Since mid-2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on an extensive global diplomatic campaign aimed at diversifying India’s international partnerships amid shifting geopolitical and economic landscapes, particularly following the unpredictable policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Modi has visited at least 20 countries over the past year, including France, New Zealand, Malaysia, Slovakia, Italy, and, most recently, Uzbekistan where he is scheduled to begin a visit this week. His itinerary also includes participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kyrgyzstan, where he is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. These engagements reflect a broad strategy to secure economic and security cooperation across multiple regions as India seeks to reduce its reliance on any single partner.
The impetus behind Modi’s concerted outreach stems from the complex challenges posed by Trump’s administration, which imposed steep tariffs globally and singled out India for additional duties, particularly for its continued purchase of Russian oil. These actions strained the previously close personal rapport Modi had with Trump during his first term, and prompted India to accelerate efforts to cultivate new alliances and strengthen existing ones with countries like Japan, Australia, and various European nations.
Specific outcomes of Modi’s recent diplomatic efforts include several targeted agreements. India and France have deepened collaboration on artificial intelligence and governance, while aiming to double bilateral trade within five years. Norway has renewed its commitment to supporting job creation in India, pledging to facilitate one million positions through a partnership aligned with the European Free Trade Association. South Korea has promised investments and shipbuilding expertise, aiding India’s aspiration to rank among the top five global shipbuilders by 2047. A high-level visit to New Zealand focused on maritime security and trade growth, building on existing defense accords.
One of the most significant milestones was the signing of a free trade agreement between India and the European Union in January 2026, concluding almost two decades of negotiations accelerated by the turbulent global environment. The accord, described by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as the "mother of all deals," entails mutual reductions in tariffs on key products such as European cars and wine, marking a notable shift away from India’s historically protectionist trade stance. Similarly, a 2025 trade deal with the United Kingdom saw reciprocal tariff cuts, benefiting sectors including garments and alcoholic beverages.
Underlying these accords is India’s strategic objective to build resilient economic corridors that can withstand future geopolitical shocks. The focus areas include defense technology acquisition, regional security cooperation, diversified energy imports, critical mineral sourcing, artificial intelligence development, and facilitating education and work opportunities abroad.
Experts point to the current ambiguity in the India-U.S. relationship, with some describing it as lacking clear strategic direction. Chidigit Bajpayee of Chatham House noted that Modi’s recent interaction with Trump resembled a casual meeting rather than a substantive diplomatic engagement. In the absence of a steadfast U.S. alliance, India appears to be pursuing a balancing act, engaging with a spectrum of middle powers such as Canada and Japan, while managing ties with both the United States and China.
Despite this pragmatic balancing, Modi continues to leverage personal diplomacy to cultivate goodwill. An example occurred during a meeting with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, when he gifted her a bag of Melody toffees, a popular Indian candy—a gesture that resonated symbolically back home. This blend of calculated economic diplomacy and personal outreach underscores India’s multifaceted approach as it navigates a reconfigured world order.