In the past year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has actively engaged in several significant international summits, reinforcing India's global presence and fostering regional cooperation. Here's an overview of his participation in the G20 and BIMSTEC summits:​
G20 Summit 2023: India's Leadership on the Global Stage
Date: September 9–10, 2023 Location: New Delhi, India​
India hosted the 18th G20 Summit under the theme "One Earth, One Family, One Future." PM Modi emphasized a human-centric approach to global challenges, addressing issues like climate change, digital infrastructure, and debt restructuring. A landmark achievement was the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20, highlighting India's commitment to inclusive global governance.
BIMSTEC Summit 2024: Strengthening Regional Cooperation
Date: July 11–12, 2024 Location: New Delhi, India​
PM Modi hosted the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Foreign Ministers' Retreat, focusing on enhancing regional cooperation in areas such as connectivity, energy, trade, health, agriculture, science, security, and people-to-people exchanges. He reaffirmed India's commitment to BIMSTEC as an engine for economic and social growth, aligning with India's 'Neighbourhood First' and 'Act East' policies. ​
Strategic Implications for UPSC Aspirants
For UPSC Civil Services Examination aspirants, understanding India's active participation in these summits is crucial. These engagements reflect India's evolving foreign policy priorities and its role in shaping global and regional dynamics. Key areas to focus on include India's stance on global governance reforms, regional cooperation frameworks, and its diplomatic strategies in multilateral settings.