Early on in his tenure when Manmohan Singh realised he would not be allowed free run in matters of governance, due to pulls and pressures of the Congress party and allies, he "decided that foreign policy was one area where he would be the boss".
"He mostly conceded limits to his authority in shaping domestic policy, given that his council of ministers had loyalties to other centres of political power.
But he jealously guarded the foreign policy turf and ensured his writ would run at least in this sphere."
Manmohan Singh "retained his influence over economic policy through Chidambaram and Montek.
But foreign affairs was his sole preserve and he made sure it stayed that way in UPA-1.