India’s foreign policy in 2024 has been a testament to its growing stature as a global superpower. The country’s strategic engagements, diplomatic victories, and its ability to balance diverse global relationships have not only reinforced its leadership in the Global South but also challenged the hegemony of traditional Western powers. This essay explores India's major foreign policy accomplishments in 2024, highlighting its rise and the discomfort it is causing in Western capitals.
1. Leadership in the G20 and Global South Initiatives
India’s presidency of the G20 in 2023 laid a strong foundation for its continued influence in global multilateral forums in 2024. By prioritizing the concerns of the Global South, particularly on climate finance, equitable trade practices, and digital infrastructure, India ensured that emerging economies had a stronger voice in global decision-making.
A significant achievement was India’s success in creating a consensus on debt restructuring for economically vulnerable nations, many of which are in Africa and South Asia. Through partnerships like the India-Africa Growth Corridor, India provided an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing sustainable development and local empowerment.
India also continued to lead initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and spearheaded a new coalition for green hydrogen, cementing its role as a leader in the energy transition. These moves have solidified India's position as a credible and responsible power.
2. Strengthening Ties in the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific
India’s deepening engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries reached a new high in 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Kuwait in December marked the first by an Indian PM in 43 years, resulting in agreements on energy, defense, and technology cooperation. India’s longstanding ties with the UAE and Saudi Arabia were further bolstered with the signing of strategic pacts on artificial intelligence and space exploration.
In the Indo-Pacific, India played a crucial role in strengthening the Quad alliance alongside the United States, Japan, and Australia. Naval exercises, economic collaborations, and infrastructure projects aimed at countering China’s dominance highlighted India’s growing clout in the region. Additionally, India's strategic agreements with ASEAN countries have provided smaller nations with an alternative to Beijing’s aggressive posturing.
3. Diplomatic Engagements with Europe and Russia
India’s approach to Europe in 2024 was marked by pragmatic diplomacy. While fostering trade and technology partnerships with countries like France and Germany, India also stood firm on contentious issues, such as human rights and migration. This balanced approach reflected India's commitment to safeguarding its national interests while engaging with the West.
Simultaneously, India maintained a nuanced relationship with Russia, refusing to buckle under Western pressure to sever ties due to the Ukraine conflict. The India-Russia relationship, primarily focused on energy and defense, underscored India’s strategic autonomy. This position, which allows India to work with both Russia and the West, has drawn admiration from the Global South and skepticism from the West.
4. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC)
One of the most groundbreaking accomplishments of 2024 was the progress on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), an alternative trade route aimed at reducing dependence on China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Announced at the G20 summit in New Delhi, the corridor promises to connect India to Europe through the Gulf, leveraging advanced logistics and technology.
The IMEEC is a game-changer, positioning India as a central player in global trade and showcasing its capability to unite nations across continents for mutual economic benefit.
5. Leading the Charge on Climate Action and Equity
India emerged as a key negotiator at COP29, advocating for climate justice and pushing developed nations to fulfill their financial commitments to the developing world. The Bharat Small Reactors project, announced in 2024, is set to revolutionize sustainable energy production not only in India but also for export to developing nations. This initiative, aligned with the "Make in India" program, highlights India's ability to combine innovation with global leadership.
6. Challenging Western Hegemony
India’s rise has not come without its challenges, particularly in its relationship with Western powers. The country’s refusal to align strictly with Western positions on Russia, its growing influence in the Global South, and its demand for reforms in international institutions such as the United Nations have caused unease among Western nations.
India’s push for climate equity has directly challenged the West’s reluctance to compensate for historical emissions. Furthermore, India’s leadership in the BRICS forum, which welcomed new members like Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2024, has created a bloc that rivals the economic influence of the G7. This shift has unnerved Western capitals, particularly as BRICS continues to champion the interests of the Global South over traditional Western dominance.
7. The Western Discomfort
The West’s discomfort with India’s rise is rooted in its inability to control the narrative. For decades, Western nations have shaped global geopolitics, but India’s assertiveness has disrupted this status quo. The country's emphasis on strategic autonomy, refusal to accept one-size-fits-all policies, and insistence on multipolarity have challenged the West’s perception of global order. This unease has manifested in subtle and overt actions, including Western media narratives questioning India’s democratic credentials and targeting its domestic policies. However, such criticisms have only bolstered India’s resolve to chart its own course.
India’s foreign policy in 2024 has been a masterclass in balancing diverse relationships while pursuing national interests. From leading the Global South to challenging Western dominance, India has demonstrated its capability to operate as a responsible, assertive, and independent global power. Its accomplishments have not only strengthened its position on the world stage but also signaled the emergence of a new era where the voice of the Global South is heard loud and clear. As India continues its ascent, the West must reconcile with a multipolar world where power is more evenly distributed and India plays a pivotal role.
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