India's Diplomatic Challenges in 2025: Navigating Turbulent Waters

A Year of Diplomatic Trials for India

New Delhi: The year 2025 posed significant challenges for India's diplomatic efforts, particularly as it faced the geopolitical fallout from a severe military conflict with Pakistan, the imposition of punitive tariffs by US President Donald Trump, and deteriorating relations with Bangladesh.

The tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives in April, sparked global condemnation and prompted India to assert its right to respond to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.

In response to the attack, India implemented several punitive actions against Pakistan, including the suspension of the long-standing Indus Water Treaty, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi declaring that 'water and blood cannot flow together.'

Just two weeks post-attack, India executed 'Operation Sindoor,' targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir on May 7, resulting in the elimination of approximately 100 terrorists.

This military action escalated tensions rapidly, leading to retaliatory strikes from Pakistan, most of which were intercepted by Indian forces.

As fears of a full-scale war loomed between the two nuclear nations, various global capitals urged both New Delhi and Islamabad to exercise restraint and cease hostilities.

The conflict subsided on May 10 after military officials from both sides engaged in hotline discussions, but the situation complicated India's foreign policy, especially after Trump announced the ceasefire via social media.

In the following months, Trump publicly claimed credit for resolving the military conflict, asserting that he had averted a potential war, a statement that New Delhi contested, insisting that the cessation of hostilities was a result of direct talks between India and Pakistan, which irritated the Trump administration.

Amidst the growing strain in India-US relations, Trump hosted a private lunch for Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, at the White House on June 18, marking a significant strengthening of US-Pakistan ties.

Trump met Munir again on October 1, further solidifying this relationship.

As negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement stalled, Trump imposed a hefty 50% tariff on Indian goods, along with an additional 25% levy on imports of Russian crude oil, exacerbating tensions between the two nations.

This downturn in relations surprised many analysts, especially given the previously warm rapport during Trump's first term.

Another notable development was Pakistan's strategic defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, which was signed shortly after India's Operation Sindoor.

The pact states that any aggression against either nation would be viewed as aggression against both.

India's relationship with Bangladesh also deteriorated, primarily due to rising extremist activities targeting minorities, including Hindus.

Bangladesh's growing ties with Pakistan and China further strained relations, particularly after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India amid widespread protests in August 2024.

Conversely, India and China made significant strides in improving their relationship in 2025, initiating measures to mend ties that had soured during the eastern Ladakh border dispute.

These initiatives included the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, direct flights, and relaxed visa regulations.

In August, Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation to address mutual challenges and work towards a 'fair' resolution of the ongoing border issues.

During a meeting in Tianjin at the Shanghai Cooperation Summit, both leaders committed to expanding trade and investment to stabilize global commerce.

Ahead of Modi's visit to China, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited New Delhi, where both nations unveiled plans for a 'stable, cooperative, and forward-looking' relationship, focusing on maintaining peace along their shared border, reopening trade, and promoting investment.

India's ties with Russia also strengthened, particularly in the energy sector, despite increasing Western pressure. Towards the end of the year, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India, where both countries agreed on a five-year plan to enhance their trade partnership amidst Washington's sanctions.

In July, India and the UK finalized a historic free trade agreement aimed at revitalizing economic relations by reducing tariffs, increasing market access, and creating jobs.

Additionally, efforts were made to mend ties with Canada, which had suffered due to a diplomatic dispute two years prior.

Relations between India and Canada hit a low point following allegations from then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding a potential Indian connection to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which India dismissed as 'absurd.'

Throughout the year, India's foreign policy also emphasized the Indo-Pacific region and energy security, with renewed efforts to strengthen cooperation with Gulf nations.