The Congress just dropped a diplomatic bombshell: India’s global standing is slipping. Their gripe? A “foreign policy drift” that’s allegedly left New Delhi looking less like the cool kid at the global table and more like the one awkwardly trying to join conversations.

But let’s unpack this without the political noise.

From ‘Vishwaguru’ to Ghosted Guru?

Remember the Vishwaguru narrative? India as the moral compass of the world, walking tall at G20 summits, calling the shots on climate change, and cozying up to everyone from Washington to Riyadh?

Congress claims that aura is fading. Apparently, New Delhi’s diplomatic swagger has turned into… well, a confused dance between Beijing, Washington, and Moscow. Think Lagaan team playing both sides, except this time, the British (read: global powers) aren’t amused.

Bromances Are Fading

  • With the U.S.: Once hailed as a defense BFF, now there’s murmuring about lack of follow-through on key strategic deals.
  • With neighbors: Maldives and Sri Lanka are low-key side-eyeing India’s Big Brother approach.
  • With China: Let’s just say Ladakh still isn’t sorted, and the Dalai Lama card is back in play, ruffling feathers in Beijing.

Basically, the global “WhatsApp group” where India was an admin? Might be getting archived.

So, What Does Congress Want?

They’re calling for a full-blown Parliament debate on India’s diplomatic strategy. Translation: Let’s make foreign policy an election-season masala topic.

But here’s the catch: while the opposition throws shade, the ruling camp is still flexing about:

  • Hosting the G20 like a Bollywood award show
  • Talking Make in India defense deals
  • And issuing statements like “Don’t mess with India” (thanks, Amit Shah).

Reality Check: Drift or Narrative?

Truth is, foreign policy isn’t a Netflix thriller with instant plot twists. It’s slow-burn geopolitics. India’s still playing all sides, BRICS summit here, Quad meeting there. The “drift” could just be India recalibrating in a messy multipolar world.

But hey, politics loves drama.