As we enter the 12 months 2025 with extra challenges and alternatives, it’s a good time to check out how India’s international coverage progressed within the 12 months 2024 and the key developments on that entrance.
2024 served because the 12 months the place India’s worldwide efforts geared toward international peace and prosperity discovered recognition on the worldwide stage.
From the best awards by international international locations being conferred to PM Modi to indigenous Indian authorities insurance policies being adopted the world over by international companions of India, the 12 months noticed how sustained efforts constantly labored upon, presenting India as a firebrand of belief, and attaining its goal of being a “Vishwabandhu” and “Vishwamitra”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony after profitable a historic third time period additionally reaffirmed India’s dedication to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ coverage and ‘SAGAR Imaginative and prescient’ because the heads of states of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, Bhutan, Nepal and Seychelles attended the ceremony.
The Prime Minister emphasised that in his third time period, India will proceed to work for the peace, progress and prosperity of the area in shut partnership with the international locations, even because it pursues its objective of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
On this context, he referred to as for deeper people-to-people ties and connectivity within the area. He additional added that India would proceed to amplify the voice of the World South within the worldwide enviornment.
China
The most important improvement for India’s international coverage final 12 months was reaching an settlement with China on patrolling preparations alongside the Line of Precise Management (LAC).
This got here after a protracted border standoff triggered following Chinese language aggression on the border in June 2020.
Following this, Prime Minister Modi and Chinese language President Xi Jinping met after 5 years on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. PM Modi reaffirmed the necessity to keep peace and tranquillity on the border.
The 23rd Assembly of the Particular Representatives of India and China, was additionally held in Beijing in December, with discussions focussed on sustaining peace and tranquillity alongside the border. The assembly was attended by Ajit Doval, Nationwide Safety Advisor (NSA) and Wang Yi, China’s Overseas Minister and Member of the CPC Central Committee.
Pakistan
In a primary since 2018, Exterior Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Pakistan to attend the SCO Summit, nonetheless, no discussions came about on the bilateral ties between the 2 international locations, regardless of seen expectations from the Pakistani facet.
India, nonetheless, has continued with its stance that ‘talks and terror cannot go hand in hand’. EAM Jaishankar, at a number of events, identified to the challenges of coping with a neighbour which perpetrates terrorism at “trade degree.”
Responding to the query posed on Pakistan within the Parliament, Jaishankar mentioned, “By way of enhancing ties with Pakistan, like every other neighbour, we want to have good ties. However like with every other neighbour, we’d additionally wish to have ties freed from terrorism. So, this has been the place of the federal government. We’ve made it very clear that it’s for the Pakistani facet to point out that they’re altering their behaviour of the previous and that if they do not, in fact, there are implications for the connection and for them. So, I believe the ball may be very a lot in Pakistan’s court docket on this regard.”
Bangladesh
Whereas the 12 months began with a re-election of Sheikh Hasina — a long-time ally of India — because the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, by the point of August, pupil protests within the nation became a violent rebellion which finally led to Hasina’s ouster. This introduced an interim authorities led by the Nobel Laureate Muhammed Yunus.
Nonetheless, following that, there have been a number of assaults on non secular minorities, particularly Hindus and their locations of worship. India has repeatedly raised its considerations on the problem and referred to as on the interim authorities to make sure the safety of minorities.
The scenario was additional exacerbated after a Hindu priest Chinmoy Das was arrested by Bangladesh authorities on sedition fees.
Prime Minister Modi in a name with Muhammad Yunus, reaffirmed India’s assist for a democratic, secure, peaceable and progressive Bangladesh. He emphasised India’s dedication to supporting the individuals of Bangladesh by means of varied improvement initiatives. Prime Minister additionally underlined the significance of making certain the protection and safety of Hindus and all different minority communities in Bangladesh.
The protests which noticed the ouster of Sheikh Hasina had resulted into violence towards non secular minorities in Bangladesh, and the next arrest of Chinmoy Das that additional deteriorated the problem within the nation.
Not too long ago, Overseas Secretary Vikram Misri in December visited Bangladesh. Throughout this, he expressed India’s continued assist for the individuals of Bangladesh. The FS additionally expressed India’s considerations concerning the scenario of minorities.
Bhutan
India and Bhutan noticed flourishing ties with visits by each the Indian and Bhutanese high echelons to their international locations. India’s steadfast assist for Gelephu Mindfulness Metropolis, amongst different initiatives was additionally reiterated.
Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay visited India in March 2024. This was adopted by Prime Minister Modi’s go to to Bhutan.
In March, PM Modii was conferred the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan’s highest civilian ornament by the King of Bhutan. Prime Minister Modi grew to become the primary international chief to be given this prestigious award which recognises contribution to strengthening India-Bhutan friendship and his people-centric management.
Maldives
The arrival of Maldivian President Muizzu initially posed a problem for India, as Muizzu ran his entire presidential marketing campaign on an ‘India Out’ plank. Coming to energy, Muizzu exited from a number of engagements with India.
Muizzu strongly opposed the presence of Indian troops in Maldives. Upon subsequent discussions, India determined to switch the personnel with skilled civilians to carry out medvac providers there.
The derogatory remarks by a few of Muizzu’s ministers towards Prime Minister Modi led to sturdy opposition from India and led to diplomatic row between New Delhi and Male.
Nonetheless, India’s persistent efforts on diplomatic channels and long-standing ties with the island nation, slowly introduced the ties again on observe.
Mohammed Muizzu attended PM Modi’s swearing-in ceremony and got here on an official go to to India in October. Calling India as Maldives’ “closest ally” he thanked New Delhi for monetary assist to Male amid financial hardships. A number of agreements had been signed between the 2 nations, together with the beginning of FTA talks.
Center East
India continued with the deepening of its engagements with the Center East. PM Modi visited a number of Center Japanese nations; UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait in 2024 and welcomed a number of leaders names from the area.
Throughout PM Modi’s go to, India and the UAE noticed a number of high-level delegations go to the 2 international locations.
From the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Temple to the launch of Bharat Mart and an settlement on inter-linking home debit/bank cards – RuPay (India) with JAYWAN (UAE), the 2 international locations noticed improvement throughout all fronts.
A significant achievement for India this 12 months was getting the dying sentence of ex-naval officers in Qatar remitted, and the personnel being introduced again to India. This diplomatic triumph was adopted by the Prime Minister’s go to to Qatar to thank
Latin America and Africa
The outreach to African international locations noticed momentum, a 12 months after below the G20 below India’s presidency noticed African Union grew to become a everlasting member of the grouping.
Within the spirit of forging deeper ties with Africa, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu’s state visits to 3 African international locations specifically Algeria, Mauritania and Malawi came about in October. This was the first-ever go to by an Indian Head of State to the three African nations.
PM Modi’s go to to Brazil noticed the Brazilian management commending Indian efforts throughout India’s G20 Presidency and the continuation of Indian initiatives.
In a historic go to to Guyana, PM Modi acquired a number of nationwide honours and attended varied occasions to strengthen relations. He held conferences with the PMs of Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, Bahamas, Barbados, Saint Lucia, Presidents of Guyana and Suriname
A Decade of Act East Coverage
In his tackle on the ASEAN Summit, PM Modi reiterated India’s assist for ASEAN Unity, ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. Calling the 21st century because the Asian century, he famous that India-ASEAN ties had been important to guiding Asia’s future.
Emphasizing the vibrancy of India’s Act East Coverage, PM famous that within the final 10 years, India-ASEAN commerce had doubled to over USD 130 billion.
Consistent with the Chair’s theme of “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”, the PM introduced a 10-point plan which incorporates people-centric exercise, organise ASEAN-India Ladies Scientists Conclave below ASEAN-India Science and Expertise Growth Fund; Enhancing Catastrophe Resilience for which India would make obtainable USD 5 million.
Visits to Singapore and Brunei additionally confirmed India’s dedication to deepening ties within the area.
Prime Minister of Laos, Siphandone thanked the Prime Minister for India’s flood reduction help offered to Lao PDR within the aftermath of Hurricane Yag- a step which reiterates Idnia’s function as the primary responder.
United States
The ties between India and america progressed with a number of developments on diversified fronts, together with the settlement on semiconductors and the USD four billion deal for buying MQ-9B Drones.
PM Modi participated within the Quad Assembly in Delaware. The assembly noticed the leaders reiterating that the Quad stays a “power for international good.”
The Quad leaders recommitted to working in partnership with Pacific island international locations to attain shared aspirations and tackle shared challenges. The Quad nations additionally affirmed that, in session with companions, they’ll work collectively to handle makes an attempt to unilaterally undermine the integrity of the UN, its Constitution, and its companies.
An space of concern remained the alleged assassination try at Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. India has shaped a committee to probe the matter and the US has referred to as Indian ‘satisfying’. New Delhi, nonetheless, has additionally raised considerations about Pannun issuing repeated threats to India with no authorized motion towards him.
The tip of the 12 months noticed a change in US administration as Donald Trump is ready to take over the presidency later this month. However, the India-US ties are anticipated to proceed to develop as Trump and Prime Minister Modi additionally get pleasure from a fantastic camaraderie, and there appears to be a bipartisan consensus for working in direction of sturdy India-US ties.
Russia and Ukraine
Russia is without doubt one of the most steadfast allies of India. PM Modi visited Moscow for a two-day official go to on the invitation of Russian President Putin to attend the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit. The go to noticed a number of optimistic developments and additional cemented India-Russia ties.
PM Modi was additionally conferred with Russia’s highest nationwide award “The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle” for his contribution to fostering India-Russia ties. From a heat hug to driving an electrical automotive for ‘dost’ PM Modi, the chemistry between the leaders hogged the limelight.
Later within the 12 months, PM Modi once more visited Kazan, Russia for the BRICS Summit.
India has repeatedly asserted that the answer to the battle cannot be reached on the battlefield, however solely by means of dialogue and diplomacy. New Delhi has additionally affirmed its readiness to contribute in resolving the problem between the 2 sides.
In a serious improvement, PM Modi additionally visited Ukraine, the primary by an Indian PM. This marked a major second, because the go to to each Moscow and Kyiv, got here at a degree when the 2 nations had been embroiled in an almost three-year-long battle.
“India was by no means impartial, we’ve got all the time been on the facet of peace,” PM Modi instructed Zelenskyy. He mentioned that India was able to play an energetic function within the path to peace and progress.
PM Modi additionally offered 4 BHISHM (Bharat Well being Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) Cubes to the Authorities of Ukraine to assist in the expeditious remedy of the injured and contribute to saving treasured lives.
Cultural Join
Parts of Indian tradition discovered recognition on a world stage. Throughout PM Modi’s go to to Laos, ‘Phra Lak Phra Ram’, the Lao adaption of Ramayana was showcased with nice fervour. The Prime Minister additionally witnessed the difference of Indian components such because the unfold and affect of Sanskrit shlokas which had been chanted and carried out by the native residents and diaspora members throughout a number of of his worldwide journeys this 12 months similar to these to Guyana, Russia and Brazil.
One other vital improvement was the recognition of indian sports activities like Kabaddi in international locations like Poland, with whose gamers PM Modi interacted throughout his go to to Poland this 12 months.
In February, Thai Deputy PM Nukara visited India and expressed appreciation to India for sending the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha collectively together with his two disciples, Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalyayana to Thailand for exposition which is able to give a possibility to thousands and thousands of Thai nationals to pay reverence.
The institution of the Thiruvalluvar Chair of Tamil Research on the College of Houston, US by PM Modi is one other testimony to the rising affect of Indian tradition overseas.
Throughout his go to to the UAE, PM Modi thanked UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for giving approval for the BAPS Hindu Mandir, saying that it displays his love and respect for India and could not have been potential with out his love and assist.
The BAPS Hindu Mandir has emerged as a testomony to architectural brilliance and cultural significance within the coronary heart of the area, marking the primary stone Hindu temple within the space, proudly standing as the biggest in West Asia.
Whereas inaugurating the brand new campus of the Nalanda College in India, 17 Nations joined on this endeavour – Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. Ambassadors of those international locations travelled to Nalanda to take part within the inaugural ceremony.
Diaspora Join
Throughout Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visits, engagements with the Indian Diaspora have turn into sine qua non.
Occasions similar to Hala Modi in Kuwait and, Alhan Modi in Abu Dhabi, or the tackle in New York, noticed enthusiastic turnout by the members of the Indian neighborhood.
All through his a number of visits, PM interacted with the diaspora within the US, Austria, UAE, Kuwait, Guyana, and Russia amongst different international locations.
The decision for “Viksit Bharat” given by means of varied neighborhood and diaspora engagement packages by India’s high brass- President Murmu, PM Modi and the Exterior Affairs Minister, highlighted the federal government’s precedence of actively involving the diaspora within the grand scheme of nation-building.
Indian Insurance policies, World Platforms
India’s digital public infrastructure was on the centre of the worldwide limelight in 2024.
With the primary UPI cost accomplished on the Eiffel Tower in France, India’s homegrown tech and insurance policies discovered takers the world over.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched UPI providers for UAE, Mauritius and Sri Lanka and referred to as UPI- Uniting Companions with India.
The numerous affect of this measure in India’s international coverage will see advantages translated to Sri Lanka and Mauritius digital transformation will get a lift, native economies will witness optimistic change and tourism will probably be promoted.
Different international locations which have adopted UPI embrace Nepal, Bhutan and Singapore.
India on the World Fora
The 12 months began with India’s participation on the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy as particular invitee.
Through the G7 Summit, PM spoke of India’s AI Mission premised on “AI for All”, Prime Minister Modi emphasised that this know-how must be geared toward fostering progress and well-being of all. He underlined that with this broader goal in thoughts, India was fostering worldwide collaboration as a founding member of the World Partnership for AI.
The Prime Minister elaborated on India’s vitality transition pathway noting that its strategy was based mostly on availability, accessibility, affordability and acceptability. He talked about that India was working in direction of attaining the goal of Web Zero by 2070 and highlighted the globally acclaimed India’s Mission LiFE.
Bringing international consideration to India, in January, the Vibrant Gujarat summit, noticed the participation of varied worldwide delegations together with PM assembly the PM of the Czech Republic, Mozambique, and Timor-Leste. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the chief visitor on the occasion, additional underscoring the deepening of India’s engagements with the Gulf nations.
Through the World Authorities’s Summit, PM Modi highlighted the efforts made by India to carry improvement considerations going through the World South to the centre stage of world discourse. He highlighted India’s transformative reforms based mostly on the mantra of “Minimal Authorities, Most Governance”.
PM Modi additionally highlighted the particular consideration in direction of the considerations of the World South Even throughout India’s G20 presidency. He talked about establishing a Social Impression Fund to increase the advantages of India’s digital public infrastructure to international locations within the World South.
The 12 months was jam-packed with conferences held by the Prime Minister with international leaders, these included one-on-one conferences in addition to these taken in the course of the sidelines of world occasions such because the G20 Summit in Brazil, the UNGA session or the BRICS Summit in Russia.
PM Modi referred to as upon BRICS to proactively push for international governance reforms. Recalling the Voice of World South Summits hosted by India throughout its G-20 Presidency, he pressured that the group should give primacy to the considerations of the World South. The Prime Minister famous that the regional presence of the New Growth Financial institution together with in GIFT Metropolis, India, has created new values and impacts. He underlined the necessity to prioritise small and medium-scale industries. He expressed that the BRICS Startup Discussion board initiated by India which is to be launched this 12 months would add vital worth to the BRICS financial agenda.
The Prime Minister elaborated on the current inexperienced initiatives undertaken by India together with the Worldwide Photo voltaic Alliance, Coalition for Catastrophe Resilient Infrastructure, Mission LIFE and Inexperienced Credit score initiative introduced throughout COP28. He invited BRICS international locations to hitch these initiatives.
This noticed international locations similar to Paraguay, Moldova and Armenia becoming a member of the Worldwide Photo voltaic Alliance this year- a sworn statement to growing worldwide belief in India led endeavours.
India’s affect was felt in G20 too the place PM Modi welcomed Brazil’s determination to take ahead sustainable improvement priorities underscored by India in the course of the Summit in Delhi 2023. He additional spoke concerning the international initiatives taken by India, such because the Worldwide Photo voltaic Alliance, Coalition for Catastrophe Resilient Infrastructure, Mission LiFE, One Solar One World One Grid, and World Biofuel Alliance to foster a sustainable planet.
Calling for giving primacy to the sustainable improvement wants of the World South, significantly the Small Island Creating States, the Prime Minister urged international locations to assist the World Growth Compact introduced by India on the third Voice of the World South Summit.
On the United Nations, PM Modi referred to as for balanced laws to advertise protected and accountable use of know-how, noting that India is open to sharing its digital public infrastructure for the better public good. He additionally underlined India’s dedication to “One Earth, One Household, One Future” as a guideline.
Throughout his tackle to the Guyanese Parliament, the Prime Minister famous that India’s mantra of ‘Humanity First’ evokes it to amplify the voice of the World South, together with on the current G-20 Summit in Brazil. Conveying India’s steadfast assist to the Caribbean area, he thanked President Ali for internet hosting the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit.
Underscoring India’s deep dedication to additional strengthening India-Guyana historic ties, he said that Guyana might turn into the bridge of alternatives between India and the Latin American continent.
Commerce Fronts
India noticed the signing and progress on a number of commerce agreements in 2024. Probably the most vital one was the Commerce and Financial Partnership with EFTA international locations — the bloc of Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.
Alternatively, negotiations on India-European Union (EU) Free Commerce Settlement (FTA) negotiations and the India-UK FTA negotiations continued this 12 months as effectively.
On the state ranges, Ministers similar to MP CM Mohan Yadav had visits to international locations like UK and Germany which raised vital investments for the nation. The function of centre-state collaboration proved fruitful in taking ahead India’s international coverage pritorities.
Awards and Recognitions
PM obtained Russia’s highest state award- the Order of St. Andrew and have become the primary Indian chief to be conferred with this award. The order was offered to the Prime Minister for his distinguished contribution to the event of a privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and pleasant ties between the 2 international locations.
He additionally acquired Kuwait’s highest civilian award ‘The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer’.
In Guyana, he acquired the nation’s ‘Order of Excellence,’ for his “visionary statesmanship, for championing the rights of creating international locations on the worldwide stage, for distinctive service to the worldwide neighborhood and for his dedication to strengthening India-Guyana relations.”
The Commonwealth of Dominica conferred its highest nationwide honour, the Dominica Award of Honour, upon PM Modi in recognition of his efforts in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Nigeria, he was honoured with the Order of the Niger (GCON). The award quotation famous that below PM’s visionary management, India has been positioned as a world powerhouse & his transformative governance has fostered unity, peace and shared prosperity for all.
General, the 12 months noticed India’s mettle recognised the world over, despite the fact that challenges stay on some fronts, significantly in Bangladesh and China.
Overseas Minister Jaishankar, just lately, mirrored on India’s strategy in direction of international coverage and affirmed the necessity to assume “massive, lengthy and sensible,” whereas striving for ‘deeper engagements’.
Shifting ahead, we noticed the implementation of the outlined plan of motion for India’s international coverage, as talked about by EAM Jaishankar throughout {a magazine} launch occasion earlier in December.
“I believe we’ve got to do very rather more with the world. I believe it is for the nice of this nation that our personal progress and improvement will speed up with a deeper engagement with the world. So my, my sense for a international coverage forward would actually be to assume massive, to assume lengthy, however to assume sensible,” Jaishankar mentioned.
