DELHI: As 2025 approaches, India is preparing to strengthen its foreign policy and diplomatic ties on the global stage. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to visit the United States this week, where he will meet both outgoing officials of the Biden administration and members of the incoming Trump team. The meetings will focus on aligning the India agenda and setting the stage for high-level engagements after Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20. Jaishankar is also expected to discuss the possibility of Trump's early visit to India for the upcoming Quad Summit, which will be hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Quad, comprising Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, remains a crucial platform for multilateral cooperation. With Trump promising a shift in policies, especially on issues like health and climate change, the 2025 summit will be a significant event for member countries. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi is likely to travel to the U.S. to meet the incoming president, further strengthening Indo-U.S. relations.
India’s diplomatic calendar also includes high-profile events such as the annual summit with Russia. President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit New Delhi for the first time since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, marking an important moment in India-Russia relations. Other key summits include the BRICS summit in Brazil, where major discussions are expected between Modi, Russian President Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, particularly concerning the Line of Actual Control (LAC) situation. The SCO summit in China in August-September could also feature significant dialogues.
Additionally, India will host several international leaders in 2025. Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will visit in mid-January, followed by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo, the chief guest for India’s Republic Day celebrations. Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font is also expected in March or April. Prime Minister Modi may also visit France and Japan for key summits during the year.
Later in 2025, Modi may participate in the G20 summit in South Africa and the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, ensuring India’s active involvement in global governance discussions.
