Context:

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) recently released its annual report for 2024. The report highlighted India’s key diplomatic engagements and achievements. According to the report, India’s foreign policy demonstrated “vibrancy and pragmatism” in advancing national interests amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Key highlights of the Report:

• The year 2024 witnessed multiple global challenges, including economic fluctuations, climate impacts, and conflicts.
• India continued its efforts to champion reforms of global governance institutions and address the concerns of developing nations, often referred to as the Global South.
• The approach was described as “vibrant and pragmatic,” aiming to advance national interests while strengthening India’s global standing.

1. Bilateral and Multilateral Participation

• India actively engaged in forums such as the UN, G20, G7, Quad, SCO, and BRICS.
• Under the G20 Troika (India, Brazil, South Africa), India contributed to priorities such as social inclusion, energy transition, and reform of multilateral institutions.
• The inclusion of the African Union as a permanent G20 member was a significant milestone following India’s 2023 G20 Presidency.

2. Voice of Global South Summit

• India hosted the 3rd edition of the Voice of Global South Summit virtually.
• 173 dignitaries from 123 countries participated.
• A proposal for a “Global Development Compact” was made to promote trade, technology sharing, capacity building, and financial support among Global South nations.

3. Outreach at Global Summits

• India participated in the G7 Summit Outreach Session in Italy.
• Discussions focused on technology governance, digital transformation, and inclusive development.
• Emphasis was placed on using technology with a human-centric approach and promoting artificial intelligence for collective progress.

Combating Terrorism and Financial Crimes

• India strengthened cooperation with partner countries to counter terrorism in all forms.
• Participation in Counterterrorism Working Groups was enhanced with countries like France, Kazakhstan, Australia, and the Quad partners.
• The FATF Mutual Evaluation concluded that India had reached a high level of compliance in anti-money laundering, counter-terror financing, and counter-proliferation financing.

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR):

India continued to reinforce its role as a reliable first responder in humanitarian crises:

• Operation Indravati: Evacuation of Indian nationals from Haiti amid civil unrest.
• Humanitarian Airlift in Kuwait: Repatriation of mortal remains of 45 deceased nationals.
• Operation Sadbhav: Emergency assistance to Myanmar after floods from Typhoon Yagi.
• Over 20 countries received humanitarian aid from India during the year.
• India supplied anti-cancer medicines to Syria and coordinated with UN agencies to deliver humanitarian supplies to Palestine.
• A joint rescue operation with Omani authorities saved nine crew members from a vessel that capsized off Oman.

Conclusion:

In 2024, India’s foreign policy focused on balancing national interests with global responsibilities. From multilateral leadership to humanitarian outreach, India strengthened its position as a proactive and responsible global actor. The Ministry of External Affairs report highlights a year of steady diplomatic achievements and a commitment to shaping a more equitable international order.