Here's what makes Narendra Modi the best salesman India has ever had

Not only is Prime Minister Narendra Modi India's mascot but also its very successful salesman. Modi has made nearly 60 foreign visits since assuming charge in May 2014, travelling approximately eight-and-a-half times around the globe — 3.4 lakh kilometres over the last three years.
This week he will be in Germany, Spain, Russia, and France as part of a 6-day tour to build his ties with the European countries. He is also slated to travel to the US, Israel, Russia, Spain and Kazakhstan this year.

Though it is impossible to measure the success of his foreign travels in numerical terms since a lot of benefits come with a lag, there are those that are intangible such as improving or initiating ties with a country. India has benefited from Modi's foreign travels in various ways.

Bonding with US
Modi has visited the US more than any other country. He developed a close rapport with former US president Barack Obama, which led to India and US moving closer than ever. India signed Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement with the US that will allow reciprocal access to each other's military bases for refuelling, repair and maintenance of warships and aircraft, bringing India closer to the US militarily. While former PM Manmohan Singh had initiated the process, it was during PM Modi's tenure that India and the US became natural allies. The unprecedented tough stance of the US towards Pakistan is a result of his efforts.

When India carried out surgical strikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, many felt India would be isolated internationally. But it was Pakistan that got isolated. Not even Muslim countries supported Pakistan. This was a result of Modi's ties with Muslim countries, especially Saudi Arabia.

Saarc snub
When India boycotted Saarc Summit after an attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists on an Indian Army camp in Uri, Pakistan had to cancel the summit as other neighbouring countries too refused to participate in solidarity with India. It was Modi's proactive lobbying that led to India, Bangladesh and Afghanistan coming together against Pakistan. Border areas pact with Bangladesh is another achievement of Modi's diplomacy.

India has paid much greater attention to its near neighbourhood, sans Pakistan. Bangladesh has been the template for a new kind of engagement. While neighbours traditionally get a large chunk of Indian assistance, it was largely unstructured.

India has now decided to focus on around 20 visible projects for Bangladesh, which will utilise the $4.5 billion in LOC assistance. India will follow a similar approach in Sri Lanka, which recently saw a second Modi visit.

Bridging the Gulf
The prime minister has been reasonably successful in his dealings with West Asia. His intense engagement with the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iran, in addition to Oman showed Delhi's intent to wean these nations away from Pakistan with a better narrative. He is now preparing to travel to Israel in July.

Make in India
PM Modi's most ambitious project during his foreign visits was 'Make in India', the scheme than aims to invite foreign investment in Indian manufacturing. 'Make in India' was launched in September 2014. PM Modi went to several countries, especially in Europe, to promote the scheme. Between October 2014 and March 2017, India attracted FDI of nearly $100 billion, up 62% over the figure for the preceding two-and-a-half years between April 2012 and September 2014.

Brand equity
Modi's foreign travels gave a huge boost to brand India. An articulate Modi presented India's strong points to the world. His showmanship also helped India gain international attention. Modi showcased to the world an India that was on the brink of major economic breakthrough on the basis of its demographic dividend and growing technological and entrepreneurial culture.