10-SEP-2025, 01:00PM Senior journalist, author, and former Union Minister MJ Akbar has sparked debate by linking former U.S. President Donald Trump’s changing stance towards India with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swadeshi-driven foreign policy. According to MJ Akbar, Trump’s mood swings regarding India highlight the growing impact of Modi’s diplomatic approach, which focuses on national self-reliance, global respect, and strategic independence. His comments underline how India’s foreign policy under Modi has not only shaped domestic confidence but also forced global leaders to recalibrate their perspectives.
MJ Akbar: On Modi’s Swadeshi Diplomacy
MJ Akbar: Reaffirming India’s Independent Stance
MJ Akbar emphasized that Modi’s foreign policy is not about appeasement but about protecting India’s core interests. By pursuing “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) in both economic and strategic arenas, India has emerged as a strong global player. Akbar said that Trump’s shifting tone—alternating between praise for Modi and criticism of India’s trade policies—reflects India’s firm refusal to compromise on sovereignty.
MJ Akbar: India’s Newfound Global Assertiveness
According to MJ Akbar, India’s position in the world has undergone a transformation. From being seen as a developing nation dependent on foreign powers, India is now recognised as a key global influencer. Modi’s swadeshi-driven outlook has allowed the country to project strength on international platforms such as the G20, BRICS, and the UN.
Trump’s Mood Swings as a Diplomatic Signal
From Praise to Criticism
Donald Trump has often shifted his tone when speaking about India. On several occasions, he praised Modi as a “great leader” and described India as a natural ally of the United States. Yet, at times, he also complained about trade imbalances and defence deals. MJ Akbar interprets this as a signal of India’s firm negotiation stance—one that does not bow down to pressure even from powerful nations.
The Modi Factor in U.S.-India Relations
According to MJ Akbar, the fluctuating nature of Trump’s comments also demonstrates how central Modi has become to India’s global image. By personalizing diplomacy, Modi has ensured that India is not seen as just another nation but as a decisive voice in international affairs.
MJ Akbar Highlights Swadeshi as a Strength
Self-Reliance in Global Diplomacy
For MJ Akbar, the swadeshi approach is not just about economic policies but also about diplomatic resilience. He believes Modi’s foreign policy draws heavily from India’s civilizational ethos, which values independence, self-respect, and long-term vision.
Shaping International Perceptions
Akbar noted that India’s refusal to take sides blindly in global conflicts—whether in the Russia-Ukraine crisis or in Middle East diplomacy—reflects its ability to chart its own course. This, he said, has forced world powers like the U.S. to constantly adjust their stance toward India, much like Trump did during his tenure.
Wider Implications of MJ Akbar’s Remarks
India’s Rising Influence
By connecting Trump’s mood swings to Modi’s policy, MJ Akbar pointed to a larger reality: India is no longer a passive observer in global politics but an active shaper of world order. Its ability to withstand external pressure while protecting its national interest has earned global recognition.
A Message for Domestic and Global Audiences
Akbar’s comments also serve as a message to both Indian citizens and the international community. Domestically, it reinforces the idea that Modi’s policies are strengthening India’s global standing. Internationally, it signals that India expects mutual respect and fair treatment from its allies and competitors alike.
India’s Strategic Autonomy in Global Affairs
Balancing Relations With Major Powers
India’s growing diplomatic confidence is also reflected in its ability to maintain relationships with multiple major powers while protecting its own strategic interests. Rather than depending entirely on one global partner, India has increasingly pursued a balanced approach that allows it to cooperate with different countries according to its economic, security, and national priorities.
This approach has become particularly important as global politics becomes more complicated. Competition between major powers, changing trade relationships, regional conflicts, and economic uncertainties have created new challenges for countries seeking to maintain independent foreign policies.
Focus on National Interests
The concept of self-reliance has gradually expanded beyond domestic manufacturing and economic development. It also relates to India’s broader objective of strengthening its ability to make independent decisions on international issues.
India’s participation in organisations and forums such as the G20, BRICS, and the United Nations provides opportunities to present its views on global economic growth, development, security, climate change, and international cooperation.
The country’s diplomatic strategy also involves protecting access to energy, technology, defence equipment, and international markets while encouraging domestic capabilities in critical sectors.
Future of India-U.S. Relations
The relationship between India and the United States is expected to remain strategically important despite occasional disagreements over trade, tariffs, defence cooperation, and other policy matters. Both countries have significant economic and security interests that encourage continued engagement.
The changing tone of American political leaders toward India therefore needs to be understood within this wider relationship. Differences between governments do not necessarily indicate a breakdown in bilateral ties.
For India, the broader objective remains maintaining strong international partnerships without
compromising its ability to independently determine policies. This balance between cooperation and strategic autonomy is likely to remain an important feature of Indian diplomacy in the years ahead.
while strengthening India’s position as a confident and independent global power.
Conclusion
The remarks by MJ Akbar linking Donald Trump’s fluctuating stance towards India with Modi’s swadeshi foreign policy reflect a deeper truth about India’s evolving diplomatic identity. Under Modi, India has moved away from dependency and towards a confident, self-reliant global presence. Trump’s mood swings, as Akbar suggests, are not signs of instability but evidence of India’s growing weight in world politics. By adopting swadeshi as a guiding principle, India has ensured that it remains independent, respected, and influential on the global stage.
In Akbar’s view, the message is clear: India’s foreign policy today is not reactive but proactive, forcing even world leaders like Donald Trump to take note. For citizens, it is a reminder that the swadeshi spirit is not confined to economic policies but extends into the very heart of India’s global diplomacy.
Source: ANI
