Twelve years after Narendra Modi was first sworn in as Prime Minister, those who have seen him closely describe a leader driven by a singular passion: ensuring India’s rise and reclaiming its place in the world. There is no limit to Prime Minister Modi’s structured foreign policy. Hindustan Times Executive Editor Shishir GuptaHaving known Modi for more than 25 years, he presents an image of a working strategist with unusual clarity of purpose, an uncompromising line on national security and a tightly knit but formidable internal team.
A leader who plans, then executes
According to Gupta, Modi’s central characteristic is that of a leader who seamlessly transitions between the big picture and ground realities. He describes a Prime Minister who can “see the ground at 50,000 feet” and then dive deep into the operational nuts and bolts of implementation, combining visualization with rigorous execution.
Gupta argues that this is what distinguishes Modi from many of his predecessors: a long-term vision combined with the stamina and discipline to see things through. Modi has been described as “committed to India, passionate about India, passionate about Indians”, who truly believes in the idea of ”One India, Great India” and places special emphasis on women empowerment as a political and social priority.
Gupta suggests that those who work with him should encounter a person who works “24×7”, listens to people with great patience, rarely reacts in haste – but once he takes a decision, sticks to it firmly. This proves how trustworthy he is. He neither forgets nor forgives easily, a quality that shapes both his politics and his security doctrine.
Putting India on the “Global Platform”
On foreign policy, Gupta credits Modi for systematically developing India’s capabilities and visibility on the global stage over the last 12 years. This extends to disaster relief missions, vaccine diplomacy, infrastructure partnerships and crisis evacuation, where he repeatedly positions India as a reliable responder and partner.
In this statement Modi is clear about what he wants to see when the world looks at India. A perspective that is not bleak, a perspective that comes from his experience as a common man in the country. He has a defined line on China, terrorism, the Gulf, and the United States, and he is willing to move away from past viewpoints rooted in sentiment or heritage. When China made incursions at Doklam, Pangong Tso and later Galwan, Gupta says Modi’s instinct was for immediate confrontation, not procrastination.
A shocking story has come to light from the Doklam crisis. When National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, then Foreign Secretary S. When Jaishankar and Army chief General Bipin Rawat told him that the PLA was moving towards Jampheri Ridge and Torsa Nala, Modi’s response was clear: “Then what are you waiting for?” Gupta suggests that the message was to stand firm and stop the move – something that was later reflected in the approach to Galwan and eastern Ladakh.
Gupta also underlines Modi’s balance with the major powers:
- Deepened relations with the Gulf countries – UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman – in a way “nobody has done in the past.”
- Close working relations with Russia and its leadership, as well as enhancing relations with the United States and Israel.
- A readiness to disengage from Washington and not bow to its policies – such as continuing to buy Russian oil – when they believe Indian interests demand it. A clear step that defines ‘India First’.
On evacuations – from Yemen to Sudan to Ukraine – Gupta has seen Modi personally invested in ensuring that Indians are kept safe abroad, seeing it as part of his core responsibility as prime minister.
An early episode with Chinese President Xi Jinping in September 2014 became an example of Modi’s blend of reach and assertiveness. Modi rolled out the red carpet for Xi in Ahmedabad, but when the PLA transgressed in Chumar during the visit, he made it clear that if Chinese troops did not withdraw, he would assume the move had Xi’s approval. For Gupta, this reflects Modi’s style: polite in diplomacy, but blunt and outspoken when core interests are threatened. A protector, a guide.
“Tough as nails” on terrorism.
If there is one area where Gupta believes Modi has fundamentally reshaped India’s position, it is counter-terrorism. He describes the Prime Minister as having a “clear policy”: if terrorism is carried out against India, there will be a punitive response, and nothing will be done without consequences.
Gupta detailed the events of 27 February 2019, a day after the Balakot air strike (Operation Bandar) on a Jaish-e-Mohammed camp following the Pulwama attack. When Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured in Pakistan and photographs of him bloodied in custody were circulated, Modi’s reaction, as Gupta pointed out, was immediate escalation.
According to him, the Prime Minister sent a message through the then RAW chief that “if this boy is even touched again” there would be serious consequences, and as a signal Prithvi missiles were deployed in the Rajasthan sector. The Americans and others were quietly informed that if Abhinandan was not released, Pakistan would face a devastating response. Soon after, Imran Khan announced in the National Assembly of Pakistan that Abhinandan would be released.
Gupta cites another example of “Operation Sindoor”, when the Indian Navy sought permission to attack Karachi port and the Pakistan Navy. Advisors warned that a retaliatory attack on a refinery like Jamnagar could harm India economically. Modi’s reported response: India has already faced the worst economic shock during Covid, and the potential shock should not hinder necessary action.
For them, talks with Pakistan are conditional: terrorism must be eliminated first; Only then can dialogue be meaningful. Gupta links this approach to broader decisions such as the surgical strikes, Balakot, the handling of Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 and the crackdown on left-wing extremism, arguing that together they reflect a Prime Minister committed to securing India’s “rightful place” in the global community.
Illegal immigration as a security question
Gupta also highlighted an aspect of Modi’s record he believes is underappreciated: raising illegal immigration as a national security issue. In his view, Modi is the first Prime Minister to define it not just as a political or social problem, but as a strategic challenge that can change India’s demographic balance.
Pointing to the influx from Bangladesh, Nepal and other neighboring countries – many of which are politically unstable – Gupta says Modi “sees demography as destiny” and therefore emphasizes that “India is for Indians”. Importantly, he stressed that it was not about religion; When Modi says “Indians”, he means everyone who is part of the nation, not just Hindus.
As Gupta explains, the concern is two-pronged:
- Security implications of continued flows from troubled neighborhoods such as Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
- Political distortions arise when illegal immigration is used to allegedly create vote banks rather than prioritizing existing citizens’ access to resources and opportunities.
Here too, says Gupta, Modi’s strength is timing – both political and policy timing. He has the ability to seize issues, turn opposition attacks into opportunities and use controversial debates to strengthen his agenda.
Team Modi: The inner circle and the void
Contrary to Modi’s image of a loner, Gupta has clearly said that he is not alone. He has a clear “Team Modi”, which is particularly visible in the Cabinet Committee on Security and the national security ecosystem.
At the core of this team, Gupta says:
- Home Minister Amit Shah: Modi’s closest political aide for 30-35 years, having known him since Shah was a teenager. The two once campaigned together on a Vespa scooter in Gujarat. Shah, himself a working and astute politician, is Modi’s favorite on internal security and political strategy.
- National Security Advisor Ajit Doval: Described as an exceptional operational planner and executor who shapes national security strategy and covert responses.
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar: A former bureaucrat-turned-politician who, according to Gupta, “knows his subject”, is outspoken and is not afraid to take decisions in foreign policy.
- Defense Minister Rajnath Singh: The leader who proposed the Prime Ministerial candidacy to Modi in 2013 and remains close to him.
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: The executor of Modi’s economic vision, driving fiscal and financial policy.
Beyond this core, Gupta notes Nitin Gadkari’s roles in ministers handling infrastructure and agriculture and farmers’ welfare, which Modi sees as essential to India’s long-term trajectory.
Yet, according to Gupta, even with this strong bench, there are some absences that Modi “definitely misses”. Two names emerged:
- Arun Jaitley: A close friend and confidant with whom Modi could laugh, joke and disagree. Jaitley acted as a political advisor, advising not only Modi but also Amit Shah and others, helping manage both policy and politics.
- Manohar Parrikar: Defense minister who pushed One Rank One Pension despite internal resistance, approved the Rafale deal, and wrote a detailed three-page note on the future of the Indian Air Force, which Modi reportedly called the best presentation he had ever received. Gupta believes that both Modi and India miss Parrikar’s clarity and decisiveness.
earring analogy
Gupta recalls, there is a saying in Gujarat that Modi is like Bali, the king of Kishkindha in the Ramayana, who was believed to regain half the strength of whichever opponent he fought. The implicit warning for those who choose to take on Modi is that they may strengthen him in the process.
Overall, Gupta’s memories and anecdotes portray a Prime Minister who was disciplined, deeply political but security-focused, quick to act against perceived threats, and relentless in pursuing his vision of developing India as a developed nation by 2047 – a goal, he says, about which he has “no doubt”.
