In 2024 the world stood at a crossroads, global fault lines were deepening and crises were multiplying. Wars in Europe and the Middle East have upended the global order, disrupting energy markets and food security, while spreading broader challenges across every region. The Indo-Pacific remains the center of conflict, with China’s aggressive maneuvers destabilizing the South China Sea and its borders with India. In Europe, the conflict in Ukraine continued to put pressure on global energy supplies and push up inflation. The Middle East saw rising tensions with the Israel–Hamas conflict, which attracted international actors and deepened divisions across the region. Meanwhile, Myanmar’s internal strife and Bangladesh’s political unrest threaten the regional balance, highlighting the fragility of South Asia’s neighbourhood. These crises, along with the persistent threat of climate change and rising inequality, have underlined the interconnectedness of global challenges and the urgent need for coordinated responses.
In this difficult environment, India’s foreign policy demonstrated remarkable clarity and flexibility. Balancing strategic autonomy with global engagement, India ensured that its interests were protected while also contributing to stability beyond its borders. Its economic strategies, such as diversifying energy imports and promoting renewable energy partnerships, outline a pragmatic approach to achieving energy independence amid global instability.
Trump’s return
Key elections in 2024 add layers of geopolitical uncertainty. The return of Donald Trump as US President brought about a change in Washington’s foreign policy priorities. Trump’s powerful presidency represents both opportunities and challenges for India. While his stated focus is on ending the two major conflicts, countering China and deepening ties with like-minded democracies are in line with India’s goals, possible changes in trade policies and his transactional approach to alliances. India may need to deal with the complexities with caution and tact. Additionally, Trump’s strict immigration policies, such as changes in H-1B visa rules and family-based immigration programs, could have a significant impact on Indian professionals and the Indian diaspora. Nonetheless, the bipartisan consensus on strengthening India-US relations remains strong and, as the world’s two largest democracies, the partnership is evolving as a cornerstone of stability in an increasingly polarized world. India’s diplomatic agility will be essential in dealing with these dynamics.
India’s remarkable legacy at the G20 under its Chairmanship is being carried forward by the successive Chairmanships of Brazil and South Africa. The consistency of India’s policies rooted in human-centric globalization and working for the global common good has enhanced its foreign policy footprint on the global stage. The concept of Vishwa Mitra (Friend of the World) reflects India’s commitment towards cooperation for global welfare and sustainable development. From its leadership at the G20 to its vaccine diplomacy, from advocating for equal access to digital public goods to its role as a first responder in times of need, India exemplifies the principles of inclusivity and shared progress.
Under the leadership of PM Modi, India has positioned itself as a partner in addressing global challenges, fostering mutual respect and pursuing the vision of a peaceful and equitable world order. His commitment to achieving peace through diplomacy and negotiation was evidenced by his visits to Russia and Ukraine in this effort.
increase defense
Also, the global conflicts of 2024 highlight the urgent need for stronger defense capabilities. With global military spending at unprecedented levels, India’s $81 billion defense budget signals its commitment to national security. Amid rising tensions, India’s focus on self-reliance in critical sectors such as defense manufacturing and emerging technologies reflects its ability to innovate while meeting strategic needs.
At the regional level, India has had to deal with unprecedented challenges arising from economic turmoil and great power rivalry in our immediate region. In Sri Lanka and the Maldives, it provided financial and technical assistance to stabilize the economies, while calibrated diplomacy ensured continued engagement with Bangladesh. To protect its core interests amid the political unrest in Bangladesh, India needs more active engagement with all stakeholders in the country. The Israel-Hamas conflict further tested India’s diplomatic balance as it protected its diaspora, provided humanitarian aid and called for a peaceful resolution.
Strategic autonomy is key
As 2025 approaches, India must continue to leverage its strengths while addressing emerging challenges. India’s policy of pragmatic strategic autonomy will be important in navigating multilateral platforms and addressing the complexities of emerging geopolitics. There is an opportunity afforded by Trump’s unprecedented victory to significantly expand our strategic relationship with the United States. If we are to safeguard our broader interests, it is essential to engage with trusted partners as well as those we do not trust.
Geopolitically, smartly managing China’s assertiveness and ensuring regional stability will require continued engagement with Quad partners and multilateral fora such as BRICS and SCO. Any rapprochement with China would need to be based on peace and stability in the border areas.
India’s foreign policy will also need to continue to follow its ‘neighbourhood first’ approach. Managing relations with our immediate neighbors will not only secure our vital national interests but will also allow us to deal more effectively with our key interlocutors. Taking forward PM Modi’s ultimate vision’Everybody’s company will help in everybody’s growth‘In our immediate neighborhood it will be sure ‘Everyone’s faith’,
On the global stage, India can leverage its G20 legacy to address the concerns of the Global South, particularly in debt relief and climate financing. India should continue its support for Africa and developing countries, including providing critical assistance in areas such as infrastructure development, health care and renewable energy. Expanding digital public infrastructure as a global public good will not only enhance India’s technological leadership but also promote inclusivity. Energy security will be critical in 2025, and India must continue to diversify its energy sources and accelerate its clean energy transition.
(Harsh Vardhan Shringla is the former Foreign Secretary of India and Ambassador to the US, Bangladesh and Thailand.)
Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author
