In September 2024, PM Narendra Modi ji undertook significant international visits to enhance India’s global standing and strengthen diplomatic ties. His travels included Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, and the United States, each stop highlighting India’s commitment to strategic partnerships, economic collaboration, and cultural connections. The recent visits by the Crown Prince of the UAE and the Prime Minister of Jamaica to India further emphasized the strengthening of bilateral relations. Here are the key highlights:
1. Brunei Darussalam: Strengthening Bilateral Relations (Sept 3-5, 2024)
Modi’s historic visit marked him as the first Indian Prime Minister to Brunei, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of India-Brunei diplomatic relations.
Key outcomes included:
- Inauguration of the Indian Chancery: A new diplomatic facility symbolizing deepening ties.
- Enhanced Defense Cooperation: Establishment of a Joint Working Group for defense and security collaboration.
- Energy and Space Partnerships: Discussions on long-term LNG supply and satellite technology advancements.
2. Singapore: Elevating Strategic Partnership (Sept 3-5, 2024)
In Singapore, Modi elevated the bilateral relationship to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” with highlights such as:
- Signing of Four MoUs: Agreements in digital technology, healthcare, semiconductor ecosystems, and education.
- Cultural Connectivity: Plans to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025.
3. UAE: Strengthening Energy and Nuclear Ties (Sept 9-10, 2024)
During his visit to India, Crown Prince H.H. Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed focused on enhancing energy and nuclear cooperation, which included:
- Bilateral Agreements: Signing of agreements to boost collaboration in renewable energy and nuclear technology.
- Investment Opportunities: Discussions on attracting UAE investments in India’s infrastructure and renewable sectors.
4. United States: Advancing Strategic Alliances (Sept 21-23, 2024)
Modi’s visit underscored the deepening strategic partnership, featuring:
- Launch of ‘Shakti’ Semiconductor Plant: India’s first national security semiconductor fabrication facility.
- Defense Collaborations: Discussions on defense procurement and cyber defense cooperation.
- Cultural Heritage Repatriation: The return of 297 Indian antiquities by the U.S.
5. Jamaica: A Historic Bilateral Visit (Sept 30- Oct 3, 2024)
H.E. Dr. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, made a landmark visit to India, marking the first-ever visit by a Jamaican Prime Minister. This historic step in bilateral relations highlighted:
- Cultural Exchange Initiatives: Agreements to promote cultural ties and cooperation in tourism.
- Development Partnership: Discussions on Indian support for infrastructure development in Jamaica, emphasizing shared values and interests, including an agreement to potentially roll out India’s UPI payment system, enhancing digital infrastructure and financial inclusion.
Additionally, during the UN Summit of the Future, PM Modi called for global cooperation on climate change, cyber threats, and terrorism. And at the US Mega Diaspora Meet, he engaged with the Indian diaspora, while the Quad Summit reinforced collaboration among India, the U.S., Japan, and Australia.
These reflect India’s commitment to nurturing global relationships and asserting its role on the world stage. Through these diplomatic initiatives, PM Modi aims to realize the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, positioning India as a leader in the international community.
*Shri Arvind Dharmapuri is Member of Core Committee, BJP Videsh Vibhagh
Office of Arvind Dharmapuri
Member of Parliament
Nizamabad