India strengthens global relations through Modi’s visits

Source: The post India strengthens global relations through Modi’s visits has been created, based on the article “A three-nation visit as a foray into summit diplomacy” published in “The Hindu” on 6th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana from November 16-21, 2024. It highlights India’s focus on strengthening bilateral ties, promoting Global South perspectives, and enhancing cooperation in diverse sectors across three regions.

Why was Nigeria the first stop?

1. Key Highlights: Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and the fourth-largest economy. It was invited to the G-20 and BRICS due to its growing global influence.
2. Ceremonial Honours: PM Modi was gifted the keys to Abuja and received a national award recognizing India-Nigeria ties.
3. Bilateral Cooperation: Discussions included expanding trade, investment, education, energy, and agriculture. India also committed to fighting terrorism and radicalization with Nigeria.
4. MOUs Signed: Three MOUs were finalized despite delays.
5. India’s Role: Nigeria benefits from India’s development assistance and human resource programs.

What was India’s contribution at the G-20 summit in Brazil?

1. Focus Areas: Hosted in Rio de Janeiro (November 18-19), the summit advanced the Global South’s perspectives initiated in New Delhi. Key priorities were social inclusion, sustainable development, and governance reform.
2. Achievements:

• Launched the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.
• Adopted a roadmap for stronger multilateral development banks.

3. Challenges:

• Limited progress on climate finance.
• No significant breakthroughs on UN and WTO reforms.

4. India’s Diplomacy: PM Modi met leaders from the US, Europe, and the Global South. Indian and Chinese foreign ministers discussed steps for rapprochement.

What made Guyana significant?

1. Historical and Strategic Importance: Guyana has a 40% Indian-origin population and growing energy resources. It also plays a key role in the Caribbean.
2. MOUs Signed: 10 agreements covered energy, defence, urban development, and education.
3. India-Caribbean Community Summit: PM Modi proposed seven pillars of cooperation, including agriculture, climate change, technology, and culture. These pillars aligned with Caribbean priorities.
4. Recognition: Guyana’s President praised Modi as a “champion among leaders.”

What was the overall outcome?

1. In six days, the visit showcased India’s growing global role and commitment to fostering ties.
2. The outcomes included deeper bilateral and regional cooperation, strengthened India’s G-20 leadership, and expanded relations with Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Question for practice:

Discuss the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana in strengthening India’s global role and fostering bilateral and regional cooperation.