NEW DELHI: In a year where diplomacy danced on a tightrope and every handshake bore the weight of history, India navigated complex diplomatic waters amidst significant regional tensions. The icy thaw in its long-standing border dispute with China and emerging discord with Bangladesh required skilful diplomatic manoeuvring across the subcontinent.
The relationship with Canada remained complicated, with Prime Minister Trudeau’s leadership continuing for at least another ten months.Additionally, India faced the task of establishing diplomatic rapport with Sri Lanka’s new Marxist leadership, despite their previous anti-India stance.
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India’s diplomatic endeavours in 2024 presented both successes and significant hurdles. The nation’s diplomatic capabilities were tested as it addressed historical conflicts whilst adapting to evolving global relationships.
Here are some key moments that shaped the year’s diplomatic narrative:
India-Bangladesh relations strain post-Hasina era
The ouster of Sheikh Hasina from Bangladesh’s politics in August was a shift that altered the dynamics of India-Bangladesh ties. A student-initiated movement resulted in violent clashes, leading to over 1,000 casualties. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus subsequently assumed leadership of an interim government.
Bangladesh experienced substantial social upheaval following this political transition. The arrest of spiritual preacher Chinmoy Krishna Das sparked controversy, whilst increased attacks on minorities led to unrest in Chattogram, resulting in a lawyer’s death. India expressed serious concerns regarding minority safety, particularly of Hindus, though Bangladesh consistently maintained this was an “internal matter”.
India-Canada diplomatic row escalates
India’s relations with Canada plunged to new depths following accusations linking Indian officials to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement sparked a chain reaction: tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats, suspension of visa services, and a chilling of trade discussions. India recalled high commissioner Sanjay Verma along with other diplomats.
In November, the rift intensified after pro-Khalistani supporters allegedly attacked attendees of an Indian consular event at a Hindu temple in Toronto. The ministry of external affairs called out Canada for failing to protect Indian citizens and institutions, while Canada maintained its stance, claiming a “targeted campaign” by Indian agents against Canadian citizens.
The winter session of the Parliament saw the government reiterate that Trudeau’s accusations were baseless, with no evidence being provided by the Trudeau administration to the Indian government.
US links RAW agent to assassination plot
The United States charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta in connection with a foiled assassination attempt on Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Gupta was alleged to have acted on orders from a senior Indian official.
A subsequent Washington Post report implicated Vikram Yadav, a former operative of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), in orchestrating the plot. The Indian government dismissed the claims as “unwarranted and unsubstantial.” Despite India’s denials, the US demanded “meaningful accountability,” signaling that the case was far from over.
Iran labels India ‘enemy of Islam’, MEA hits back
India’s relations with Iran also faced turbulence when Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei named India as a place where Muslims are “suffering,” calling for global solidarity among the Islamic community. The comment, made on the Prophet Mohammed’s birth anniversary, drew sharp criticism from the ministry of external affairs, which termed it “misinformed and unacceptable.”
Diplomatic wins: Top triumphs of the year
India-China: A long-awaited border solution
In a major breakthrough, India and China resolved their 54-month eastern Ladakh military standoff in October, reinstating pre-2020 LAC patrolling arrangements. The disengagement process, finalized in October, restored pre-2020 patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Alongside the agreement, both nations explored ways to rebuild ties through cross-border cooperation, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and data-sharing on trans-border rivers.
Qatar frees Indian Navy personnel
Eight former Indian Navy personnel, previously facing death sentences in Qatar, were freed following intensive diplomatic efforts. The successful resolution highlighted effective negotiations led by Indian officials, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledging this achievement as evidence of strengthening bilateral relations between India and Qatar.
Subsequently, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and PM Modi engaged in discussions about potential partnerships in advanced sectors.
New Sri Lanka President chooses India for first foreign visit
The political landscape in Sri Lanka shifted with Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s presidential victory. His leadership of the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), traditionally known for its opposition to Indian influence since the 1987 Indo-Lanka Accord, initially raised diplomatic concerns.
Nevertheless, Dissanayake chose India for his first international visit after assuming office.
India bolstered its regional influence by signing a 10-year agreement with Iran to manage and develop the strategic Chabahar port. This investment, worth $370 million, made India a key player in enhancing connectivity with Central Asia and Afghanistan. The deal represents a significant milestone as India takes charge of managing an overseas port for the first time.
Historic visits to key nations
Prime Minister Modi’s diplomatic outreach extended to regions often overlooked in India’s foreign policy narrative. PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Kuwait in 43 years, with the trip focused on strengthening energy ties and boosting trade.
PM Modi visited Nigeria after 17 years, with the focus being on expanding cooperation in sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and defense. The Prime Minister’s visit to Guyana, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 56 years, sought to deepen ties with the Indian diaspora and explore avenues for collaboration in natural resources and infrastructure.
Balancing act with Russia and Ukraine
India’s relationship with Russia demonstrated renewed vigour, with President Vladimir Putin describing the ties as “specially privileged.” The Prime Minister’s diplomatic expertise was evident in his unprecedented visit to Ukraine, where he pursued peace initiatives during the current conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested India host a summit to discuss resolution pathways for the Russian conflict, highlighting India’s potential diplomatic role.
Improving ties with the Maldives
Relations between India and Maldives, which experienced tensions under President Mohamed Muizzu’s China-friendly administration, showed positive progress.
During Muizzu’s first state visit to India, he reassured New Delhi that his government would prioritize India’s security interests.
India extended financial aid worth $400 million, including a Rs 3,000 crore bilateral currency swap agreement, demonstrating its support for the Maldives’ economic recovery.
Helping hand in testing times: Operation Sadbhav
India’s humanitarian instincts were on display through “Operation Sadbhav,” an initiative to deliver emergency relief supplies to Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam in the wake of Typhoon Yagi. The storm, deemed Asia’s most powerful of the year, caused widespread devastation, displacing thousands.
