In 2024, India’s diplomatic outreach and active participation in key international summits further solidified its role as a leading player in global governance and multilateral forums. Under the leadership of PM Modi, India has positioned itself as a central figure in fostering international cooperation and addressing global challenges. From the Quad to the BRICS Summit, the G-20, the Voice of the Global South, and more, India has demonstrated its commitment to not only advancing its national interests but also contributing to a more equitable and sustainable world order.
G-7 Summit, Italy: India’s Voice on the Global Stage
In his first international visit of his third term, PM Modi attended the G-7 Summit in Italy, held in May 2024. The G-7, consisting of the world’s most advanced economies, offers a platform where India can highlight its perspectives on pressing global issues. PM Modi’s participation reinforced India’s rising influence in shaping global economic and environmental policies.
PM Modi at the G7 Summit in Italy
At the summit, PM Modi articulated India’s stance on various critical issues, including climate change, sustainable development, and equitable global growth. His address was aimed at fostering international cooperation on global challenges that require collective action, especially in the face of changing geopolitical dynamics. Notably, the G-7 discussions also touched upon post-pandemic recovery, the future of global trade, and the role of emerging economies in steering a path toward sustainability.
On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with several world leaders, including those from Japan, France, and the United States. These interactions focused on strengthening India’s strategic partnerships with G-7 nations, promoting trade, technology exchange, and collaboration on global issues such as climate change and peacekeeping.
Voice of the Global South Summit, India: Empowering Developing Nations
In August 2024, India hosted the 3rd Voice of the Global South Summit in New Delhi, under the theme “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future.” This summit marked India’s commitment to advocating for the needs of developing nations and empowering them to play a more prominent role in shaping global policies.
PM Modi at the Voice of Global South Summit via Video Conferencing
The summit provided a platform for leaders of the Global South to engage in discussions on a wide range of issues, including climate change, energy security, food security, and international conflicts that disproportionately affect developing countries. PM Modi emphasized the need for solidarity among the Global South nations and stressed that collective action and multilateral cooperation were essential to address challenges that transcended borders.
The Voice of the Global South Summit proved to be a crucial moment for India to lead by example, showcasing its own development model and offering support to other nations in areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. India’s initiatives, such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and South-South Cooperation, further reinforce its role as a responsible global leader committed to sustainable development and the well-being of all nations.
QUAD Leaders’ Summit, USA: Upholding International Order
PM Modi’s participation in the 6th QUAD Leaders’ Summit in Delaware, USA, held in June 2024, highlighted India’s critical role in upholding a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. The Quad — comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia — is a strategic coalition focused on addressing regional challenges, enhancing security, and promoting economic cooperation.
PM at the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in the US
At the summit, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to the group’s principles of maintaining the rule of law, respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peacefully resolving disputes. The Quad's focus on ensuring regional stability, promoting infrastructure development, and addressing challenges such as cybersecurity and climate change was central to the discussions. PM Modi made it clear that the Quad is here to stay, assisting Indo-Pacific nations in their efforts for peace, prosperity, and development.
The summit also underscored the importance of the Quad’s expanded engagement with other countries and regional organizations, emphasizing the need for global cooperation to tackle shared challenges. PM Modi’s address reaffirmed India’s dedication to being an anchor of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Summit of the Future at the UNGA, USA: Reforming Global Institutions
In his address at the Summit of the Future during the 79th UN General Assembly session in September 2024, PM Modi reiterated India’s call for comprehensive reforms in global institutions. He emphasized the need for global organizations such as the United Nations to reflect the realities of the modern world, including the rise of emerging economies and the challenges of the 21st century.
PM Modi at the Summit of the Future at the UNGA, USA
PM Modi’s speech at the Summit of the Future resonated with calls for collective strength over warfare, highlighting that a multilateral approach is essential for tackling issues like climate change, economic disparities, and international conflicts. He expressed India’s willingness to share its own development experience with other nations, positioning India as a champion of global cooperation and peaceful resolution of disputes.
The Prime Minister’s advocacy for reforming global institutions echoed India’s broader strategy of contributing to a just and equitable global order. India’s growing global influence is rooted in its commitment to diplomacy, peace, and multilateralism.
ASEAN-India Summit, Laos: Strengthening Regional Partnerships
PM Modi’s participation in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit in Laos in 2024 marked a decade of India’s Act East Policy, a key pillar of India’s foreign policy that emphasizes engagement with Southeast Asia. The summit saw PM Modi engaging with ASEAN leaders to review the progress of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discuss future directions for cooperation.
PM Modi in Laos for the 21st ASEAN-India Summit in Laos
PM Modi’s leadership has been instrumental in enhancing India’s trade, security, and cultural ties with ASEAN countries. Over the years, India has become a key partner in regional integration efforts, especially in areas such as counter-terrorism, connectivity, and regional stability. At the summit, PM Modi underscored India’s vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, highlighting the importance of regional partnerships for ensuring peace and prosperity.
India’s deepening ties with ASEAN are a reflection of its growing influence in Southeast Asia, and the ASEAN-India Summit reaffirmed India’s commitment to being a key partner in regional development and security.
BRICS Summit, Russia: A Global Voice for Cooperation
PM Modi also participated in the 16th BRICS Summit, held in Kazan, Russia, in 2024. The BRICS nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — represent over 40% of the world’s population and are key players in global economic and political discourse.
PM Modi in Russia for the 16th BRICS Summit
PM Modi addressed the growing uncertainties facing the world, from international conflicts to climate change and cyber threats, and highlighted the importance of BRICS as a platform for fostering cooperation and advancing global stability. He expressed his gratitude for President Putin’s leadership and acknowledged the growing cooperation among BRICS countries, particularly in the areas of trade, technology, and sustainable development.
The BRICS Summit was a significant platform for PM Modi to highlight India’s role in addressing global challenges and advocating for reforms in global institutions to better reflect the realities of the 21st century.
G20 Summit, Brazil: Strengthening Global Partnerships
PM Modi’s participation in the G-20 Summit in Brazil in 2024 was another key milestone in India’s diplomatic journey. The G-20 summit focused on strengthening global economic cooperation, tackling the effects of the pandemic, and addressing issues like climate change and sustainable development.
PM Modi in Brazil for the G20 Summit
India’s involvement in the G-20 is crucial for advancing the global agenda on economic recovery, trade, and investment. During the visit, PM Modi held discussions with Brazilian leaders to reinforce the partnership between India and Brazil, focusing on shared goals within the G-20 framework and beyond. The summit marked a renewed commitment to building resilient global partnerships, with India playing a central role in shaping global economic policy.
India’s Rising Diplomatic Influence in 2024
India’s participation in these high-level multilateral forums in 2024 exemplifies its growing diplomatic influence and leadership in addressing global challenges. Through active engagement in the G-7, BRICS, QUAD, ASEAN, G-20, and the Voice of the Global South, PM Modi has not only showcased India’s vision for global cooperation but has also positioned the country as a key player in shaping a more sustainable, equitable, and peaceful world order. As India continues to rise on the global stage, PM Modi’s leadership remains central to navigating the complexities of international diplomacy in the 21st century.
