Executive summary

This year has been a testing time for Indian foreign policy, which was under severe pressure due to its stance on the Russia-Ukraine crisis, Oil purchases, QUAD, Border issues with China, etc. But succeeding these tests with distinction India has proved that it follows strategic autonomy. This report outlines all major achievements of Indian foreign policy and diplomacy in the year 2024 by dividing it into various dimensions of principles, defense, energy, economy, etc, and tries to predict its future trajectory. With recommendations, reports humbly try to put light on the most important issues cum areas on which the Indian foreign policy Tzars should focus.

Strategic analyses

Foreign policy has been a defining aspect of the current government, with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar gaining attention for his witty and insightful responses to foreign media. India has shifted its strategic posturing on the global stage, emphasizing strategic autonomy and diverse international partnerships. Initially, at Independence, Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru’s policy of “non-alignment” aimed at issue-based support rather than alignment with power blocs. While this autonomy was often more theoretical than practical for the Global South, India’s current status as the most populous country, the world’s third-largest economy (in PPP terms), and a military power allows it to assert its interests more confidently. For example, India’s balanced approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, maintaining strong relations with Russia while advocating for negotiations, underscores this shift. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also highlighted India’s potential role in resolving the crisis, reflecting the country’s diplomatic evolution.

Bilateral and multilateral relations: This year has been a roller coaster for the Indian External Affairs Ministry in specific and foreign policy in general.

• The diplomatic conflict between India and Canada worsened as both countries recalled their diplomats, ignited by Canada’s unprofessional designation of the Indian high commissioner as a “person of interest” in the Hardeep Singh Nijjar case, with low prospects for improvement under Trudeau’s leadership.
• India’s foreign policy faced challenges with the ousting of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh, leading to serious human rights violations against Hindu minorities, while relations improved with Sri Lanka and the Maldives, with both countries expressing support and cooperation with India.
• India is advancing the cause of the Global South, demonstrated by the inclusion of the African Union in G20 and strengthening its role in multilateral forums like BRICS, SCO, and QUAD, while adapting its non-alignment strategy to current realities.

Economy and Trade

• One of the major milestones of India’s economic diplomacy this year was the landmark Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in March 2024. It will be highly beneficial for both parties as EFTA committed to USD 100 billion in foreign direct investments in India over the next 15 years, generating 1 million direct employment opportunities in India. India will offer 82.7% of tariff lines covering 95.3% of EFTA exports.
• India’s agreement with Iran in May to manage the strategic Chabahar Port for the next decade marked a significant breakthrough, as it was the first time India assumed management of a port overseas, and that too amid Iran’s tensions with the US and Israel.

Defence

• Defense exports broke all records, touching Rs 21,083 crore (approx. US$ 2.63 Billion) in the FY 2023-24, a growth of 32.5% over the previous fiscal when the figure was Rs 15,920 crore. The figures indicated that the exports grew by 31 times in the last 10 years as compared to FY 2013-14. It is because of active Indian foreign policy that their exports are growing even in this highly competitive market
• Finally, the India-Tibetan border saw some disengagement in different sectors. It took 21 rounds of Corps Commander-level talks on disengagement to end the military impasse that plagued the relationship for five years.
• The Indian Navy proved to be a net security provider when on March 20^th the elite MARCOS of the Indian Navy seized MV Ruen, a former Maltese-flagged bulk carrier, rescued 17 hostages and captured 35 armed pirates in a 40 hours operation around 2500 km away from Indian coasts.

Energy and climate

• India and the UAE have inked a pact for the maintenance and operation of the civil nuclear program of the Emirate. The signing of this MoU marks a significant step in the growing cooperation between India and the UAE in peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
• India’s assertiveness was also visible in COP29 of UNFCCC in Baku when the delegation delivered a strong and critical statement regarding climate finance. The representative, Chandni Raina, expressed sharp disappointment with the conference outcomes, particularly the finance agreement
• To save its population from high energy prices, which would have led to a sky-rocketing inflation rate domestically, the Indian government and especially the diplomatic corps faced severe pressure from the world and especially the West for buying oil from Russia. The strength of the policy was proven when, even after such pressure, there was no change in Indian purchases and also it kept on increasing this year, making Russia among the top Oil suppliers to India.

Scenario analyses

– India’s evolving foreign policy, characterized by a strategy of multi-alignment, aims to balance relationships with major powers, reduce dependence on any single country, and enhance national interests amid geopolitical tensions.

– EAM Jaishankar’s emphasis on multipolarity and multilateralism, along with India’s role as a mediator in global conflicts, highlights the country’s aspiration to strengthen partnerships and expand its influence on the world stage.

Strategic recommendation

Before 2014, India was perceived as a soft state, responding to global issues only when necessary. However, recent changes in policy and government acknowledgment of cross-border operations indicate a shift away from this perception. The approach—whether hawkish or dovish—will depend on the situation, with military options always available. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has stated that India will “neither punch above its weight nor below its weight, but increase its weight and punch accordingly.”

· The very first step in increasing the weight would be to push for UN reforms. G4 contender ship in UN Security Council shall be reiterated by all four members and support for each other’s memberships for permanent seat shall be reinforced.

· Non-Interference approach in India’s internal matters like Punjab, Northeast and Kashmir, as followed by Indians in the Canadian fiasco shall be followed in other Anglo-Saxon alliance countries, which especially don’t understand India’s sensitive lines.

· In line with India’s rising global stature in recent years, there has been a considerable increase in diplomatic activity undertaken by the Indian Armed Forces. Military diplomacy’s role in foreign policy shall be increased more by conducting various military exercises and humanitarian relief operations to increase its diplomatic footprint around the world.

Conclusion

Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, in one of his speeches at the United Nations, articulated the sentiment, “When India grows, the world grows. When India reforms, the world transforms.” This statement encapsulates the essence of Indian cultural ethos and philosophy, which embraces the principle of “Vasudev Kutumbakam,” signifying that “the whole world is a family.” Accordingly, Indian foreign policy is designed to promote inclusivity, considering the interests of all nations, particularly those in the Global South, who have faced significant challenges over the past three centuries.

Additionally, Indian diplomats often refer to themselves as “Vishwa Bandhu,” meaning friends to all nations. While fulfilling this ideal can be challenging in the context of global realities, it remains a goal worth pursuing.