India Foreign Policy
India's diplomacy budget falls short of what a world on fire demands
The MEA's allocation has grown nearly 50 per cent in a decade, but its slice of the Union Budget has slid even as global turbulence mounts
 "India's diplomacy budget falls short of what a world on fire demands")
Strategic hedging in a turbulent world
The several forums that India participates in provide useful opportunities for meetings among leaders of countries which may have difficult or tense relations for one reason or another
 "Strategic hedging in a turbulent world")
De-hyphenate thy neighbour
India is caught in a trap of its own making. While the BJP may find it convenient to play on insecurities, it gives Pakistan and Bangladesh leverage in our politics
 "De-hyphenate thy neighbour")
'Strategic autonomy' amid the Hormuz crisis
India must recognise that maritime capability alone cannot resolve its energy vulnerability
 "'Strategic autonomy' amid the Hormuz crisis")
India's stature in South Asia
India is holding its own for now, but the pressures on its regional stature are substantial
 "India's stature in South Asia")
The shrinking space for diplomacy
Diplomacy is outward-oriented; its target is a foreign state, not one's domestic audience
 "The shrinking space for diplomacy")
Familiar optimism over 'Chindia' overlooks a changed China reality
Shastri Ramachandran's book revives the optimism of the 2010s, when every India-China engagement was seen as a breakthrough
 "Familiar optimism over 'Chindia' overlooks a changed China reality")
Act East: Ocean diplomacy at centre of PM Narendra Modi's 3-nation tour
Modi's visit to Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand is likely to boost trade, defence and maritime security ties
 "Act East: Ocean diplomacy at centre of PM Narendra Modi's 3-nation tour")
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri gets one-year extension till July 2027
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri was given a one-year extension on Wednesday, till July 14 next year. Widely regarded as an expert on China, Misri was appointed to the post in June 2024. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the extension for a period of one year beyond July 14, 2026, that is, up to July 14, 2027, under the provisions of Fundamental Rule 56(d). The rule has a provision for extension in service for the defence secretary, foreign secretary, home secretary, director of the Intelligence Bureau, secretary of Research and Analysis Wing, and a few others beyond the age of retirement of 60 years. Career diplomat Misri, a 1989-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, was working as the Deputy National Security Adviser (Dy NSA) before his appointment as the foreign secretary. He has the rare distinction of serving as private secretary to three prime ministers -- Inder Kumar Gujral, Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi. Before he was appointed as the deputy NSA, Mis
 "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri gets one-year extension till July 2027")
Neighbourhood-first policy boosts India's regional outreach efforts
From energy assistance and economic packages to sustained diplomatic engagement, India has stepped up efforts to strengthen ties with neighbouring countries amid evolving regional challenges
 "Neighbourhood-first policy boosts India's regional outreach efforts")
The rise of transactionalism and how middle powers might reverse it
A coalition of middle powers, similar to the NAM, may be the only viable path to reviving collective action on global challenges
 "The rise of transactionalism and how middle powers might reverse it")
Navel-gazing, in national interest: India balances both sides in war
It's easy to understand why the government can't speak the hard truth. When this war ends, as all wars do, India's interests will lie with both the winner and the loser
 "Navel-gazing, in national interest: India balances both sides in war")
India's strategy for subcontinental security
First, in terms of its ideational outlook, India will need to position itself as a stronger regional net security provider
 "India's strategy for subcontinental security")
Dear Narendrabhai, can you again restore strategic stability to our east?
By next weekend, Bangladesh will have an elected government. This is India's moment to reboot broken ties by moderating the 'ghuspethiya' rhetoric in poll-bound West Bengal and Assam
 "Dear Narendrabhai, can you again restore strategic stability to our east?")
New tariff threat: Additional duties on exports will raise risks for India
Rising US tariff threats over Russia ties are straining India's trade outlook, putting exports, investment flows and economic stability at fresh risk
 "New tariff threat: Additional duties on exports will raise risks for India")
Elections and diplomacy set to shape New Delhi's packed 2026 calendar
As India enters a busy election year in 2026, Archis Mohan explains how domestic politics and foreign engagement will intersect
 "Elections and diplomacy set to shape New Delhi's packed 2026 calendar")
Politics@2025: Fault lines & turning points, the moments that shaped India
From terror and unrest to diplomacy, power shifts and ideological milestones, the moments that shaped India this year
 "Politics@2025: Fault lines & turning points, the moments that shaped India")
Foreign policy needs clarity, choices and a game plan: EAM Jaishankar
Jaishankar said that foreign policy cannot be driven by ambiguity or hesitation, underlining the importance of aligning India's interests with long-term strategic thinking
 "Foreign policy needs clarity, choices and a game plan: EAM Jaishankar")
Rahul alleges govt blocks his foreign meetings; BJP calls claim 'lie'
Ahead of Putin's arrival, Rahul Gandhi claimed the government discourages foreign leaders from meeting him - a charge the BJP rejected as false and politically motivated
 "Rahul alleges govt blocks his foreign meetings; BJP calls claim 'lie'")
India is 'not a tool in anyone's hands'
India's former Foreign Secretary, Kanwal Sibal, tells Blueprint why the commonly stated idea of the United States (US) seeing India as a bulwark against China does not reflect India's priorities.
 "India is 'not a tool in anyone's hands'")