Four years ago, a Dalit man in Mirzapur district expressed his support for the BJP, citing the government's efforts to boost India's international standing. The author reflects on the real and perceived impact of the Modi government's foreign policy.
The BJP's campaign machinery has successfully cultivated positive sentiment around India's foreign policy prowess, portraying the country as muscular against Pakistan, benevolent towards smaller neighbours, and more equal than richer countries.
However, the author argues that India has made errors of omission and commission, including failing to rein in its ally Shaikh Hasina and visiting Israel days before it launched a war on Iran.
The article identifies three major factors contributing to India's international standing: a miscalculated leap of faith in foreign relations, the importance of making offers that cannot be refused, and the need for collective toil rather than outsourced Caesarism.
The author concludes that India's enhanced international standing is a placebo rather than an effective drug, and that the country needs to prioritize self-sufficiency and national interest over short-term economic gains.
The article ends with a reflection on the importance of political messaging and leadership in shaping India's international standing.
