Modi failure in foreign trip in last one year

 Modi failure in foreign trip in last one year

Evaluating the "failures" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign trips over the last year (July 2024–July 2025) requires a balanced look at outcomes, expectations, and criticisms. While Modi's foreign policy has been lauded by supporters for elevating India's global profile, critics argue that some trips have yielded limited tangible results or failed to address pressing geopolitical challenges. Below is an analysis based on available information, focusing on specific trips and their perceived shortcomings, while acknowledging successes where applicable.

Context of Modi's Foreign Trips (July 2024–July 2025)

According to available data, Modi made several international visits in 2024, with some continuing into 2025. As of July 2025, he has undertaken 90 international trips since 2014, visiting 76 countries. In 2024 alone, he made at least 14 international trips, targeting regions like the Middle East, Eastern Europe, South America, Africa, and Russia to strengthen trade, defense, and diplomatic ties. However, specific criticisms have emerged regarding the effectiveness of these visits, particularly in light of recent geopolitical events.

Key Criticisms of Modi's Foreign Trips in the Last Year

Lack of Global Support During India-Pakistan Tensions (Operation Sindoor and Pahalgam Attack):

Criticism: Posts on X and some media reports highlight a perceived failure in Modi's foreign policy, particularly after the Pahalgam attack and India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor in 2025. Critics, including Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, argue that despite Modi's extensive travels (151 trips to 72 countries over 11 years), India failed to garner unequivocal international support against Pakistan's alleged support for terrorism. For instance, Kharge pointed out that no major nation backed India post-Operation Sindoor, and the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) mentioned Balochistan instead of condemning the Pahalgam attack. Additionally, U.S. President Trump's claim of brokering a ceasefire was seen as undermining India's stance, with Kharge questioning the transparency and effectiveness of Modi's diplomacy.

Context: The lack of global backing could stem from complex geopolitical dynamics, including the U.S.'s neutral stance in South Asian conflicts and Pakistan's strategic ties with China and other SCO members. Critics argue Modi's trips did not translate into diplomatic leverage during this crisis.

Strained Relations with Neighbors:

Criticism: Some X posts and analyses suggest Modi's foreign policy has damaged ties with neighboring countries like Bangladesh, China, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives. This is seen as a failure of his "Neighbourhood First" policy, with critics arguing that his focus on global summits and photo opportunities has neglected regional diplomacy. For example, tensions with Bangladesh and the Maldives have been attributed to domestic policies and perceived interference, while China-India relations remain strained post the 2020 Galwan clash.

Context: While Modi has prioritized regional engagement (e.g., visits to Bhutan and Nepal), longstanding issues like border disputes with China and political changes in neighboring countries complicate outcomes, not solely attributable to his trips.

Limited Tangible Outcomes from High-Profile Visits:

Criticism: Some of Modi's 2024 trips, such as those to the G7 summit and other multilateral events, have been criticized as yielding more "photo ops" than substantive gains. For instance, a post on X claimed Modi's G7 trip in 2025 resulted in "no real gains" and highlighted a lack of global support for India on critical issues. Similarly, while Modi's visits to Russia (July and October 2024) aimed to deepen trade and defense ties, critics argue they did not significantly counterbalance China's influence in the region or secure firm commitments amid the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Context: Multilateral summits often prioritize dialogue over immediate outcomes, and Modi's visits to Russia did result in discussions on defense manufacturing and energy cooperation. However, the absence of high-profile breakthroughs can fuel perceptions of failure.

Domestic Criticism Over Prioritization:

Criticism: Modi's 14 international trips between May 2023 and April 2024 were contrasted with his absence from Manipur during its ongoing ethnic violence. Critics argue that his focus on foreign trips over domestic crises reflects misplaced priorities. Additionally, the cost of these trips (e.g., ₹517.82 crore spent from 2015–2020) has been a point of contention, with opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi questioning their value when domestic issues like farmer distress remain unaddressed.

Context: While foreign trips are essential for diplomacy, the optics of frequent travel during domestic crises can amplify criticism, especially when tangible benefits are not immediately visible.

Notable Trips in 2024 and Their Outcomes

To assess "failures," it’s worth examining key 2024 trips and their reported outcomes:

UAE and Qatar (February 2024): Modi aimed to strengthen trade, energy, and security ties. Agreements were signed, but critics argue these did not translate into significant economic gains or address regional tensions (e.g., Qatar’s role in Middle East geopolitics).

Russia (July and October 2024): Modi met Putin to enhance defense and energy cooperation. While the visits reaffirmed India-Russia ties, critics note they did not secure India’s position in the Ukraine-Russia conflict or counter China’s growing influence.

Ukraine (August 2024): Modi’s visit, the first by an Indian PM in over 30 years, focused on peace advocacy amid the Russia-Ukraine war. While symbolically significant, critics argue it lacked concrete outcomes, such as influencing a resolution or securing reconstruction commitments.

Brazil and Guyana (2024): These visits aimed to boost India’s presence in South America and Africa through climate, technology, and economic cooperation. However, critics claim the economic impact remains limited compared to the diplomatic effort.

Counterpoints: Achievements of Modi's Trips

While criticisms exist, Modi’s trips have had successes:

Economic Gains: Foreign direct investment (FDI) increased by 50% in Modi’s first term ($193 billion), partly attributed to his global outreach. Deals like Saudi Aramco’s investment in India’s largest oil refinery and energy agreements with the U.S. and UAE were facilitated through his visits.

Strategic Partnerships: Modi’s visits to Israel, Japan, and Russia secured defense deals (e.g., Rafale jets from France, bullet train with Japan) and technology transfers, though some, like the Rafale deal, faced domestic scrutiny.

Global Profile: Modi’s addresses at forums like the UN General Assembly and World Economic Forum enhanced India’s image as a rising power.

Why Some Trips Are Perceived as Failures

High Expectations: Modi’s high-profile diplomacy raises expectations for transformative outcomes, making incremental gains seem underwhelming.

Geopolitical Complexity: Issues like India-Pakistan tensions or China’s regional influence are deeply entrenched, and no single trip can resolve them.

Domestic Political Lens: Opposition parties leverage Modi’s frequent travels to highlight domestic neglect, amplifying perceptions of failure.

Media and Social Media Narratives: Posts on X often frame Modi’s trips as costly or ineffective, reflecting polarized sentiments rather than objective outcomes.

Conclusion

While Modi’s foreign trips in the last year have been criticized for failing to secure global support during crises (e.g., Operation Sindoor), neglecting neighbors, or prioritizing optics over substance, these must be weighed against achievements like strengthened bilateral ties and economic agreements. The lack of international backing in specific instances, like the Pahalgam attack response, highlights challenges in India’s global positioning, but attributing this solely to Modi’s trips oversimplifies complex geopolitical realities. Domestic criticism and social media narratives further shape perceptions of failure, though tangible outcomes like FDI and defense deals suggest a mixed record rather than outright failure.

If you’d like a deeper analysis of a specific trip or issue, or a chart comparing Modi’s trips to those of past PMs, let me know!