Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s long-standing dictum that India’s foreign policy cannot be confined to Delhi alone. Speaking during the state visit of Mauritius Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam to Varanasi, Misri emphasized that “diplomacy must move beyond capital cities,” underscoring how foreign policy reflects the entire country and its global interests not just administrative centers.
Misri’s remarks come at a time when India is deepening bilateral ties with partner nations across continents from the Global South to developed economies and is seeking to align foreign engagements with investment, culture, and regional outreach. Mauritius, as a key ally, exemplifies this shift. The recently announced special economic package between India and Mauritius includes infrastructure development, maritime cooperation, and local currency trade discussions affirming the decentralized diplomatic approach.
This approach reflects Modi’s vision of India engaging with neighboring and distant countries through diverse channels: state governments, corporate diplomacy, local cultural linkages, and civil society. Misri also noted that the foreign policy of India is shaped by shared economic interests, historical ties, and public diplomacy not just by what happens in the capital.
Political analysts say this strategy helps India build resilience, broad-based international relationships, and sustainable soft power. At the same time, it presents logistical and coordination challenges: ensuring consistency in messaging across regions, managing diplomatic efforts by multiple agencies, and balancing national priorities with local sensibilities.
India is shifting foreign policy from a “Delhi-centric” model to a nation-wide project where cities like Varanasi, state governments, and regional leaders play active roles. With global expectations rising, this vision could enable India to be more responsive, grounded, and globally influential if implemented cohesively and transparently.
