Renowned Indian newspaper The Hindu has described 2025 as a year of significant setbacks and failures for India’s foreign policy. According to the report, the country’s diplomatic efforts, symbolic gestures, personal relationships, and narrative-building could not substitute for genuine economic, military, and diplomatic power.
The Hindu highlighted that India over-promised not only to itself but also to international partners, without possessing the influence or capabilities to fulfill these commitments.
The newspaper termed 2025 as one of the most challenging years for India this century, citing issues such as a 25% increase in tariffs, additional sanctions on Russian oil, and restrictions on H-1B visas. Compared to 2017, India’s role in the 2025 US National Security Strategy was significantly limited.
Despite high-level engagements with China and Russia, the report noted that no tangible security progress was achieved along the Line of Actual Control. Under US pressure, India also had to retreat from its earlier stance on Russian oil imports.
The Hindu labeled the Pulagam false-flag operation a severe security failure, highlighting that India’s subsequent military actions did not receive global diplomatic support. Silence over aircraft losses following the operations also harmed India’s credibility. Moreover, the announcement of a mutual defense pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan was seen as an additional setback for New Delhi.
Indian analysts have reportedly begun viewing Pakistan’s leadership as “disciplined and strategically capable,” while relations with Bangladesh have reached historically tense levels.
The report concluded that India’s tendency to blame others remains the greatest obstacle to reform and realistic policy-making.