evidence: On June 8, 2024, Narendra Modi etched his name in the annals of Indian history, surpassing all previous non-Congress prime ministers to become the longest-serving leader in this category. This feat stands as a testament to his grip on the Indian political landscape and his commanding influence over the nation’s domestic affairs. However, as Modi assumes the role of India’s figurehead for the next five years, the future trajectory of India’s foreign policy demands a thorough and multifaceted examination that goes beyond the veneer of his political longevity. [...] Fast forward to the present, and the very countries and leaders who once criticized Modi during his Gujarat days now acknowledge his indispensable role in navigating complex global issues. Ironically, it was Modi’s tenure as chief minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014, marked by his strongman image, that laid the groundwork for his ascent, placing him in the company of assertive leaders like Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Xi Jinping, Sheikh Hasina, Vladimir Putin, and Mohammed bin Salman.