Prime Minister Narendra Modi swept to power in May 2014, riding an unprecedented wave of popularity. Four years since he took office, one of his success stories has been bold, pragmatic and proactive foreign and security policies.

The bold, unconventional and swift moves in diplomacy, security and administration, which has marked the Prime Minister’s tenure so far, has left his opponents stunned. One common thread across the spectrum in his approach has been the realisation that it has to be ‘India First’. Every decision that is taken and implemented is aimed at making India safe, stable, and prosperous. His approach to global affairs is based on interlinking foreign policy with strong internal growth.

In Ajit Doval, the old security czar, a legend in the highly competitive and covert world of intelligence, the Prime Minister had the advantage of a person who knew the inner working of the security apparatus in the country. Over the past four years, the Modi-Doval combine has put together a core team of security professionals across the board and created a seamless system “For Prime Minister Modi, the only criterion is national interest when it comes to formulating national security policies. This attribute gives the PM rare clarity of thought.” Doval reveals that Modi’s National Security approach is ‘without fetters’.

Despite his best efforts, Pakistan continues to be remain a problem, China under an autocratic Xi, will be India's biggest foreign policy challenge as it tries to encircle India and confine it to South Asia. India is on an upward curve thanks to Modi’s leadership and vision. He thinks long term and is willing to work for making India a prime power in Asia.