2024: A Year of Diplomatic Triumphs and Challenges for
India
In a year marked by global turmoil and uncertainty, India
has pursued a confident and assertive foreign policy, reaching out to all
corners of the world. While engaging the United States, managing a complex
relationship with China, cultivating Europe, and reassuring Russia, India has
continued to safeguard and promote its security and economic interests.
Global Context: A Tumultuous Year
The year 2024 was fraught with unexpected developments.
Prolonged wars, global elections across 60 nations with surprising outcomes,
and heightened anti-incumbency waves underscored the era's unpredictability.
This uncertainty has left the global economic, strategic, and security
architecture in flux, making India’s diplomatic achievements even more
noteworthy.
Key Milestones in Indian Diplomacy
Continuity in Leadership
The re-election of the NDA government under Prime Minister
Narendra Modi provided much-needed continuity. The reappointment of S.
Jaishankar as External Affairs Minister reassured global partners of India's
commitment to multi-alignment, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” and “Vishvabandhu”
policies.
Strengthening US and Quad Relations
Prime Minister Modi’s bilateral visit to Washington, D.C.,
in September was a highlight, including the fourth in-person Quad summit in
Wilmington, Delaware. While India postponed its turn to host the Quad Summit to
2025 due to President Biden’s election commitments, the flexibility
demonstrated the Quad’s enduring commitment to a free and secure Indo-Pacific.
India also welcomed Donald Trump’s decisive re-election as
U.S. President. Modi was quick to congratulate Trump, highlighting the strong
rapport between the two leaders. This transition signals a positive trajectory
for India-US relations, despite potential challenges in trade and tariffs.
Deepening Ties with Russia
Prime Minister Modi’s stand-alone visit to Russia in July
and participation in the BRICS Summit in Kazan in October underscored India’s
strategic autonomy. India’s significant purchase of discounted Russian oil and
its role as a potential messenger in the Russia-Ukraine conflict highlighted
its balanced approach. At the BRICS Summit, India reinforced its preference for
trading in national currencies over a common BRICS currency.
Engaging China: Progress Amid Distrust
In a notable development, India and China agreed to revert
to pre-2020 patrolling arrangements in Depsang and Demchok. Modi and Xi Jinping
held a structured meeting at the BRICS Summit, marking a step toward
normalizing relations. However, deep mistrust over China’s intentions persists.
Championing the Global South
India’s third Voice of the Global South (VOGS) Summit
in August reinforced its leadership role. With participation from over 123
countries, including 21 heads of state, the summit advanced the theme “An
Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future,” emphasizing India’s
commitment to inclusivity and shared prosperity.
Regional Diplomacy: Neighbourhood First
Strengthening Ties with Sri Lanka and Bhutan
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumar Dissanayake’s visit in
December reaffirmed the island nation’s commitment to India’s security. India
also deepened ties with Bhutan through high-level visits.
Recalibrating Relations with the Maldives
Despite initial tensions with Maldives’ President Mohamed
Muizzu, strategic patience and diplomacy restored stability. Muizzu
acknowledged India as a valued partner, highlighting India’s crucial role in
Maldives’ economic recovery.
Engagement with Distant Shores
Prime Minister Modi’s visits to Guyana, Austria, Poland, and
the Caribbean, along with the Republic Day visit of French President Emmanuel
Macron, strengthened India’s ties with Europe and beyond. These engagements
reflected India’s growing global footprint.
Diplomatic Hiccups
Canada’s Allegations
Relations with Canada hit an all-time low after Prime
Minister Justin Trudeau’s unsubstantiated allegations about India’s involvement
in the killing of Hardeep Nijjar. India’s strong response underscored its
unwillingness to tolerate support for extremism and separatism under the guise
of vote-bank politics.
Crisis in Bangladesh
The coup in Bangladesh and subsequent violence against
minorities posed a significant challenge. India raised concerns over the safety
of Hindus and other minorities while maintaining a calibrated approach to
stabilize ties.
India’s Assertive Diplomacy
Despite global uncertainties stemming from conflicts,
climate change, and governance failures, India’s foreign policy in 2024
demonstrated resilience and strategic clarity. Through multi-alignment and
proactive engagement, India solidified its role as a global leader and a
trusted partner to nations across the world.
India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy and its role as Vishvabandhu
reaffirmed its commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable global
order.
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