India Deepens Global Ties in First 100 Days of Modi 3.0: MEA Highlights Key Achievements

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01 Oct 2024
5 min read

News Synopsis

In the first 100 days of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term, India has made notable progress in strengthening its global diplomatic relationships, expanding partnerships in critical areas like maritime security, renewable energy, healthcare, and digital payments.

According to an official report by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), these initiatives reflect India’s growing leadership and proactive stance in global affairs, aligning with its broader vision to enhance international cooperation across sectors.

Expanding Diplomatic Presence

India’s diplomatic outreach saw a substantial boost with the establishment of five new missions in key strategic regions. New diplomatic posts have been inaugurated in Albania, Gabon, Georgia, Latvia, and Timor-Leste, further extending India’s global diplomatic footprint. This move underscores India's commitment to strengthening its presence in underrepresented regions, thereby fostering deeper international partnerships and collaborations.

The inauguration of two new Indian consulates in Auckland, New Zealand, and Barcelona, Spain marks another milestone in India’s diplomatic expansion efforts. These consulates are expected to play a crucial role in boosting trade, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties between India and these regions.

Engagement with the Indian Diaspora

Prime Minister Narendra Modi government continues to prioritize strengthening its connections with the Indian diaspora. To this end, the e-passport pilot projects have been launched in Bhubaneswar and Nagpur, making it easier for Indian citizens living abroad to access government services. This initiative is aimed at streamlining the passport issuance process, enhancing security, and ensuring faster processing for overseas Indians.

In addition, the launch of the e-Migrate mobile app, now available on government app stores and Google Play, simplifies the overseas employment process for Indian citizens, making migration safer and easier. A key development in this area is India’s signing of a Labour Mobility Agreement with Malaysia, aimed at protecting the rights of Indian workers abroad and ensuring their safe migration.

Strengthening Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific

India’s maritime diplomacy has seen significant developments in line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). A critical step in enhancing maritime cooperation was the establishment of a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Sri Lanka. This MRCC will play a pivotal role in maritime safety, search and rescue operations, and ensuring the security of regional waters.

Another key maritime initiative was the relaunch of the ferry service between India and Sri Lanka, which is expected to boost people-to-people connectivity and trade between the two nations.

India also continues to bolster its maritime collaboration with Seychelles, having handed over the refitted PS Zoroaster vessel to the island nation. Additionally, maritime security dialogues with Australia and Vietnam further highlight India’s focus on regional maritime stability and its role as a key player in the Indo-Pacific region.

India’s Leadership in Renewable Energy

India has continued to strengthen its leadership in the renewable energy sector through international cooperation. The signing of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement with Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica demonstrates India’s commitment to expanding global partnerships for solar energy development.

These agreements aim to promote sustainable energy practices, reduce carbon footprints, and help nations transition toward renewable energy sources, reflecting India's broader efforts to combat climate change and promote clean energy solutions globally.

Global Health Cooperation and Drug Regulation

India's expanding influence in global healthcare was marked by the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with countries like Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Suriname. These MOUs focus on collaboration in drug regulation and the mutual recognition of Indian Pharmacopeia standards, further enhancing India's contributions to global health.

India’s healthcare diplomacy also includes the launch of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in selected countries, with Mauritius being the first to benefit from this initiative. These Kendras aim to provide affordable generic medicines to underserved populations, thus improving access to essential healthcare.

Expanding Global Digital Payments Infrastructure

India is making significant strides in expanding its digital payments infrastructure globally. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has signed several India Stack MOUs with nations such as Colombia, Cuba, Antigua & Barbuda, Trinidad & Tobago, and Suriname, furthering India's influence in global digital payments.

A significant development in this area was the signing of a licensing agreement between the Central Bank of Peru and NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL). This agreement will facilitate the adoption of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Peru, paving the way for seamless digital transactions. Moreover, NIPL has signed Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) with the Central Bank of Nicaragua and the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Trinidad & Tobago, with ongoing discussions for NDAs with the Dominican Republic and Suriname.

India’s Growing Global Influence

These developments reflect India’s proactive diplomacy, technological leadership, and growing role in global health, renewable energy, and digital finance. India’s approach under Modi 3.0 showcases the nation's commitment to fostering international partnerships, ensuring regional stability, and contributing to the global economy through innovative solutions in key sectors.

Conclusion

India’s achievements in the first 100 days of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term highlight the nation’s growing influence on the global stage. Through strategic diplomatic expansions, enhanced maritime cooperation, leadership in renewable energy, and robust advancements in healthcare and digital payments, India is solidifying its position as a global leader.

These initiatives not only strengthen India’s international partnerships but also align with the broader vision of fostering global peace, security, and sustainable development. As India continues to enhance its global presence, these efforts signal a more integrated and collaborative future, positioning the country as a key player in shaping the world’s diplomatic, economic, and technological landscape.

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