By: Aastha Agarwal

On January 01, 2024, the BRICS, in line with Johannesburg Declaration of the 15^th Summit, opened its doors to embrace 5 new countries – Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE. The expanded body rechristened as BRICS+ carries massive politico-economic weight accounting for 46% of global population and 35.6% of global GDP at Purchasing Power Parity. The expansion shows the group’s attractiveness for emerging countries while providing a fresh, fertile pitch for India to stage its south-south cooperation diplomacy. 

India’s diplomatic prowess shone in full swing in February 2024 with the release of EIGHT Indian Navy veterans sentenced to death / life imprisonment/ other terms by Qatari agencies on charges of espionage. MEA leveraging its legal assistance and varied diplomatic channels enabled the commutation of their sentences and their safe repatriation home. The episode reflects India’s robust amplitude in Gulf!

It’s been a SUPERNAL year for India in the sporting universe as well. The nation celebrated Men’s ICC World Cup victory coming in after more than a decade with overwhelming ecstasy, tears, traffic jams and tequilas. A SIXER in the Paris Olympics and the latest stellar World Chess Championship 2024 conquest of “Lord of the Board” Gukesh D. becoming the 18th and youngest undisputed world champion, at the age of 18 years and 195 days.

With Israel Hamas conflict spiralling out in all wrong directions bringing in new actors, India has shown a genius diplomatic manoeuvre maintaining strong relations with both Israel and Arabs. It condemned the terrorist acts on Israel while staying committed to Palestinian statehood through a two state solution. India also supported the UN Resolution calling for ceasefire and humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“Trump 2.0 and Modi 3.0 combo” is set out to bring economic advantages to India with shared pro-business posture and focus on decoupling supply chains from China possibly placing India as US manufacturing hub. QUAD may be intensified providing strategic safety in the Indo-Pacific churning. Trump’s return also ignites hope for India’s increased access to US oil and LNG resources. However, tariffs from reciprocal trade, H1B restrictions, and Trump’s polarising tendencies need to be navigated skilfully.

India and China have a charged border with frictions occurring in Arunachal Pradesh lately. The resolution was reached in October on following key pillars – disengaging from contentious points and patrolling as before 2020 standoff. The agreement was triangular in nature with military and diplomatic engagements on one hand and high-level discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. EAM S Jaishankar, has called this as cautious optimism, with complete cognizance of fundamental disagreements in sectors like Depsang and Demchok. 

Sheikh Hasina, the ex -Prime Minister of Bangladesh, was ousted in August 2024 after a wave of intense protests against her touted “authoritarian” regime. On one hand, India sheltered Hasina, while maintaining diplomatic ties with interim government for the sake of regional security. India has been vocal on protection of minorities and revival of democratic norms in Bangladesh despite being wary of increasing Bangladesh-China-Pakistan axis. India’s foreign secretary visited the riot torn country to project India’s commitment to stability while high level talks have been scheduled to explore and revitalise stalled economic and trade relations. 

Finally, after a decade of recognising 21^st June (summer solstice) as International Day of Yoga, the world celebrated its inaugural World Meditation Day on 21^st December 2024, (winter solstice) on the theme “Meditation for Inner Peace and Global Harmony,” clearly aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, piloted a global ‘dhyana’ session as he emphasised the benefits of meditation in mental clarity, emotional resilience and societal harmony. The date also marks the start of Uttarayana in Indian tradition, an auspicious period for inner reflection. Another feat in India’s Soft Power Diplomacy!