Introduction
As 2024 came to a close, India stood at the forefront of global strategic developments, marking a year of significant achievements and milestones.From strengthening diplomatic ties to advancing its defence capabilities, India has showcased its growing influence on the world stage. This year witnessed bold steps in regional and global partnerships, a renewed focus on technological innovation, and decisive actions addressing security challenges. These achievements reflect not only India’s strategic vision but also its commitment to shaping a more interconnected and secure future in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
Chairing Global Platforms
In 2024, India reaffirmed its global leadership by successfully completing its G20 presidency. Capitalizing on the momentum of 2023, India established itself as a conduit between developed and developing nations, emphasising the issues of the Global South. Under its leadership, the G20 accomplished significant advancements in essential domains such as climate financing, digital transformation, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting cooperation for a more equitable future.
Besides the G20, India presided over significant meetings during its Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Through the organization of high-level summits, India facilitated discussions on regional security, economic collaboration, and connectivity, thereby reinforcing its position as a key actor in Eurasian geopolitics. These achievements not only demonstrated India’s diplomatic prowess but also underscored its capacity to tackle urgent global issues while uniting many parties around common objectives.
Strengthening Indo-Pacific Partnerships
In 2024, India reaffirmed its dedication to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific by strengthening alliances with pivotal nations. India significantly contributed to regional security through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) with the United States, Japan, and Australia. The Malabar naval exercises, conducted by India in the Bay of Bengal, experienced heightened participation, highlighting the cooperative endeavours of these democracies to maintain maritime peace.
The Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, focused on the requirements of Indo-Pacific partner nations, including pandemics, natural disasters, marine domain awareness, infrastructure, key technologies, climate change, cyber security, and technological leadership. In the last four years, the Quad has met six times, with each government pledging substantial support for its goals. The Quad initiated the Quad Cancer Moonshot to decrease cancer mortality, bolster health security and resilience initiatives, and ensure equitable access to safe, effective, and quality-assured mpox vaccinations. The Quad committed about $84.5 million to enhance regional capabilities in the prevention, detection, and response to infectious disease risks.
Beyond the Quad, India strengthened bilateral ties with ASEAN countries, notably Vietnam and Indonesia. High-level meetings led to agreements focusing on economic cooperation, defence collaboration, and digital transformation, further cementing India’s role as a regional security provider. These strategic engagements highlight India’s proactive approach in fostering partnerships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region.
Advancing Defence Capabilities
In 2024, India marked significant advancements in its defence capabilities, reflecting the success of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative. A major highlight was the induction of indigenous defence technologies, including advanced fighter jets, missile systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), showcasing the nation’s growing technological self-reliance. India also focused on boosting its global defence footprint,India’s defence exports crossed to ₹21,000 crore (approximately $2.63 billion) for the first time, marking a 31-fold increase over the past 10 years, as announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on April 1, establishing its position as a reliable arms supplier to friendly nations. These developments underscore India’s commitment to strengthening its defence sector, enhancing national security, and contributing to global stability, all while aligning with its vision of self-reliance and strategic autonomy.
Progress in Space Diplomacy
India’s space program is entering an exciting new phase, with ambitious missions like Chandrayaan-4, the Venus Orbiter Mission, and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station leading the way. Chandrayaan-4, set to advance lunar exploration, aims to develop key technologies for a successful human mission to the Moon by 2040. The mission will focus on lunar sample collection and safe return to Earth, building on the success of Chandrayaan-3. ISRO’s Venus Orbiter Mission will enhance our understanding of the planet Venus, while the Bharatiya Antariksh Station will lay the foundation for India’s first space station. These projects will foster technological innovation, drive industrial growth, and create employment opportunities, positioning India as a global space leader. With funding support from the government, including a Rs. 1,000 crore Venture Capital Fund for space startups, India is set to make significant strides in space exploration and technological development. Collaborative space exploration agreements with countries like France, the USA, and Australia have positioned India as a leader in space diplomacy.
Leadership in Climate Action
At COP29, India established itself as a global climate leader, with a steadfast dedication to addressing climate change through tangible measures. In adherence to its commitments under the Paris Agreement, India demonstrated its commitment to fostering a sustainable future, garnering international acclaim for its initiatives.India’s advocacy extended beyond its borders, championing equitable financial support for developing nations disproportionately affected by climate change. By calling for fair climate financing mechanisms, India underscored the importance of global solidarity in addressing shared environmental challenges.Key initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission and a remarkable expansion of solar energy capacity highlighted India’s proactive approach to renewable energy and emission reduction. These achievements underscored the country’s ambition to lead by example in the global fight against climate change.India’s presence at COP29 was transformative, inspiring other nations to adopt bold and decisive measures, making it a pivotal player in shaping a sustainable and resilient world.
Economic Diplomacy
In 2024, India firmly established itself as a global powerhouse with impressive achievements in economic growth, technological innovation, and diplomacy. The nation’s economy continued to thrive, maintaining its status as one of the fastest-growing in the world. India’s electronics manufacturing sector experienced a transformative surge, driven by government initiatives and a highly skilled workforce. This growth not only boosted domestic production but also positioned the country as a reliable partner in global supply chains.
A standout achievement was Semicon India 2024, which underscored India’s emergence as a trusted player in the global semiconductor ecosystem. The event highlighted India’s commitment to fostering innovation and self-reliance in this critical sector, further bolstered by programs such as the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). These efforts not only showcased India’s growing technological capabilities but also reinforced its reputation as a key contributor to global supply chain resilience. Together, these advancements marked a significant leap in India’s journey toward economic and technological excellence on the world stage.India’s unprecedented growth in foreign direct investment and exports highlights its rising prominence as a global economic hub. Consistent reforms and a business-friendly environment have solidified its position in international trade and investment.
Diplomatically, India secured key agreements, including a free trade pact with Iceland and a bilateral investment treaty with the UAE. Re-elected to the UN Peacebuilding Commission, India’s leadership continued to inspire, making 2024 a year of transformative growth and global recognition.
Foreign tensions
In 2024, India continued to assert its global presence and diplomatic influence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history as the first Indian PM to visit Ukraine amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, while President Droupadi Murmu became the first Indian head of state to visit Fiji. Strengthening ties further, Modi was honoured with the Order of Excellence from Guyana. India also hosted the third edition of the Voice of the Global South Summit, with representatives from 100 nations, building on its leadership momentum from the 2023 G20 Summit.
On the regional front, India resolved several conflicts, notably easing tensions with the Maldives through focused diplomacy. However, relations with Canada remained strained over issues related to the Sikh diaspora and broader geopolitical concerns. India also engaged in discussions with Bangladesh to address rising violence against its Hindu minority. Meanwhile, ties with Nepal faced challenges after Nepal issued new currency notes featuring disputed territories, highlighting ongoing territorial disagreements.
Conclusion
India’s strategic achievements in 2024 reflect its ambition to shape global narratives and secure its national interests. From strengthening defence capabilities to fostering diplomatic alliances and championing sustainable development, India has demonstrated its resolve to be a responsible global power. As the world looks to 2025, India’s trajectory remains firmly on the path of growth, resilience, and leadership
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