As Prime Minister Narendra Modi turns 75, his decade-long leadership has positioned India as a pivotal player on the global stage, shaping geopolitical dynamics through strategic engagements and bold initiatives. From the G20 presidency to deepening ties with the United States and Russia, Modi’s tenure has been marked by a commitment to multilateralism, technological advancement, and equitable global development.
At the helm of the G20 in 2023, Modi championed the theme “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” amplifying the concerns of the Global South. His advocacy for food and energy security, climate action, and institutional reforms underscored India’s growing influence in global governance. The Voice of Global South Summit, launched under his leadership, provided a platform for emerging economies to unite and demand a more inclusive international order.
India’s role in BRICS has been equally transformative. At the 2025 summit in Brazil, Modi emphasised climate action, sustainable development, and South-South cooperation, pushing for reforms to address global disparities. His push for greater representation of emerging economies in international decision-making reflects India’s ambition to reshape global institutions.
In the Quad, Modi has been a driving force behind efforts to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific. The 2024 Quad Leaders’ Summit saw him advocate for regional stability, technological collaboration, and climate resilience, reinforcing India’s strategic alignment with the United States, Japan, and Australia.
India-US relations have flourished under Modi’s leadership, with the Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership deepening across defence, technology, and trade. Collaborations in quantum computing, 5G and 6G technologies, and defence projects highlight the synergy between the two nations. However, trade tensions persist, including a 50 per cent US tariff on Indian goods, which India estimates could reduce GDP by 0.5-0.6 per cent in 2025. Despite these challenges, both countries remain committed to resolving disputes and strengthening their partnership.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Modi’s Vaccine Maitri initiative demonstrated India’s commitment to global solidarity. Since January 2021, India has supplied over 301.2 million doses to 99 countries and two UN bodies, with 151 million doses gifted to over 50 nations and 520 million distributed through COVAX. This humanitarian effort cemented India’s reputation as a responsible global leader.
India-Russia ties have also strengthened under Modi’s leadership. Regular talks through the Intergovernmental Commission have covered trade, technology, defence, and culture. The first 2+2 Dialogue in December 2021 brought together India’s Foreign and Defence Ministers with summit-level discussions between Modi and President Putin. Defence cooperation has expanded to include joint production and research on platforms like the S-400 system, T-90 tanks, Su-30 MKI jets, and BrahMos missiles.
Most recently, Modi co-chaired the AI Action Summit in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron, focusing on responsible AI. The summit, which included Science Days and a Cultural Weekend, brought together leaders from governments, international bodies, and industry to ensure AI aligns with democratic values.
As Modi’s leadership continues to evolve, his strategic vision is reshaping India’s role in global affairs. From championing multilateralism to fostering technological innovation, his tenure has set a precedent for India’s future as a global powerhouse.