Modi 3.0 Begins: What Major Global Events Await Indian Diplomacy?

As Narendra Modi was sworn in as the Prime Minister for the third consecutive term, a series of global events were scheduled, in which India's participation was expected to play a crucial role in shaping international geopolitics.

Over the past decade, a strong global presence has been established by India, with Prime Minister Modi prioritizing the country's position as the 'Voice of the Global South' through the 'Vishwa Bandhu' approach.

Photo Credit: PTI

The G20 Summit was hosted under India's presidency with the theme 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'.

Major Events Following Modi 3.0's

BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting

The BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting was set to be the first significant diplomatic engagement for India, taking place from June 10-11 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. This meeting, attended by foreign ministers from BRICS member states, was critical for India.

BRICS, an intergovernmental organization, comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates having joined as full members last year. Russia assumed the chairmanship of BRICS on January 1, 2024.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, BRICS serves as an essential platform, and India's participation in meetings organized by Russia as the BRICS chair was anticipated with eagerness.

G7 Summit 2024

The next major assignment for India was the Group of Seven (G7) Summit, scheduled from June 13 to 15 in Italy. Prime Minister Modi's participation had been confirmed following an invitation from Italian PM Giorgia Meloni.

The G7, an informal forum, comprises Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the European Union represented by the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission. Italy took over the G7 presidency on January 1, 2024, which will last until December 31, 2024.

Swiss Peace Summit

A global peace summit was planned in Switzerland to address the Russia-Ukraine conflict on June 15-16. Although India had received an invitation, confirmation of participation was pending. This summit, part of Ukraine's diplomatic efforts for its 10-point peace plan announced in November 2022, aimed to discuss key aspects including free navigation, energy and nuclear security, and the exchange of captives.

US Vice President Kamala Harris and representatives from 106 countries confirmed attendance, although China indicated it might not participate.

US National Security Advisor's Visit

United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was scheduled to visit India following a congratulatory call from US President Joe Biden to Prime Minister Modi. The visit aimed to engage with the new Indian government on shared US-India priorities, including strategic technology partnerships.

SCO Summit in Kazakhstan

Later in the year, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit was planned in Kazakhstan. India's participation in the SCO Foreign and Defence Ministers' meetings earlier in the year had already been noted. The SCO, established in 2001, focuses on regional security and combating terrorism, with India holding the chair in 2023 and hosting the SCO Leaders Summit in a virtual format.

Modi's Third Term and Foreign Policy Initiatives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took oath for his third successive term at a grand ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, attended by leaders from India's neighboring regions and the Indian Ocean region, emphasizing India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

This election marked the BJP-led NDA's significant victory with 293 seats, including 240 by BJP alone, achieving the necessary majority in the 543-member Lok Sabha. Modi became the second Indian leader to win a third term after Jawaharlal Nehru. Distinguished guests included leaders from Sri Lanka, Maldives, Seychelles, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Nepal, and Bhutan.