New Delhi: Mounting criticism over the Modi government’s foreign policy setbacks is fast becoming a major challenge for the ruling BJP as the opposition intensifies its attack in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent refusal to convene a special session of Parliament to discuss the security lapses.
Opposition parties have accused the Centre of gross negligence and failure on multiple diplomatic fronts, pointing to the lack of tangible outcomes from the recent international outreach efforts. The much-publicized all-party delegation, which visited 33 countries with the aim of rallying global support against Pakistan’s alleged role in cross-border terrorism, has failed to secure any concrete assurances or international consensus to isolate Islamabad.
Adding to the diplomatic embarrassment, Pakistan’s recent nomination as co-chair of the United Nations Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee has been viewed as a serious blow to India’s long-standing efforts to highlight Pakistan’s role in sheltering terror networks. Critics argue this development severely undermines the credibility of New Delhi’s global counter-terrorism narrative.
Making matters more complex, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed claims that he was instrumental in brokering the ceasefire between India and Pakistan — during what he called a “tense standoff” — and his mention of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s support have cast a shadow on the perceived autonomy of India’s foreign engagements. Trump’s remarks have reignited concerns over India’s increasing reliance on major powers and its shrinking diplomatic space on critical security matters.
Top diplomatic and security experts are alarmed by what they describe as the weakening of India’s strategic posture. “India’s inability to prevent Pakistan’s elevation in UN bodies, despite intense lobbying, shows a clear gap between intention and execution in foreign policy,” said a former Indian ambassador on condition of anonymity.
Former External Affairs Minister and vocal critic of the Modi government’s foreign and economic policy, Dr. K.C. Menon, did not mince words. “There is a serious trust deficit building around India’s global credibility. If this continues, I doubt the Modi government will complete its third term without facing major domestic and international repercussions,” he said.
The government, however, has maintained a stoic silence on these allegations, with top sources insisting that “a longer-term diplomatic strategy is in place” and that “transient developments do not reflect India’s actual global standing.”
Meanwhile, the opposition INDIA bloc is preparing to launch a nationwide campaign targeting the Modi government’s handling of both domestic security and foreign diplomacy. Senior leaders have called for accountability, demanding transparency on international negotiations and clarity on the government’s plans to address the deteriorating security environment in Jammu & Kashmir.
With Parliament’s monsoon session approaching, the stage is set for a fierce political confrontation. What remains to be seen is whether the Modi government can reclaim the narrative—or whether it will be forced to reckon with growing domestic and global unease over its foreign policy trajectory.
(Writer is Senior Journalist and Political Commentator)
