In campaigning hard for a second term as India's prime minister, Mr Narendra Modi has generated much controversy, not least his vigorous rallying of nationalist sentiments against Pakistan.

But a careful review of his foreign policy record over the last five years reveals the bold new directions he has set for India's external engagement. Seen together with his muscular diplomacy, Mr Modi's tenure has been a definitive moment in India's slow but certain emergence as a major power.