New Delhi, January 1, 2025 – India’s foreign policy in 2024 was defined by a series of strategic moves aimed at reinforcing its position as a global power while navigating a complex geopolitical landscape. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s diplomatic efforts this year focused on key regions: Russia, Ukraine, the Middle East, Africa, and the Indo-Pacific. The country’s engagement with these regions highlighted its pursuit of a multipolar world order, balancing relations with both established powers and emerging global players.
Strengthening Relations with Russia and Ukraine
In 2024, India took significant steps to bolster its ties with Russia and Ukraine amidst a world grappling with conflict and shifting alliances. One of the standout moments of the year was Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kazan, Russia, for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This meeting came against the backdrop of India’s delicate position on the war in Ukraine. While India has maintained a neutral stance on the conflict, Modi’s reaffirmation of India’s commitment to a multipolar world and his appeal for peaceful resolution were important signals to both Moscow and the global community.
The bilateral talks emphasized India’s strategic partnership with Russia, especially in energy and defense cooperation. Amidst the ongoing sanctions on Russia, India has continued to engage with Russia to ensure energy security, securing favorable terms for oil imports and increasing defense collaboration. India’s diplomatic engagement with Russia remains central to its foreign policy, reflecting the country’s consistent approach to balancing ties with the West and Russia, a fine line that Modi’s government has carefully walked over the past few years.
Simultaneously, India has been engaging with Ukraine diplomatically, offering humanitarian aid and expressing concern for the humanitarian crisis caused by the war. Although India has abstained from taking a firm stance in favor or against either side, it has consistently called for a negotiated end to the conflict, highlighting its role as a voice of the Global South in shaping international discourse.
Expanding Ties with the Middle East
India’s strategic shift towards the Middle East in 2024 has been marked by increased diplomatic engagement, especially under the “Link West” strategy. Prime Minister Modi has strengthened India’s relationship with key players in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), focusing on economic, security, and people-to-people ties.
The GCC nations are critical to India’s energy security, as well as for the flow of remittances from millions of Indian workers. The Modi administration has also positioned India as a security partner in the region, with increased defense cooperation and intelligence-sharing agreements. The emphasis on regional stability, including mediating tensions between Gulf countries, underscores India’s growing influence as a peace broker in the region.
In 2024, India also deepened its engagement with the broader Middle Eastern region through collaborations in renewable energy, trade, and infrastructure development. Modi’s government has been actively working to ensure that India becomes a key player in the Middle East’s economic transformation.
Enhancing Engagement with Africa
India’s relationship with Africa in 2024 was characterized by deepened ties aimed at fostering development, trade, and regional stability. The Modi administration has actively sought to increase its diplomatic footprint across Africa, both bilaterally and through multilateral platforms like the India-Africa Forum Summit.
India has played a key role in promoting Africa’s voice in international forums, advocating for greater support for the continent’s development goals. By enhancing trade, infrastructure investment, and capacity-building initiatives, India aims to solidify its position as a trusted partner for Africa’s growth. These efforts align with India’s broader vision of supporting the Global South and creating a more equitable international order.
Strategic Engagement with the United States and the Quad
A significant moment in India’s foreign policy in 2024 was Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Washington, D.C., in September, where he participated in the Quad Summit alongside leaders from the United States, Australia, and Japan. This summit underscored India’s key role in the Indo-Pacific region, promoting free and open maritime trade, and ensuring regional stability amidst growing concerns over China’s assertiveness.
The strengthening of the Quad partnership has become a cornerstone of India’s Indo-Pacific strategy, positioning the country as a pivotal actor in safeguarding democratic values and countering coercive behavior in the region. Modi’s discussions with President Joe Biden focused on enhancing defense cooperation, expanding trade ties, and addressing shared global challenges such as climate change and emerging technologies.
The Quad Summit also demonstrated India’s growing influence on the global stage, as the group’s collaborative framework increasingly addresses regional security issues, infrastructure development, and economic resilience. India’s deepening relationship with the United States, which remains a key strategic partner, continues to be a defining feature of its foreign policy under Modi’s leadership.
Bilateral Relations with China: Managing Tensions
2024 also saw a renewed effort to manage India’s relations with China, particularly after a period of heightened tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia, was part of a broader effort to de-escalate border tensions and promote peace in the region. The two leaders committed to maintaining peace along the LAC and resolving issues through diplomatic channels, signaling an understanding of the need for stability in their bilateral relations.
While the economic and trade relationship between the two countries remains substantial, the Modi administration has emphasized the importance of maintaining a secure and stable border with China. In 2024, the India-China bilateral relationship was marked by cautious optimism, with an understanding that while differences exist, cooperation remains possible in areas such as trade, climate change, and regional security.
Major Challenges and Future Prospects
India’s foreign policy in 2024 was not without its challenges. The ongoing war in Ukraine, rising global tensions, and the unpredictable nature of U.S.-China relations have posed significant tests for New Delhi. Additionally, the rise of global protectionism and shifting alliances in both the East and West have required India to be agile in recalibrating its diplomatic strategy.
However, India’s foreign policy in 2024 also demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a keen focus on maintaining strategic autonomy while strengthening bilateral and multilateral relationships across key regions. As the world moves further into an era of multipolarity, India’s position as a global leader is becoming increasingly pronounced, as it navigates complex alliances with both developed and developing nations.
The year ahead promises to be another defining chapter in India’s foreign policy journey, as the country seeks to leverage its growing global influence to advocate for a more equitable and peaceful world order.
