digital domain. Its role in the Paris and Glasgow COP Summits was substantial, making a case for both climate action and climate justice. India-led initiatives on International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure have really taken off. Activism on illegal fishing, marine environment and maritime security are pronounced. India’s own pursuit of sustainable development goals is reflected abroad in its partnerships.

Non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council has highlighted India’s contribution at the multilateral level. Its credibility as a voice of the Global South has grown on issues of development and sustainability. Entry into regimes dealing with missile technology, chemicals and conventional arms reinforces our support for a rules-based order. So does the adherence to and support for international law, especially UNCLOS.

The pandemic saw India emerge as the pharmacy of the world. Supply of medicines and vaccines, particularly to the Global South, earned enormous goodwill. The pandemic has also raised questions about the efficacy of centralised globalisation. India is a crucial player in the resulting diversification that emphasises resilient and reliable supply chains. Its FTA negotiations and the participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework reflect this trend.

Even as it grappled with these complications, the government was meeting the rising aspirations and expectations of its citizens at home. It envisages the world both as a global marketplace as well as a workplace. Its goal of Make in India and make for the world has prioritised exports. Its diplomacy for development similarly puts greater premium on attracting technology, capital and best practices. Its espousal of mobility and migration agreements reflects a commitment to leveraging India’s talent pool.

Foreign partnerships that accelerate India’s modernisation and growth are at the centre of its diplomatic agenda. Progress has been made to create infrastructure, enhance urbanisation, increase agricultural output and access, upgrade industry and clean up the environment.

Projecting India on the global stage has also gathered momentum. The International Day of Yoga is now celebrated globally. The spread of Ayurveda is manifest. As the world debates the relevance of values, the Modi government draws on its record to prove that democracies can deliver.

India’s image is burnished by a talented diaspora now more emotionally invested in its motherland. This bonding has grown with an Indian leadership that recognises their value.

All Indians – students, workers, professionals, seafarers or even tourists –are confident now that we have their back when they go abroad. Operation Ganga is the latest example, just as Vande Bharat Mission is the largest.

Travelling abroad has gotten easier for everyone. Obtaining a passport is faster, corruption-free and more convenient. A welfare fund responds to deserving Indians in distress.

All these changes have happened because PM Modi has led from the front. In a polarised world, we have maintained our independence. In a pandemic world, we have been a source of relief. In an opaque and volatile world, we have been transparent and resilient. In addressing global challenges, we are a force for good.

PM Modi shapes the world’s perception of a New India – confident, creative, caring and contributive.