From 'team Melodi' to Brics in Russia: A look back at PM Modi's international visits in 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Bhutan's highest civilian honour, the 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo,' on Friday, becoming the first foreign leader to receive this distinction. The award recognised his significant contributions to strengthening India-Bhutan relations. Modi dedicated the honour to the people of India, expressing his gratitude on X. This visit, from March 22–23, 2024, marked Modi's first international trip of the year. During his two-day visit, Modi emphasised the enduring friendship between the two nations, reaffirming India’s 'Neighbourhood First' policy. (Photo: Agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first international trip in his third term was to attend the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy, from July 13-15. Invited as an 'Outreach Country,' Modi discussed global challenges with world leaders. He stressed the importance of technology, cybersecurity, and sustainable energy. He also reaffirmed India’s commitment to the Global South, highlighting its efforts to foster closer ties with Africa. On the summit's sidelines, he held meetings with leaders including Macron, Sunak, and Zelenskyy. (Photo credit: Agencies)

PM Modi visited Russia and Austria in July. Reflecting on his visit, Modi thanked Austria's Chancellor, government, and people for their warm hospitality, calling it a historic and immensely productive trip. He highlighted the strengthened friendship between India and Austria and expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic welcome he received during a community event in Vienna. Modi also held meetings with Austrian leaders to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, technology, and skill. (Photo credit: Agencies)

PM Modi’s visit to Poland was the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 45 years, while his trip to Ukraine marked the first-ever such visit. During his time in Ukraine, he and President Zelenskyy discussed international law, sovereignty, and peace through dialogue. In Poland, Modi and Prime Minister Tusk elevated their ties to a "Strategic Partnership," stressing the need for peace and condemning terrorism.

After his to Singapore, PM Modi described the visit as "fruitful", strengthening bilateral ties. He met Singapore PM Lawrence Wong, exchanged four MoUs in areas like digital tech and healthcare, and invited Singapore’s semiconductor companies to SEMICON India. Modi also visited AEM Holdings’ semiconductor facility. In Brunei, he held talks with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, focusing on expanding trade and people-to-people ties.

During his visit to the United States in September, he attended the Quad Leaders Summit in Delaware, delivered remarks at the UN's 'Summit of The Future,' and held multiple bilateral meetings. Sharing highlights on X, PM Modi called the trip fruitful, covering diverse programmes aimed at improving the planet. He met with leaders, engaged with the Indian diaspora, and discussed global governance reforms at the UN.

In Laos, where PM Modi attended the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit. The Prime Minister called the visit "productive" and reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthening relations with ASEAN. "Together, we will work towards peace, prosperity, and sustainable development," he said. PM Modi also participated in bilateral meetings and discussions on the Indo-Pacific's stability and challenges. The visit coincides with the 10th anniversary of India's Act East Policy.

During the summit, he held bilateral meetings with several world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, and others. PM Modi described the summit as "very productive" and thanked President Putin and the Russian people for their hospitality. He also discussed various global challenges and called for reforms in global governance.

During PM Modi's trip, he held 31 bilateral meetings and informal interactions with global leaders. In Nigeria, PM Modi met President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. At the G20 Summit in Brazil, he held talks with leaders from 10 countries, including Indonesia, the UK, and France. In Guyana, he engaged with leaders from several Caribbean nations, strengthening India’s global ties.

PM Modi's two-day visit to Kuwait, was the first by an Indian PM in 43 years. Invited by Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, PM Modi held talks to strengthen India-Kuwait relations, focusing on pharmaceuticals, IT, FinTech, and security. The two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a 'Strategic Partnership'. PM Modi also met Kuwaiti social media influencers promoting Yoga and received a warm farewell from the Emir.