India’s Diplomatic Achievements in 2024: A Year of Strategic Engagement and Global Influence

In 2024, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) showcased a remarkable year of diplomatic successes and strategic progress. Against a complex global backdrop marked by economic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and climate challenges, India emerged as a proactive player, strengthening partnerships, advancing trade, and enhancing its global standing. This article explores the key highlights of India’s diplomacy in 2024, enriched by insights from multiple sources.

The ministry has released its annual report for 2024, highlighting India's key diplomatic engagements | NDTV

Expanding Multilateral Engagement and Global South Leadership

India’s role on the world stage continued to grow significantly in 2024 through active participation in global governance platforms. Building on its 2023 G20 presidency, India maintained momentum by collaborating within the Troika framework alongside Brazil and South Africa, championing themes such as social inclusion, climate action, and clean energy. This collective effort reinforced India’s commitment to the Global South, advocating for equitable development and stronger international cooperation.

Beyond the G20, India engaged robustly with institutions like the United Nations, the Group of Seven (G7), BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the Quad alliance. These engagements demonstrated India’s strategic intent to shape a multipolar world order where developing nations have a louder voice. India also continued to press for reforms within multilateral institutions, aiming to modernize their frameworks to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities and emerging powers.

Strengthening Economic and Trade Partnerships

Trade diplomacy was a major highlight in India’s 2024 foreign policy efforts. A landmark achievement was the formalization of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which includes Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. This pact symbolizes India’s drive to deepen economic integration with developed markets and diversify its trade portfolio.

Simultaneously, India progressed in negotiations for free trade agreements with the European Union and the United Kingdom, aiming to open new avenues for commerce and investment. India’s diplomacy increasingly incorporated state governments, recognizing their critical role in attracting foreign direct investment. For example, Madhya Pradesh’s Chief Minister’s visits to Germany and the UK facilitated new partnerships, showcasing a decentralized but cohesive approach to economic diplomacy.

Another significant development was the nearing completion of an investment protection pact with Israel. This agreement aims to provide legal safeguards for investors from both countries, thereby solidifying a burgeoning trade relationship valued at nearly $4 billion annually. The pact also strengthens defense cooperation and infrastructure collaboration between the two nations.

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response: India's Global Role as First Responder

India’s reputation as a responsible global actor was further enhanced through its humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) initiatives. Throughout 2024, India launched three major HADR missions, providing critical aid to over 20 countries in need. These missions ranged from dispatching life-saving drugs to conflict-affected areas such as Syria and Palestine to coordinating rescue efforts in emergencies off the coast of Oman.

Such humanitarian outreach not only showcased India’s soft power but also reflected its commitment to fostering goodwill and stability across regions. India’s role as a first responder in crises aligns with its vision of being a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region and beyond.

Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power Enhancements

India’s cultural heritage and soft power projection received a boost in 2024. One of the notable milestones was the inscription of the “Maratha Military Landscapes” as India’s 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site. This achievement highlighted the country’s rich historical legacy and provided an additional platform for cultural diplomacy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic visits throughout the year were accompanied by a series of prestigious international honors. These included Russia’s Order of St. Andrew—making him the first Indian recipient—the Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer from Kuwait, Guyana’s Order of Excellence, Dominica’s highest civilian honor, and Nigeria’s Order of the Niger. These awards reflected global recognition of India’s leadership and its expanding influence on international affairs.

Managing Diplomatic Challenges with Nuance and Flexibility

Despite many diplomatic successes, India navigated a few complex challenges in 2024. A diplomatic rift with the Maldives emerged following that country’s decision to withdraw Indian military personnel. The disagreement was resolved diplomatically with an agreement to replace military troops with civilian technical staff, demonstrating India’s ability to maintain strong bilateral ties even amid difficulties.

Similarly, an attack on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala posed a sensitive issue. India swiftly engaged in diplomatic channels to address the breach of diplomatic norms under the Vienna Convention, emphasizing the importance of protecting diplomatic missions.

Regionally, India balanced its strategic interests in the Middle East, actively participating in peace dialogues and reinforcing its stance on combating terrorism, particularly concerning Pakistan-based threats. These efforts underscored India’s pragmatic approach in managing regional tensions while pursuing stable and secure neighborhoods.

High-Level Diplomacy and Global Strategy in a Complex World

In the aftermath of increased tensions with Pakistan, particularly following a military standoff in May, India launched a broad diplomatic outreach to key global capitals including Washington, Seoul, and Doha. This diplomatic “charm offensive” sought to explain India’s counter-terrorism measures and reaffirm its commitment to regional stability. Although some critics viewed these efforts as politically motivated, the outreach helped rebuild confidence among strategic partners.

India also expressed readiness to contribute to diplomatic efforts for peace and conflict resolution in the Middle East, signaling its growing role as a constructive actor in one of the world’s most volatile regions. This stance aligns with India’s broader strategic outlook to engage proactively in global peacebuilding initiatives.

Defense and Security Diplomacy: Reinforcing Strategic Partnerships

The year saw strengthening defense ties, notably through India-Russia “2+2” ministerial talks that coordinated foreign and defense policy priorities. Agreements such as the supply of Kalashnikov rifles and ambitions to elevate bilateral trade to $30 billion annually underscored deepening strategic ties.

India’s diplomacy also asserted a firm stance on China-related issues while securing crucial access to Iran’s Chabahar port—vital for regional connectivity and trade. In addition, India remained vigilant about shifts in Maldives’ policy orientations, engaging constructively to safeguard mutual interests.

Conclusion: A Forward-Looking and Resilient Diplomacy

India’s diplomatic efforts in 2024 exemplify a comprehensive and pragmatic foreign policy. The country’s ability to balance economic ambitions with strategic security concerns, coupled with a robust presence in multilateral institutions, positions it well for continued global influence. By investing in humanitarian assistance, cultural diplomacy, and flexible bilateral relations, India not only enhanced its global stature but also laid the groundwork for sustainable partnerships.

As External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar aptly summarized, India’s guiding mantra remains to “Think big, think long, and think smart.” This approach will likely continue to steer India through a rapidly evolving international landscape, helping it emerge as a leading voice of the Global South and a key architect of 21st-century diplomacy.

(Sources: NDTV, News India Times)