Manmohan Singh’s foreign policy: A legacy of strategic triumphs and diplomatic challenges

Manmohan Singh, India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, is often remembered for his quiet, understated leadership style. While his economic legacy is well-known, his foreign policy efforts also left a significant mark. Singh’s tenure was a mix of major successes that elevated India’s global standing and some notable missteps, especially with neighboring countries.

One of Singh’s most celebrated accomplishments was the landmark India-US nuclear deal, signed in 2008. This agreement ended India’s decades-long nuclear isolation, allowing India access to civilian nuclear technology and fuel for the first time since its 1974 nuclear tests. The deal wasn’t just about energy; it reshaped India’s relationships with major powers, particularly the United States, and laid the foundation for deeper defense and trade ties. Moreover, the agreement positioned India as a responsible nuclear power, boosting its global credibility.

During Singh’s tenure, significant changes took place in South Asia, and India played an active role in shaping some of them. Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives moved toward democracy during this period, and India supported these transitions, particularly in Nepal, where Singh’s government facilitated a peace process that ended years of civil war. Relations with Bangladesh also improved significantly after Sheikh Hasina came to power in 2009. Singh’s government worked closely with Hasina’s administration to tackle cross-border militancy and strengthen trade ties. Although unresolved issues like the Teesta water-sharing agreement lingered, the overall trajectory of India-Bangladesh relations was positive.

Manmohan Singh’s era also saw the blossoming of India-Japan relations. In 2007, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe proposed the idea of the Quad during his visit to India. Singh’s government signed a strategic partnership agreement and a free trade pact with Japan, setting the stage for stronger defense and economic cooperation in the years to come.

However, Singh’s foreign policy was not without its challenges. The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks were one of the darkest chapters in modern Indian history. The attacks, carried out by Pakistani terrorists, demanded a strong response. However, Singh’s government chose not to retaliate militarily, focusing instead on diplomatic pressure and international condemnation of Pakistan. While this approach avoided escalation, many saw it as a sign of weakness. The decision to engage in talks with Pakistan just months after the attack, at the 2009 Sharm El-Sheikh summit, attracted widespread criticism. Despite Singh’s efforts to isolate Pakistan diplomatically, cross-border terrorism continued unabated.

Despite the nuclear deal’s success, the second half of Singh’s tenure saw relations with the United States cool. India’s 2010 nuclear liability law discouraged American companies from participating in India’s nuclear energy sector, disappointing the US government and businesses. Corruption scandals and slowing economic growth during UPA’s second term further dampened enthusiasm among American investors. Additionally, incidents like the 2013 Devyani Khobragade controversy, in which an Indian diplomat was strip-searched in the US, became diplomatic flashpoints.

The legacy of Manmohan Singh’s foreign policy is one of contradictions. His accomplishments, such as the nuclear agreement between India and the US and the development of stronger relations with Bangladesh and Japan, demonstrated his capacity for long-term planning and raised India’s stature internationally. However, his administration faced criticism for being indecisive due to its cautious approach to security issues, especially involving China and Pakistan. Singh leaves behind a genuine – if mixed – legacy on foreign affairs.