Major Diplomatic Setback for India: Congress’ Jairam Ramesh Slams Modi Government’s Foreign Policy

India’s diplomacy is once again in the spotlight following sharp criticism by senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, who claimed that the country has suffered three major diplomatic setbacks at the hands of the United States. In a strongly worded statement, Ramesh pointed fingers at the Modi government’s foreign policy, calling it “short-sighted and driven by photo opportunities rather than long-term strategy.”

This critique has sparked a renewed debate on the effectiveness and direction of India’s diplomacy on the global stage.

Jairam Ramesh Highlights Failures in India’s Diplomacy

In a detailed media briefing, Jairam Ramesh, who serves as Congress’ General Secretary in charge of Communications, highlighted three specific instances where, according to him, India’s diplomacy failed to secure the nation’s strategic interests in its dealings with the United States.

Ramesh argued that despite the Modi government’s attempts to project strong bilateral ties with the U.S., recent developments reveal a different reality. “India’s diplomacy has suffered severely, and this cannot be covered up by PR campaigns or international handshakes,” he said.

Three Major Diplomatic Setbacks Outlined by Congress

While not delving into exact classified details, Ramesh indicated that the setbacks involved critical issues of national importance, including:

1. Strategic Defense Cooperation: He claimed that New Delhi’s push for advanced defense collaboration has not yielded expected results, despite heavy investments and high-profile meetings between leaders.
2. Trade Negotiations Breakdown: Talks on key trade deals have reportedly hit a dead end, with India allegedly receiving less favorable terms and concessions from the U.S., affecting domestic industries.
3. Technology and Visa Policy Concerns: Issues around technology transfer and stricter U.S. visa policies for Indian professionals were also highlighted as areas where India’s diplomacy had underperformed.

Each of these, Ramesh argued, reflects a larger trend of India losing leverage on global platforms.

India’s Diplomacy Questioned Amid Shifting Global Dynamics

The Congress party’s criticism comes at a time when India is navigating an increasingly complex global order. While the government continues to project India as a rising power with global influence, opposition leaders have started questioning whether India’s diplomacy is aligned with its long-term national interest.

Jairam Ramesh’s remarks echo growing concern that India’s diplomacy, though aggressive in form, may be faltering in substance.

Ruling BJP Defends Its Record on India’s Diplomacy

In response to the criticism, BJP leaders have defended the government’s foreign policy, citing several international recognitions and deepening partnerships with major global powers, including the U.S. A senior BJP spokesperson dismissed Ramesh’s comments as “politically motivated and factually incorrect,” maintaining that India’s diplomacy has never been stronger.

However, the opposition insists that India’s diplomacy is more concerned with appearances than outcomes.

Experts Call for Strategic Reset in India’s Diplomacy

Foreign policy analysts have weighed in on the debate, with some agreeing that India’s diplomacy needs recalibration. “The focus should be on strengthening multilateral ties and strategic autonomy rather than seeking validation from Western powers,” said an international relations expert based in Delhi.

Others believe that India’s diplomacy is in a transitional phase and must be evaluated over the long term.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for India’s Diplomacy?

As the war of words continues, the spotlight remains on India’s diplomacy and whether it is serving the country’s broader interests effectively. Jairam Ramesh’s comments, though politically charged, raise essential questions about how India positions itself globally and navigates partnerships with world powers like the United States.

With the global order becoming more unpredictable, this might be the time for policymakers to take a hard look at where India’s diplomacy stands—and where it needs to go.