Indian Diplomacy in 2024

  Sansad TV   Mar 7, 2025  Add to Reading List

India’s Foreign Policy in 2024: Navigating a Complex Global Landscape

In 2024, India’s foreign policy, defined by the notion of Vishwabandhu—a "friend to the world"—reflected a careful balancing act amid a turbulent geopolitical climate. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, heightened tensions in the Middle East, and the growing rivalry between the United States and China all posed challenges, yet India managed to maintain a diplomatic stance that navigated between strategic partnerships and neutrality. The country positioned itself as a global mediator, leveraging its engagements in key multilateral platforms, including BRICS, SCO, and G20, while simultaneously asserting its interests in regional and global affairs.

1. India’s Engagement with Major Powers and Neighbors:

  • Neutral Yet Principled in the Ukraine Conflict:
    India’s diplomatic visit to Ukraine in 2024 underscored its commitment to sovereignty and dialogue. While it maintained a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India also took active steps to provide humanitarian aid, positioning itself as a mediator and defender of international norms. This move reaffirmed India's preference for diplomacy and peaceful resolutions, despite the complex geopolitical dynamics of the war.

  • Managing India-China Relations:
    One of the most significant diplomatic successes for India in 2024 was the resolution of tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. The disengagement of troops marked a major breakthrough in reducing the military standoff that had persisted since 2020. This achievement was accompanied by a renewal of cross-border cooperation, notably in the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, signaling a return to more stable ties. Despite this, India remained vigilant and engaged with its allies in the Quad and strengthened its strategic positioning in the Indo-Pacific to counterbalance China’s growing assertiveness.

  • Bilateral Ties with Bangladesh:
    India continued to nurture its relationship with Bangladesh in 2024, despite changes in the political landscape. Proactive engagement with Bangladesh’s new leadership ensured the continuation of strong economic and strategic cooperation, including joint initiatives such as the Maitree Power Plant and enhanced connectivity projects. These efforts deepened the mutual interdependence between the two countries, particularly in areas of trade and energy.

  • Expanding Influence in the Gulf Region:
    India’s diplomatic footprint in the Gulf strengthened in 2024, with the enactment of the India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), aimed at enhancing investor confidence and ensuring robust economic exchanges. Additionally, India deepened strategic ties with other Gulf states, such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain, focusing on energy security, investments, and regional stability.

  • Strengthening US-India Ties:
    The relationship with the United States saw continued growth in 2024, particularly in technology and defense. Initiatives like the iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies) expanded cooperation in critical sectors, though the partnership was tested by controversies, including a high-profile diplomatic row. Despite these challenges, bilateral trade hit a record high of USD 128 billion, reinforcing the economic depth of the relationship.

  • Tension with Canada:
    Relations with Canada faced serious strains in 2024, following accusations linking Indian officials to the assassination of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The diplomatic impasse disrupted talks on a USD 5 billion trade agreement and complicated India’s relationship with the significant Indian diaspora in Canada, numbering over 700,000 people.

  • Proactive Diplomacy in Sri Lanka and the Maldives:
    India also focused on enhancing ties with its South Asian neighbors. Diplomatic initiatives with Sri Lanka included agreements on infrastructure development and trade, while India extended a USD 400 million currency swap to the Maldives to support its economic recovery.

2. Global Challenges Confronting India’s Foreign Policy in 2024:

  • Managing Tensions with China and South Asian Sensitivities:
    India’s primary challenge in the region remained China’s aggressive actions along the LAC and its growing influence in South Asia, particularly in Nepal and Pakistan. India needed to balance its regional presence while addressing the expanding footprint of China in its neighborhood.

  • The Impact of the Russia-Ukraine War:
    India's position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict was another tightrope walk. While maintaining neutrality, India’s significant oil imports from Russia created friction with Western nations. This raised questions about India's approach to global polarization, especially as it sought to maintain strong relations with both Russia and the West.

  • Tensions Arising from the US-China Rivalry:
    The US-China rivalry posed economic and diplomatic challenges for India. US trade policies, including tariffs, affected Indian sectors like information technology, while India also found itself caught in the crossfire of increasing geopolitical tensions between the two superpowers.

  • Stability in the Middle East:
    With a USD 200 billion trade relationship at stake, instability in the Gulf region presented a pressing concern for India. The country’s vast diaspora in the region and critical energy imports necessitated active diplomatic engagement to safeguard its interests amid ongoing tensions.

  • The Canada-Khalistan Controversy:
    The diplomatic fallout with Canada over the Khalistan issue was a significant challenge for India in 2024. Tensions strained bilateral relations, disrupted trade negotiations, and affected India’s ties with the large Indian diaspora in Canada.

  • Internal Criticism on Human Rights Issues:
    India faced criticism for its stance on global human rights issues, particularly regarding abstentions in UN votes on Gaza resolutions. This was seen by some as inconsistent with its proclaimed values, putting India in a diplomatic bind between maintaining its strategic alliances and addressing moral concerns.

  • Economic Pressures:
    Delays in finalizing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the UK and EU hindered India’s trade expansion. Additionally, economic instability in neighboring South Asian countries, particularly Pakistan, compounded challenges to India’s broader regional economic strategy.

  • Technological and Cybersecurity Risks:
    Cybersecurity threats and the increasing global importance of technology created additional challenges for India’s foreign policy. The country’s growing partnerships in critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies underscored the need to secure its technological frontiers.

3. India’s Foreign Policy Priorities for 2025 and Beyond:

  • Deepening Bilateral and Multilateral Ties:
    India’s foreign policy priorities for the next phase aim to strengthen its international presence, guided by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). This vision encompasses fostering global cooperation on issues like counterterrorism, sustainable development, and climate change through multilateral initiatives.

  • US-India and Quad Partnerships:
    India is likely to continue expanding its technological and defense collaborations with the United States and solidifying its role within the Quad. These alliances are crucial in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific and ensuring regional stability.

  • Enhanced Engagement with Russia:
    India seeks to expand its cooperation with Russia, particularly in areas beyond defense, including energy, technology, and manufacturing. Strengthening ties with Russia remains essential as India navigates its geopolitical landscape.

  • Trade Expansion with Europe:
    Reviving stalled FTAs with the UK and the EU will be a key priority for India as it looks to boost trade relations and integrate into global economic systems more effectively.

  • Gulf Cooperation:
    India will likely increase its focus on engaging with Gulf states and attracting investment from sovereign wealth funds, especially in areas of infrastructure, renewable energy, and technology.

  • Regional Stability:
    India’s priorities for South Asia will focus on strengthening ties with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives through enhanced economic support and security cooperation. Addressing border security and minority concerns will be critical in maintaining regional peace.

  • Global Leadership in Multilateral Forums:
    India aims to strengthen its leadership in forums such as G20, BRICS, and the SCO, where it will advocate for global issues like climate change, food security, and economic recovery. Partnerships with Africa and Latin America through South-South cooperation will also be key areas of focus.

  • Technological and Economic Resilience:
    India’s foreign policy will increasingly focus on securing technological partnerships, including in AI and critical minerals, and strengthening economic resilience through diversified trade and supply chain initiatives.

In conclusion, India’s foreign policy for 2025 and beyond will be marked by a focus on deepening strategic alliances, enhancing economic partnerships, and playing a central role in multilateral diplomacy, all while balancing its growing global influence with its traditional regional concerns.