Perspective: Indian Diplomacy in 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Indian Diplomacy in 2024

Why in News?

• In 2024, India’s External Affairs Minister described the country’s foreign policy as embodying the concept of “ Vishwabandhu,. meaning a friend to the world. 

How Did India Engage with Major Powers and Neighbours in 2024? 

Context of Geopolitical Instability: In 2024, India faced a tough global situation due to the Russia-Ukraine war, increased tensions in the Middle East, and the ongoing rivalry between the US and China.

• India’s foreign policy aimed to balance global partnerships with a neutral stance.
• India addressed China’s assertiveness while actively participating in groups like BRICS, SCO, and G20.
• Despite global tensions, India maintained strong energy trade with Russia, including record oil imports.

Ukraine Visit: India’s visit to Ukraine showcased a neutral yet principled approach, emphasizing support for Ukraine’s sovereignty while promoting dialogue. The humanitarian aid provided during this visit reinforced India’s role as a global mediator amidst the rivalries of major powers.

India-China Relations:. significant achievement was the disengagement of troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, restoring the situation to pre-2020 arrangements. This marked a crucial turning point after years of tension and was accompanied by renewed cross-border cooperation, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

• India continues to focus on counterbalancing China’s assertiveness through cooperation in the Quad and Indo-Pacific strategies.

India-Bangladesh Relations: Despite political changes in Bangladesh, India’s proactive engagement with the new government helped maintain strong bilateral ties. Initiatives such as the Maitree Power Plant and increased trade investments highlight the economic interdependence and strategic collaboration between the two countries, particularly in connectivity projects.

Engagement in the Gulf Region: In 2024, India strengthened its engagement in the Gulf region by implementing the India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). This treaty ensures robust investor protection and arbitration-based dispute resolution while preserving India’s policy space. India also advanced its ties with Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain, focusing on energy, trade, investments, and strategic cooperation.

US-India Relations: The partnership between India and the US expanded in areas such as critical technology through the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET). However, controversies, including allegations related to a high-profile case, tested diplomatic relations. Despite these challenges, bilateral trade reached a historic high of USD 128 billion.

India-Canada Relations: Diplomatic ties between India and Canada faced challenges due to accusations linking Indian officials to the killing of Khalistani leader Nijjar. This led to a freeze in discussions on a USD 5 billion trade dialogue and complicated relations with the Indian diaspora in Canada.

Sri Lanka and Maldives: India’s proactive diplomacy with Sri Lanka involved agreements in infrastructure and trade, fostering closer ties between the two nations. In the Maldives, a USD 400 million currency swap agreement supported the country’s economic recovery and strengthened bilateral relations.

Multilateral Initiatives: As the president of the G20 in 2023, India prioritized debt relief for developing nations and launched the Global Biofuel Alliance, showcasing its leadership in sustainable development and global cooperation. Initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) reflect India’s commitment to enhancing global connectivity and trade.

Diplomatic Tightrope: India’s neutral stance on conflicts like Gaza reflects its strategy of balancing moral positions with pragmatic interests. Engagements with both Israel and Palestine underline India’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.

What are Global Challenges Associated with India’s Foreign Policy? 

• Relations with Neighbours: Managing China’s aggression in the LAC and its assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, while balancing economic and political sensitivities in South Asia, requires strategic clarity. Despite resolving issues at the LAC, China’s outreach in South Asia through investments in Nepal and Pakistan necessitates a stronger Indian presence in the region.
• The Role of Deep State: External influences destabilizing South Asian neighbours pose significant challenges. Political transitions in Bangladesh and rising attacks on minorities exacerbate political unrest and anti-India sentiment, complicating India’s neighborhood-first policy.
• Russia-Ukraine War: India’s significant import of Russian oil while maintaining neutrality amid global polarization tests its diplomatic balance.
• US-China Rivalry: The US administration’s trade tariffs and immigration policies challenge Indian sectors like IT, necessitating careful management of ties with both the US and China.
• Middle East Conflicts: Instability in the Gulf region, where India has a USD 200 billion trade relationship, underscores the need for robust diplomatic interventions.
• Canada Row: Accusations related to the Khalistan issue lead to retaliatory diplomatic actions, disrupting economic and cultural exchanges with Canada and straining ties with the Indian diaspora there, which numbers over 700,000.
• Internal Criticism: India faces criticism for its abstentions at UN votes on Gaza resolutions, perceived as inconsistent with its human rights approach.
• Economic Pressures: Delays in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the UK and European Union (EU) restrict India’s trade expansion potential. The economic fragility in South Asian countries like Pakistan and Sri Lanka adds pressure on India’s efforts to promote regional economic stability.
• Technological and Security Concerns: Cybersecurity threats in the digital space are increasing, highlighting the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures. Partnerships for critical minerals and AI technologies are becoming crucial as India seeks to secure technological advancements and frontiers.

What are India’s Foreign Policy Priorities for 2025 and Beyond? 

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

• Fostering International Cooperation: India's foreign policy for 2025 and beyond aims to embody the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), reflecting a commitment to international cooperation, inclusivity, counterterrorism diplomacy, and sustainable global development through multilateral engagements and partnerships.
• US and Quad: Deepening technological and defense partnerships with the US and consolidating the Quad to counter China's Indo-Pacific ambitions. Leveraging Indian-origin policymakers in the US could amplify strategic alignment in defense, technology, and immigration, solidifying India’s position in Indo-Pacific partnerships and enhancing bilateral cooperation.
• Russia-India Cooperation: Expanding ties beyond defense to include energy, manufacturing, and technology, especially in light of the India-Russia bilateral summit.
• Europe Engagements: Reviving stalled Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the EU and UK to boost trade relations.
• Engagement with Gulf Sovereign Funds: Initiatives like dialogue of civilizations could unlock investments from Gulf sovereign wealth funds into India’s critical infrastructure, renewable energy, and technology sectors, further deepening bilateral ties.

Focusing on Regional Stability

• Bangladesh: Engaging with new leadership to address border security and minority concerns while fostering development partnerships.
• Strengthening ties with Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives through economic aid and security collaboration.
• Strengthened regional diplomacy and strategic preparedness are essential to safeguard India’s security and economic interests.

Global Leadership in Multilateral Forums

• Leading initiatives in G20, BRICS, and SCO to shape discussions on global challenges, including climate change, food security, and economic recovery.
• Advancing South-South cooperation, particularly with Africa and Latin America, through initiatives like the India-Africa Forum Summit.

Economic and Technological Focus

• Enhancing supply chain resilience and integrating into global trade frameworks.
• Promoting digital and technological partnerships, focusing on AI, critical minerals, and emerging technologies.