Relations

The Indian and Chinese militaries have made significant progress in implementing agreements on disengagement and patrolling along their border, with the recent disengagement at Depsang and Demchok marking the resolution of the last two major friction points. Senior Colonel Wu Qian of the Chinese Defence Ministry expressed optimism about the ongoing efforts, emphasizing the importance of both nations working together to reduce tensions and build mutual trust. Discussions continue at military and diplomatic levels regarding buffer zones and patrolling arrangements, with the goal of ensuring long-term peace and stability along the India-China border.

"Whether it was Sri Lanka, Maldives, or any country facing a crisis, India has always provided assistance without any selfishness. From Nepal to Türkiye to Syria, India has acted as the first responder in times of disaster. We do not believe in expansionism. 'Space and sea' should be topics of universal cooperation, not conflict. This is not the era of conflict for the world," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during his address to the Parliament of Guyana. He also highlighted India’s commitment to humanitarian aid, stating, "Humanity first guides India's decision-making," and emphasized that both India and Guyana share a common struggle for freedom. "In the last 200-250 years, India and Guyana have witnessed similar kinds of slavery and similar struggles. Today, both countries are strengthening democracy in the world."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, reaffirmed India’s commitment to sustainable development and highlighted the country's achievements in meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement ahead of schedule. Speaking on "Sustainable Development and Energy Transition," PM Modi emphasized India’s initiatives in renewable energy, housing, water resources, and sanitation, showcasing efforts like the world’s largest solar rooftop program. He also stressed India's role in supporting the Global South with affordable climate finance and technology, including the launch of the Global Biofuels Alliance and the "One Sun One World One Grid" initiative.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the G20 Summit in Brazil, emphasized the need to address the challenges of the Global South, which has been most affected by the food, fuel, and fertiliser crises caused by global conflicts. Modi supported Brazil's initiative for a “Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty,” which aims to combat global hunger and improve nutrition, particularly for children. He highlighted India's efforts to tackle poverty, noting that the country lifted 250 million people out of poverty in the past decade and provides free food grains to 800 million citizens. Modi also outlined India’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, developing climate-resilient crop varieties, and contributing to global food security through humanitarian aid to nations like Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the G20 Leaders' Summit, where he was warmly welcomed by the Indian diaspora with Sanskrit chants and cultural performances. Expressing his gratitude on X (formerly Twitter), he described the reception as "memorable" and praised the energy of the Indian community, reflecting the deep bond between the two nations. The G20 Summit, hosted by Brazil, will be held over two days, with India, as the previous host, part of the “troika” alongside Brazil and South Africa, where next year's summit will take place. PM Modi’s tour also included a visit to Nigeria, where he received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), Nigeria’s second-highest national honor.

Nigeria is set to honor Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) award, making him only the second foreign dignitary in history to receive this distinction, after Queen Elizabeth II in 1969. This marks the 17th international award conferred upon PM Modi. Modi’s visit to Nigeria, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 17 years, is aimed at strengthening the strategic ties between India and Nigeria. With over 200 Indian companies investing more than $27 billion in key sectors in Nigeria, the two nations have enjoyed deep-rooted and growing economic, energy, and defense cooperation. The visit is also an opportunity to deepen the shared democratic values and pluralism between the countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a six-day, three-nation tour, visiting Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana from November 16 to November 21. His visit to Nigeria marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 17 years, focusing on strengthening strategic ties with the African nation. In Brazil, PM Modi will participate in the G20 Summit, where he will discuss global issues and build on outcomes from previous G20 engagements. The final leg of his journey takes him to Guyana, where he will address the Indian diaspora and attend the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit, marking the first visit by an Indian Premier to the country in over 50 years.

India is confident of reaching a $100 billion trade volume with Russia ahead of the 2030 target, despite challenges in balancing trade. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the "perceptible progress" in addressing payment and logistics issues, but emphasized the need for further efforts. The two sides have seen substantial growth in bilateral trade, with India now Russia’s second-largest trade partner. Jaishankar stressed the importance of diversifying trade and finalizing agreements, including the India-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), to ensure continued growth. Both countries are working to streamline trade processes, including increasing the use of local currencies and expanding banking ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a three-nation tour from November 16 to November 21, aimed at strengthening India's diplomatic and economic ties with Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana. Modi will begin with a visit to Nigeria, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 17 years, where he will discuss bilateral relations in sectors like energy, defense, and trade. He will then participate in the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he will represent India on key global issues and engage with world leaders. The tour will conclude with a visit to Guyana, marking the first visit by an Indian premier since 1968, during which Modi will address the Parliament, meet top leaders, and attend the second CARICOM-India Summit.

As Donald Trump prepares for his second term as the 47th President of the United States, the relationship between him and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains a pillar of strong diplomatic ties. Modi was among the first world leaders to congratulate Trump on his "historic election victory," expressing optimism about their continued collaboration. The two leaders have forged a bond through shared strategic interests, particularly in defense and security, and their personal rapport, demonstrated at events like "Howdy, Modi!" and "Namaste Trump!" These connections have helped foster closer ties, with both nations working together on trade, counterterrorism, and global health initiatives during the pandemic. As Trump returns to office, their partnership is set to deepen, promising to benefit both countries and contribute to global stability and prosperity.

India is actively seeking diplomatic solutions to the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighting the country’s unique position to engage both sides. He noted that the ongoing war has widespread impacts, affecting 125 countries from the Global South, and emphasized Prime Minister Modi’s recent diplomatic efforts. Jaishankar also addressed the need for direct communication between Iran and Israel to stabilize the situation in West Asia, warning that global instability has significant repercussions for inflation and supply chains.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently outlined the ongoing de-escalation process between India and China in eastern Ladakh, stating that both nations will need time to fully disengage troops. He noted that while recent agreements on disengagement in Depsang and Demchok mark a significant first step, the next phase of de-escalation will depend on India's assurance that China is also complying. The discussions come in the wake of a four-year standoff exacerbated by the violent clashes in June 2020, which resulted in casualties on both sides. Jaishankar expressed hope that the situation along the Line of Actual Control can return to its pre-2020 status, although he acknowledged the complexity of the process. During a recent bilateral meeting at the BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi emphasized the necessity of maintaining peace along their shared border.