India, Jan. 27 -- In an international system increasingly defined by conflict, coercion, and camp politics, India's diplomatic journey over the last decade stands out for a different reason. It has expanded influence without intimidation, asserted national interest without isolation, and projected power without provoking fear. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has quietly scripted one of its most successful foreign policy chapters-one rooted in strategic autonomy and amplified by soft power, compassion, culture, and credibility.

Traditionally, global power has been measured through military strength, economic dominance, or alliance politics. Yet the Modi era has demonstrated that trust, consistency, and empathy can be equally pow...