India’s Diplomatic Engagements in 2024

India’s Diplomatic Engagements in 2024

Context: India’s diplomatic landscape in 2024 was characterized by a series of incoming and outgoing visits, reflecting the country’s efforts to balance global insecurity, regional dynamics, and evolving partnerships. The year also witnessed a series of challenges and opportunities for India’s foreign policy, as it navigated geopolitical turbulence in its neighborhood and beyond.

High Points in External Relations:

1. China:

   • Disengagement negotiations at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remained one of the most challenging aspects of India-China relations. Although tensions persisted along the border, both sides engaged in talks to ensure stability and avoid further escalation.

   • Modi-Xi Meeting: A formal meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2024 marked a turning point after a five-year hiatus, signifying efforts to stabilize relations despite the ongoing border standoff.

2. France:

   • French President Emmanuel Macron attended India’s Republic Day celebrations in January, reaffirming the strong bilateral ties between the two nations. The visit highlighted deepening cooperation in defense, nuclear energy, and technology, underscoring the strategic partnership between India and France.

3. European Free Trade Agreement:

   • India concluded its first-ever free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). This deal opened new avenues for trade and economic collaboration with European countries, paving the way for deeper engagement in Europe.

4. Neighborhood Diplomacy:

   • India strengthened ties with its neighbors through high-profile visits by leaders from Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. These visits underscored India’s commitment to regional stability and cooperation, particularly in South Asia.

   • S. Jaishankar’s Visit to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit was a notable diplomatic move, emphasizing India's broader engagement with its neighbors in multilateral frameworks.

Challenges for India in 2024:

1. Bangladesh:

   • A political upheaval in Bangladesh under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina caused a rift in bilateral relations, marking a significant shock for India. Bangladesh’s internal challenges, including political instability, impacted India’s diplomatic engagement, despite the historical ties between the two countries.

2. Canada:

   • Diplomatic ties with Canada soured following allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. These allegations led to tensions with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, and both countries faced a diplomatic crisis in 2024. The incident strained Indo-Canadian relations, leading to a public dispute over sovereignty and security concerns.

3. U.S.-India Relations:

   • Relations with the United States faced a complication after the U.S. Department of Justice filed indictments against the Adani group and an Indian official. Despite a generally pro-India stance from the Biden administration, these legal challenges created friction between the two nations, highlighting the complexity of their bilateral ties.

Navigating Global Conflicts:

1. Russia-Ukraine Conflict:

   • Prime Minister Modi’s visits to both Russia and Ukraine in 2024 generated speculation about India’s role in mediation in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. While India continued to express its concern for the humanitarian impact of the war, it maintained a neutral stance, emphasizing the need for dialogue and peaceful resolution.

2. Israel-Palestine Conflict:

   • India maintained a balanced stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. While calling for an end to civilian casualties, India refrained from taking sides in the international debate over UN resolutions regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza. This cautious approach reflected India’s nuanced position in West Asian geopolitics.

3. Middle East Relations:

   • Multilateral initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and I2U2 (a trilateral cooperation between India, Israel, the UAE, and the US) faced challenges in implementation. India sought to engage with West Asian countries bilaterally, focusing on enhancing economic, energy, and security ties.

Future Outlook:

1. U.S.-India Relations in 2025:

   • In 2025, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Washington and meetings with the Trump team will likely signal a renewed focus on U.S.-India relations. The Quad Summit will be a key event in strengthening this bilateral relationship, with President Trump expected to visit India.

2. Iran:

   • A ministerial visit from Iran is expected to take place in early 2025, marking a milestone in Indo-Iranian relations, especially in light of regional shifts and challenges in West Asia.

3. Russia:

   • Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India in early 2025, marking his first visit since the Russia-Ukraine war began. This visit will likely reaffirm India’s longstanding ties with Russia, particularly in defense and energy sectors.

4. Republic Day 2025:

   • The guest of honor for India’s Republic Day celebrations in 2025 will be Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. This highlights the growing India-Indonesia relationship, which is part of India's broader efforts to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia.

Key Challenges Ahead for India in 2025:

• Navigating Global Uncertainty: India’s foreign policy will need to adapt to changing global dynamics, marked by geopolitical tensions, climate change, and economic volatility.

• Regional Security: India will need to continue managing its neighborhood ties, especially in light of tensions with Bangladesh and Canada.

• Multilateral Engagements: India’s role in multilateral organizations such as the UN, BRICS, and Quad will be increasingly important in shaping global governance structures.

In summary, India’s diplomatic engagements in 2024 focused on consolidating bilateral relationships, navigating regional tensions, and addressing global conflicts. The country’s diplomatic priorities for 2025 will continue to evolve as it seeks to enhance its global standing, manage its neighborhood dynamics, and respond to an unpredictable international landscape.