Article: World turmoil, war, border disputes… How India’s diplomacy passed the geopolitical test under Modi’s leadership

Harshvardhan Shringla: The global scenario in 2024 was one of extraordinary complexity and volatility. Two significant wars in Europe and the Middle East have not only increased geopolitical tensions, but also destabilized global energy supplies and food security. The impact of these crises has exacerbated challenges in other sectors.

Threat from China in Indo-Pacific

In the Indo-Pacific, China’s assertive posture in the South China Sea and its borders, including India, has put the region at risk. Myanmar’s internal crisis threatens to engulf the region. At the same time, Bangladesh is facing significant political unrest. There are concerns about the deteriorating security environment and its impact on minority communities and potential spillovers.

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Geo-economic challenges have become more acute as global inflation remains high. Supply chains disrupted by the pandemic and Ukraine war have still not fully recovered. Many developing economies are struggling with increasing debt. China’s economic slowdown has further increased uncertainty, which is having a wide-ranging impact on global trade.

economic crisis in south asia

In South Asia, Pakistan’s economic crisis remains severe, while Sri Lanka and the Maldives are recovering from recent financial crises. India is playing an important role in their stabilization. These interconnected challenges require skilled diplomacy and strong leadership.

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These have been areas where India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has shown remarkable agility and flexibility. India has not only charted its course with strategic foresight, but has also emerged as a reliable partner and stable power on the world stage.

Modi’s active diplomacy

Modi’s proactive diplomacy in 2024 furthered India’s foreign policy objectives. Modi visited UAE and Qatar in February, Bhutan in March, Italy in June, and the US in June and September. he/she also visited Russia in July and October, Austria in July, Poland and Ukraine in August.

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The PM’s international activities include visits to Brunei and Singapore in September, Laos in October, Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana in November and Kuwait in December. These visits strengthened bilateral relations and enhanced India’s global prestige.

First Indian PM to visit Kuwait in 43 years

The visit of Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Kuwait in 43 years, established new dimensions of strategic partnership and cooperation. With his/her visit to Qatar and Kuwait in 2024, Modi has changed India’s equation with the entire Gulf region from mutual suspicion and hesitation to close friendship and cooperation.

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This has resulted in benefits in the form of trade and investment, energy and security and increased people-to-people ties. his/her visit to Ukraine, the first by an Indian Prime Minister, underlined the country’s commitment to global peace and diplomacy.

Commitment as PM

In Nigeria, Modi and President Bola Tinubu resolved to enhance India’s strategic presence in Africa, strengthening ties in maritime security and counter-terrorism. These strategic engagements and recognitions fostered closer relations with countries of the global South. It also reflects the Prime Minister’s personal commitment to enhancing India’s international image, promoting strategic partnerships and contributing to global peace and development.

Diplomatic importance of America tour

A defining moment of Indian diplomacy in 2024 was Modi’s official visit to the United States in June. During this high-profile visit, he/she addressed a joint session of the US Congress for the second historic occasion, emphasizing the shared values ​​of democracy and the deepening partnership between the two countries.

The visit resulted in important agreements, including the adoption of a roadmap for joint development of advanced defense technologies and a historic $2 billion deal for GE Aerospace to manufacture jet engines in India. These agreements are a symbol of the deepening partnership between India and America. It is ready to increase India’s defense ‘self-reliance’ and technological edge.

Tough stance despite pressure from the West

India has also focused on diversifying its energy sources to protect its economy from global instability. Despite Western pressure to take a tough stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, India has maintained a policy of strategic autonomy, giving priority to its national interests.

This pragmatism has helped keep domestic inflation under control while global economies grapple with high energy costs. The government’s decision to extend the benefit of lower energy costs to Indian consumers has been hailed by global financial institutions as a model of resilience and people-centric governance.

Balanced approach to the Middle East

In the Middle East, as the war between Israel and Hamas escalated, India adopted a balanced approach. Talked to both sides and offered humanitarian assistance while ensuring the safety of their large migrant communities. India’s call for dialogue and peaceful resolution received a good response. This strengthened its image as a stable actor in the region.

Diplomatic success in neighboring countries

Closer to home, India has demonstrated remarkable diplomatic agility in relations with its neighbours. In Sri Lanka and Maldives, India provided significant financial and technical assistance, which helped stabilize their economies. India’s timely line of credit was appreciated by Colombo. At the same time, Male’s support of India’s developmental role underlines New Delhi’s growing confidence in its regional leadership.

In Bangladesh, India has managed to maintain stable relations, and has avoided actions that could destabilize relations. Nevertheless, it needs to ensure that the new dispensation in Bangladesh and the people behind it do not take any steps that are detrimental to India’s interests.

India as a regional power

As a regional power, India’s leadership extends beyond the economy to security and connectivity. Projects such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, the International North-South Transport Corridor and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor symbolize India’s commitment to improving regional connectivity and infrastructure. Its role as a first responder in disaster management further strengthens its position as a trusted neighbour.

On the global stage, India assuming the G20 presidency in 2023 was a historic achievement. Successfully completing his/her tenure in December 2023, India handed over the responsibility to Brazil after achieving historic achievements, including the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 and addressing the debt concerns of weaker economies.

The focus on renewable energy, digital public goods and sustainable development has strengthened India’s reputation as a leader in the Global South. Both Brazil and South Africa have carried on that legacy. The G20 and other groupings like the Quad and BRICS have become multilateral forums in their own right. Active Indian participation and Modi’s leadership have played a key role in ensuring that these are problem-solving bodies rather than forums for political disputes.

India as a global thought leader

India has emerged as a global thought leader. Digital public infrastructure has been accepted as a global public good. Modi’s vision of One Health has been mainstreamed. Besides, his/her views on human-centric globalization have also been given place. Matching population trends and economic growth patterns also shows that Modi was visionary in working on migration and mobility.

Rare combination in foreign policy

By the end of 2024, India’s foreign policy has displayed a rare blend of pragmatism, ambition and adaptability. Modi’s ability to build personal relationships with global leaders, including US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump, positions India favorably for future engagements despite political changes.

his/her strategic leadership ensures India’s emergence not only as a regional power but also as a global player shaping a multipolar and equitable world order.