Flourishing India’s Foreign Policy Under Prime Minister Modi

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has shaken the confidence of the European Union to maintain strategic stability and peace in the continent. It has ominous consequences for the peace and stability in Europe, presaging an unstable global order in the foreseeable future. India has neither supported the Russian invasion nor backed the sanctions against them. Against this backdrop, the Prime Minister Europe tour gave an opportunity for the world to understand the Indian stance. The visit also helped India hear and understand the point of view of those countries that have a more direct impact.

Prime Minister Europe tour gave an opportunity for the world to understand the Indian stance on the Russia- Ukraine conflict. Narendra Modi has carefully treaded his mission to Europe, accomplishing all set goals.

Prime Minister Modi has carefully treaded his mission to Europe, accomplishing all set goals. The European leaders openly condemned the Russian aggression as Modi boldly expressed the Indian stand by emphasizing cessation of violence and holding dialogue and discussion to resolve differences and end the war. The joint statements with France, Germany, and Nordic nations reflected both the views and heralded a novel diplomatic understanding.

European Union is the third largest trade partner after the US and China for India. The trade balance with the EU is in our favor (USD 4 billion). Since India had decided against joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), our focus has now shifted to the west. India-EU trade was $66.1 billion in 2020, and the total EU cumulative FDI in India was $88.2 billion between 2000 and 2021. India has only begun an arduous journey to make the EU a significant trading partner, and the growth will also depend on our domestic economic advancement.

oth Europe and India are working on renewable and clean energy sources and technology. While Europe has decided to stop importing oil from Russia, India needs clean energy sources to meet the deadlines of the COP26 meeting. The Green Strategic Partnership with Denmark is a standout in this regard. The second Nordic Summit hosted by the Denmark Prime Minister aimed at enhancing cooperation in energy-related issues, including climate change, energy diversification with a focus on green Hydrogen, support for International Solar Alliance, and urban and rural water supply. Another vital component of India’s outreach to the Nordic countries is the cooperation in the Arctic region. As an Observer in the Arctic Council, broader engagements with the Nordic countries will go a long way in cementing our position as a strong player in the rapidly changing regional dynamics. India has also invited Nordic nations to invest in its blue economy. The technologically advanced Nordic countries are crucial for us to achieve global green commitments.

PM Modi has secured an additional 10 billion euros to help India achieve its 2030 climate targets. This move would lessen our reliance on fossil fuels for energy.

The joint statement released by India and Germany after the Prime Minister met the Chancellor of Germany covered several issues from underlining rule-based international order in accordance with the UN, the significance of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, recognizing the centrality of ASEAN, the importance of unimpeded commerce and freedom of navigation in accordance with UNCLOS 1982, cooperation with regional organizations such as BIMSTEC, condemnation of proxy and cross border terrorism, and concern over humanitarian crises in Afghanistan and Ukraine. The visit to Germany was crucial from a symbolic perspective as well as concrete outcomes. During his stay in Germany, PM secured an additional 10 billion euros to help India achieve its 2030 climate targets. This move would lessen our reliance on fossil fuels for energy.

Narendra Modi's stopover in Paris was critical and significant for both nations. France is the most powerful military nation in the EU, and is one of the major suppliers of arms and ammunition to India. The two leaders, Modi and Macron, discussed a wide range of regional and global developments, including defense, space, civil nuclear cooperation, people-to-people linkages, and the global issues apart from the Indo-Pacific, where France is one key player. 

EU finds India as an attractive and trustwothy partner. This is a testimony to the transition and growing prowess of India under Prime Minister Modi.

Today there is a gradually settling fear in Europe of a narrowing vision that seeks to constrain the continental worldview in a horizontal landscape spanning America to Russia. It is where the EU finds India as an attractive and trustworthy partner. India and the EU have already launched negotiations on FTA, investment protection, and geographical indications. The European Commission chief said, "As like-minded partners, the European Union and India will be working on several tracks, and for Europe this is a strategic investment."

The world is now looking at India for our ability to trounce difficulties with clarity of thought. The statement by the Chief of the European Commission is a testimony to our transition and growing prowess in geopolitics under Prime Minister Modi.