The Focus on Diplomatic Relationships to be Strengthened as Modi’s Victory Ushers in New Term
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/5th June 2024
With the announcement of the Indian general election results, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has crossed the majority mark, setting the stage for the formation of the new government. Preparations for the oath-taking ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan are already underway, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi poised to take office for another term. This victory has been met with a wave of congratulations from global leaders, highlighting India’s significant position on the world stage.
Prime Minister Modi and the NDA have received congratulatory messages from various countries, underscoring India’s diplomatic ties and global influence. Leaders from Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Italy, Singapore, Barbados, and Jamaica have extended their best wishes. Notably, in countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Nepal, political leaders across party lines have joined in congratulating PM Modi.
While the United States refrained from offering immediate congratulations pending the finalization of election results, a State Department spokesperson commended the Government of India and its voters for successfully completing such a massive electoral undertaking. The spokesperson also expressed expectations of a continued close partnership between the United States and India under the new Indian government.
Attention is now shifting to the inauguration ceremony, where foreign leaders are expected to be invited. Historically, PM Modi has utilized such events to strengthen diplomatic ties. In 2014, he invited leaders from SAARC countries, while in 2019, BIMSTEC countries were in attendance. This year’s ceremony might follow a similar pattern, reflecting India’s strategic engagements and its role as a global leader.
One of Prime Minister Modi’s first international visits after assuming office is likely to be to Italy for the G7 summit. Italy has invited India to participate in the summit, continuing a tradition since Modi’s first invitation from France in 2019. He attended the G7 summit virtually in the UK in 2021 due to the pandemic and in-person in Germany in 2022 and Japan in 2023. This year, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was quick to congratulate Modi on his victory, marking her as the first Western leader and G7 leader to extend her wishes.
Before engaging fully in foreign policy commitments, Prime Minister Modi must prove his majority in Parliament, a crucial step in the parliamentary conventions. This will be a priority, ensuring the stability of his government before embarking on international engagements.
Kazakhstan will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in the first week of July, marking a significant diplomatic event. PM Modi will share the stage with leaders from Russia, Pakistan, China, and Central Asian countries, highlighting the regional geopolitical dynamics and India’s role within the SCO framework.
Key visits for the Indian Prime Minister in 2024 include the ASEAN/BRICS Summit in October and the G20 Summit in November. Additional important engagements are the Annual India-Japan Summit, the India-Africa Summit, and the India-Nordic Summit. Russia, as the current chair of the BRICS group, will host the Foreign Ministers’ meeting next week, with Indian participation expected given New Delhi’s key role in the grouping.
As Prime Minister Modi prepares for his new term, the focus remains on government formation and a packed diplomatic agenda. The wave of international congratulations reflects India’s significant standing on the global stage. With strategic engagements planned, PM Modi is set to steer India towards continued growth and strengthened international partnerships. This term promises to be pivotal in furthering India’s global influence and fostering domestic development.
