In the first 100 days of its third term, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) under the leadership of Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has achieved several significant milestones. These efforts have not only strengthened India’s international presence but also helped to further establish the nation as a key player in global affairs. From high-profile diplomatic visits to signing crucial agreements, the MEA’s work in these 100 days reflects India’s growing influence on the global stage. Here’s a look at some of the major accomplishments.
1. Diplomatic Visits Strengthen Bilateral Relations
International travel played a key role in enhancing India’s foreign relations. The President, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister made strategic visits to key countries:
- President’s Visits: The President of India traveled to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste. These visits were focused on boosting bilateral relations and creating new avenues for cooperation.
- Prime Minister’s Trips: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Italy, Russia, Austria, Poland, Ukraine, Singapore, and Brunei. During these trips, he held discussions on various critical issues, further cementing India’s role in international diplomacy.
- Foreign Minister’s Visits: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made visits to countries including the UAE, Qatar, Sri Lanka, and Switzerland, discussing issues related to trade, security, and cooperation.
Notably, visits from foreign leaders such as the Prime Ministers of Vietnam and Malaysia to India were crucial in reinforcing international partnerships.
2. Global Summits and Partnerships
India actively participated in several multilateral summits, positioning itself as a significant voice in global affairs:
- G7 Summit: Prime Minister Modi attended the G7 Summit in Italy, where he presented India’s perspective on global issues like climate change and economic challenges.
- SCO and ASEAN Meetings: The Foreign Minister represented India at the SCO Summit in Kazakhstan and at the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Laos, where discussions were held on enhancing economic ties.
- QUAD and BIMSTEC: India also played an active role in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Japan and hosted the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi.
- Voice of Global South Summit: India hosted the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit, attended by 173 leaders from 122 countries, reinforcing its role as a representative of developing nations.
3. Expanding Diplomatic Presence
The MEA expanded India’s diplomatic presence globally by opening new missions in Albania, Gabon, Georgia, Latvia, and Timor-Leste. Additionally, new consulates were set up in Auckland, New Zealand, and Barcelona, Spain, which will enhance India’s presence in these regions and improve services for the Indian diaspora.
4. Boosting Maritime Cooperation
India took significant steps to enhance maritime cooperation with neighboring countries:
- New Maritime Projects: India established a Maritime Rescue Coordination Center in Sri Lanka and relaunched the India-Sri Lanka ferry service, further strengthening maritime ties.
- Maritime Security Dialogue: Important dialogues on maritime security were conducted with Australia and Vietnam, aiming to enhance regional security and cooperation.
5. Renewable Energy Cooperation
India continued its leadership in renewable energy by signing the ISA Framework Agreement with Bolivia, Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica. These agreements will help strengthen partnerships in renewable energy, an area where India is already leading the global charge.
6. Health and Pharmaceutical Cooperation
The MEA also made significant strides in health sector cooperation:
- Drug Regulatory Agreements: India signed MOUs with Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, and other countries for cooperation in drug regulation, helping to enhance global access to quality medicines.
- Indian Pharmacopoeia Recognition: Agreements with Nicaragua and Suriname for the recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia further enhanced India’s reputation as a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry.
7. Digital Payments and UPI Partnerships
India expanded its digital payment systems globally:
- INDIA STACK Agreements: India signed agreements with Colombia, Cuba, and several Caribbean nations to implement its INDIA STACK digital payment infrastructure.
- UPI Licensing: NPCI International Payments Limited signed a licensing agreement with the Central Bank of Peru, which will boost the usage of India’s UPI system abroad.
8. Developmental Partnerships
India played a crucial role in supporting global development through various projects:
- Key Projects: This included upgrading the Deka Pumping Station in Zimbabwe, providing Haemo-Dialysis Units to Pacific Island nations, and completing a 20MW hydropower project in Burundi.
9. Cultural Diplomacy Initiatives
India’s cultural diplomacy efforts also saw major developments:
- UNESCO World Heritage Listing: Assam’s Charaideo Moidam was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, further promoting India’s rich heritage.
- International Yoga Conference: The first International Yoga Conference was organized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in Durban, South Africa.
10. Diaspora Initiatives and Labor Agreements
India continued to engage with its global diaspora through new initiatives:
- E-Passport and E-Migrate Launch: Pilot projects for e-passports were launched in Bhubaneswar and Nagpur, while the e-Migrate mobile app was introduced to make migration processes easier.
- Labor Mobility Agreement: India signed an important labor mobility agreement with Malaysia, which will facilitate easier movement of workers between the two countries.
These achievements in just 100 days reflect India’s growing influence and strategic moves on the global stage.
