When the story of Harish Rana captured the collective prayers of an entire nation, people paused, empathised, and watched the Supreme Court judgement unfold as it passed a historic decision allowing passive euthanasia for Rana, who was in a vegetative state for over 13 years
Oil prices rose above $110 (£82.78) a barrel after Iranian media reported an airstrike hitting a facility on the world's largest natural gas field. The Brent crude oil benchmark hit $112 a barrel in early Thursday trade in Asia, more than 5% higher than Tuesday's prices
US Vice President JD Vance and Energy Secretary Chris Wright will meet with oil industry leaders. The administration plans to announce measures to lower gas prices. These include releasing oil from emergency reserves and easing shipping regulations
Milk has long been a cornerstone of Indian diets, simple, familiar, and deeply rooted in tradition. But in urban India, that narrative is rapidly evolving. Today’s consumers are no longer satisfied with just a glass of milk; they are seeking products that align with their fast-paced lifestyles
On March 14, the Narendra Modi government announced that it had decided to end Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s detention under the National Security Act – nearly six months after his arrest. The Union home ministry is not known to have made such a concession for any detainee held
Explained | How New Delhi navigated wars, tariffs and global churn
Explained | How New Delhi navigated wars, tariffs and global churn — Yearender 2025
With aggressive US trade tariffs and geopolitical uncertainities in the neighbourhood and the West Asia, New Delhi navigated a period of intense volatility in 2025 – the year that is about to end.
Under these circumstances, the year turned out to be a test of New Delhi's ability to balance strategic autonomy with rising expectations of leadership on the global stage.
India's foreign policy in 2025 reflected caution, flexibility and calculated engagement, as New Delhi managed neighbourhood instability, navigated tariff disputes and strengthened ties with major powers.
Here is a break up of how India fared on foreign policy in 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended the year with a three-nation tour to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman earlier this month. The visit was in line with New Delhi's bid to consolidate India's strategic footprint in West Asia and the Horn of Africa.
‘Carefully calibrated outreach'
Apart from foreign trips, a carefully calibrated outreach to Afghanistan and a notable reset in ties with Canada stood out as India's key diplomatic gains.As for neighbourhood, 2025 ended with a dip in India-Bangladesh relations, months after military confrontation with Pakistan in the aftermath of Pahalgam terror attack. India is on way to improve ties with China, a major neigbour.
Globally, Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Gaza conflict and the efforts to end it added to the volatility of global order.
Trade, Tariffs and Economic Diplomacy
US imposed steep tariffs of up to 50 per cent on India. New Delhi stood its ground and intensified efforts to fast-track free trade agreements with other countries.While negotiations are underway for India-US trade deal, New Delhi went ahead with key free trade agreements with other nations - the UK, the European Free Trade Association or EFTA and the latest one with New Zealand.
Experts pointed put how New Delhi prioritised diversifying export markets, advancing negotiations with the European Union, and deepening economic engagement with partners in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
New Delhi continued to focus on protecting domestic manufacturing and critical sectors under its self-reliance push. Towards the end of the year, Oman, one of the countries PM Modi visited in December, offered India zero-duty access on 98 per cent of its tariff lines as part of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
While India deepened its defence, technology and security cooperation with the United States and Quad partners, it indulged in engagement with Russia, particularly in energy and defence supplies which was at the centre stage during Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent India visit.
India-China, India-Pakistan ties
India-China relations remained stable for over a year since the two sides worked on disengagement along the LAC.New Delhi's ties with Dhaka, however, suffered since Sheikh Hasina's ouster on August 5, 2024. Recent developments at envoy-level worseened the ties.
India was involved in a four-day military confrontation with Pakistan in May in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that left 26 people dead. India called its retailiation 'Operation Sindoor'
Later India sent seven delegations featuring 59 Members of Parliament, former ministers, and diplomats have been tasked with strengthening India's narrative on the international stage.
The Operation Sindoor outreach is designed to counter Pakistan's propaganda and rally global support in isolating state-sponsored terrorism.
The Israel-Gaza War
Israel's offensive in Gaza continued in 2025. Iran vs Israel war in June complicated the situation further. The uncertainty would mean worries for India's regional connectivity strategy, such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, the International North South Transport Corridor, and the Chabahar port.But by the year end, US President Donald Trump came up with a peace plan which seemed to have eased tensions. In October, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Israel-Hamas agreement on the first phase of Trump's peace plan for Gaza.
PM Modi, however, praised Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the agreement was a reflection of the strong leadership of the Israeli prime minister, while hoping, at the same time, for a respite for the people of Gaza, paving the way for lasting peace.
Political transitions, economic stress and security concerns across South Asia demanded constant diplomatic attention. This resulted in challenged for India's Neighbourhood First policy
India continued extend humanitarian assistance, development aid and connectivity projects to neighbouring countries, while remaining cautious about internal political developments and border sensitivities that could affect regional stability.
Focus on Global South
The year also saw India strengthening its engagement with the Global South, projecting itself as a key advocate for developing nations. New Delhi pushed for reforms in international financial institutions, highlighted debt distress, and called for fairer climate action frameworks at multilateral forums.The G20 Leaders' Summit hosted by South Africa in November adopted a consensus declaration focusing on the climate crisis, debt relief for developing nations, and global inequality.
PM Modi, in his address, underlined the growing threat of narcotics, especially fentanyl, and called for a G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug–Terror Nexus, stressing the need to dismantle the “wretched economy” that fuels both terrorism and the drug trade.
Defence partnerships and intelligence cooperation gained momentum in response to regional security challenges in 2025. Technology emerged as a strategic pillar, with cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence and digital public infrastructure gaining prominence.
Climate diplomacy focused on balancing developmental needs with international commitments, especially on energy transition and climate finance. In November this year, for example, , Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav termed the recently held UN COP30 climate summit a significant milestone in advancing equity and climate justice.
The Road Ahead
Towards the end, India's foreign policy reflected a country navigating a complex and uncertain world. New Delhi clearly sought to influence without alignment, grow without overdependence, and lead without overreach.Amid global uncertainity, the India's approach in 2025 underlines how New Delhi is positioning itself as a confident yet cautious power. New Delhi, experts said, is determined to protect its interests while shaping the evolving global order.
(With agency inputs)
Source: LiveMint
Related Posts: US secondary tariffs on India are an ‘aggressive’ step to force Russia to end war Secondary tariffs on India ‘aggressive’ economic step to force Russia to end war Gold, silver prices dip after aggressive profit booking from record levels Aggressive and cheeky Night Shifts And Frequent Flying May Raise Risk Of Aggressive Breast Cancer In Women Haris Rauf punished for aggressive gesture during IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 clash Aggressive Leverage Silver, gold prices plummet amid aggressive profit booking Galgotias fiasco spotlights the aggressive AI blitz by India’s private universities Irfan Pathan hails India's fearless and aggressive approach in T20I
What had long been a well-known reality of Indian football — one that fans had pointed out for years, often to no avail due to the ineptitude of the AIFF — was once again thrown into the spotlight. Former Bengaluru FC stalwart Erik Paartalu opened up about his life in India
2 hours ago
Lionel Messi smashes Cristiano Ronaldo record with fastest 900 goals, but Inter Miami crash out in brutal twist Updated on: Mar 19, 2026 7:58 AM IST Written by Aratrick Mondal Share via Copy link Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi walks to kick a corner kick in heavy rain during the first half of a
2 hours ago
India’s environment ministry notified the new solid waste management rules of 2026 on January 27, superseding the 2016 rules. The new rules signal a shift towards a more systematic compliance architecture, with a clearer outline of duties for waste generators
2 hours ago
The sun shone brightly across Liverpool on Wednesday and, come the evening, Liverpool delivered one of their performances of the season. "It was almost the perfect game for us, but definitely our fans," said Arne Slot, after his side secured a first Champions League quarter-final since 2022 with a
2 hours ago
SC says 1947 Act repeal no bar to defining ‘industry’The Supreme Court ruled that the repeal of the Industrial Disputes Act won't change how "industry" is defined, impacting ongoing disputes in courts. Published on: Mar 19, 2026 7:46 AM IST By Abraham Thomas
2 hours ago
China has long braced for a Gulf oil supply shock - but the Iran war's disruption of a key global shipping route is now putting its resilience to the test. Energy shipments from the Middle East have been at a standstill following Iran's threats to attack vessels that pass through a critical trade
2 hours ago
The Income-tax Act, 2025 will come into force, replacing the Income-tax Act, 1961 that has been in place for over 60 years. Instead of tinkering with tax rates, the government has focused on rewriting the law in a clearer, more structured manner. Over time
2 hours ago
The Donald Trump-led US administration has taken the rare step of preparing a temporary waiver for the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly known as the Jones Act. This move comes as the United States grapples with a historic surge in fuel prices triggered by the escalating conflict between the US
2 hours ago
Players from the Iran women’s national football team have reportedly returned home after a dramatic and politically charged episode during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. According to Fars News Agency, the squad crossed back into Iran via the Bazargan border
2 hours ago
US Fed holds interest rate steady at 3.5-3.75% despite higher inflationUS Federal Reserve has guided for a single interest rate cut in 2026 as officials took stock of economic impact of Iran war on US economy. Updated on: Mar 18, 2026 11:39 PM IST Reuters Share via Copy link The US Federal Reserve
2 hours ago
Indian man wanted by FBI for defrauding victims in the US: What did Kalpeshkumar Rasikbhai Patel do?The Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched a hunt for an India national named Kalpeshkumar Rasikbhai Patel Published on: Mar 19, 2026 6:20 AM IST By Sanya Jain Share via Copy link The Federal
2 hours ago
Kerala's UDF, led by Congress and IUML, will contest 95 and 27 seats respectively in the upcoming assembly polls. The alliance aims to leverage recent electoral successes and anti-incumbency against the ruling LDF. Nominations close March 23, with voting on April 9 and results on May 4.Kerala's UDF
2 hours ago
Sc tells courts to notify convicts before appointing an amicus curiaeThe Supreme Court mandates notification to convicts before appointing amicus curiae to ensure fairness in appeals and prevent claims of unfair hearings. Published on: Mar 19, 2026 7:50 AM IST By Utkarsh Anand
2 hours ago
The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹33,660-crore scheme to establish 100 plug-and-play industrial parks nationwide, aiming to boost manufacturing and create 15 lakh direct jobs. Additionally, a ₹2,585-crore plan for small hydro power development and a national highway project in Uttar Pradesh
2 hours ago
Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar fever continues as the next instalment in the franchise, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, was released on Wednesday evening. Many queued up to watch the film on the first day itself, including Allu Arjun, who then took to X to share his review of the film. Now
2 hours ago
The Delhi High Court has halted legal proceedings against Bina Modi, chairperson of Godfrey Phillips India, and others. This action follows a complaint by former executive director Samir Modi alleging assault. Samir Modi claims he was physically attacked by his mother's security officer
2 hours ago
La Liga champions Barcelona moved into the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League with a commanding 7-2 win over Newcastle in the second leg of their Round of 16 at the Nou Camp on Wednesday. Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha netted a brace each, while Lamine Yamal
2 hours ago
The hugely popular Labubu dolls will soon star in their own feature film, Chinese toy company Pop Mart and Sony Pictures have announced. A Labubu movie that will combine live action and computer-generated animation is in "early development", the two companies said in a statement
2 hours ago
Obstructing demolition at hotel: Ex-MP Rinku, former MLAs Angural, Beri among 24 bookedThe Jalandhar MC on Tuesday evening demolished a portion of the hotel owned by Chopra Hotels Private Limited, an entity associated with the Punjab Kesari group Published on: Mar 19
2 hours ago
Love Horoscope March 19, 2026: A thoughtful Gesture Could Brighten Your DayDaily Love Horoscope for Feb 1, 2026: Explore relationship insights and emotional guidance for all sun signs today. Published on: Mar 19, 2026 6:02 AM IST By Neeraj Dhankher Share via Copy link Aries: Today
2 hours ago
Atanu Chakraborty resigns as HDFC Bank's part-time chairman due to ‘ethical concerns’Keki Mistry, who serves on the HDFC Bank board, is taking charge as interim part-time chairman immediately, for a period of three months. Updated on: Mar 19
2 hours ago
The Artesh, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, is the conventional military of Iran, separate from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). While the IRGC focuses on safeguarding the ideological system, the Artesh is tasked with defending Iran’s territorial integrity and borders
2 hours ago
Prem Chopra recalls why he couldn't attend weddings, family functions without scaring female guests: Dad had to explain…Prem Chopra also said that Amitabh Bachchan's son-in-law Nikhil Nanda once got petrified and refused to enter his grandaunt's home for this reason. Mar 19, 2026
2 hours ago
Just a day after resigning from Congress, Assam Lok Sabha MP Pradyut Bordoloi on Wednesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and state BJP president Dilip Saikia. The development came after Bordoloi on Tuesday tendered his
2 hours ago
The Union government directed airlines to allocate a minimum of 60% of the seats on every flight without selection charges to ensure fair access. Airlines are also required to seat passengers travelling on the same Passenger Name Record together “preferably in adjacent seats”
2 hours ago
Humour and science fiction may not seem obvious bedfellows but a history of cinema will tell you different. Think Spaceballs, Mars Attacks! and Everything Everwhere All At Once to name but a few. And now Ryan Gosling is hopping on board. The 45-year-old is both the lead actor and producer of
2 hours ago
Even as the 8th Pay Commission (8th CPC) has extended the deadline to submit responses to its 18-question document related to pay, allowances and other job-related conditions of central government employees, Indian Railways Technical Supervisors’ Association (IRTSA) wants more elements to be
2 hours ago
