Key events that define Indian diplomacy in 2025

From US President Donald Trump’s tariffs on India and other countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to countries in Africa and South America, parliamentary delegations to countries following Operation Sindoor, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, trade agreements with the UK and Oman, reestablishment of diplomatic ties with Canada and building of ties with the Taliban in Afghanistan, several key events defined India’s diplomatic efforts in 2025.

Here is a summary of some of the key events.

Visit of Indonesian President Subianto to India (January 2025)

When? Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited India as Chief Guest of Republic Day CelebrationThe two countries signed five MoUs in health, traditional medicine, maritime security, digital development and cultural cooperation. They also agreed to enhance cooperation in various fields such as defence, counter-terrorism and space.

The visit also coincided with the 75th year of diplomatic relations between the two countries, when Indonesia’s first President Sukarno visited India as the chief guest for the Republic Day in 1950.

PM Modi’s visit to America amid tariff threats (February 2025)

Defense deals, extradition of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana, arms sale and trade were among the major issues discussed during Mr. Modi’s visit to America As Mr. Trump did retaliatory tariffs announced On India and many other countries. Since then, the US has imposed 50% tariffs on India, primarily on India’s imports of Russian oil.

during tourMr Trump offered to sell India F-35 fighter aircraft, in addition to a 10-year framework for defense partnership. two countries also agreed to draw a conclusion trade agreement By the end of 2025.

Rana was extradited India in April 2025; Both countries signed “Roadmap for a Major US-India Defense Partnershipin October but a trade agreement has not yet been agreed upon.

India-UK trade deal (May 2025)

India and United Kingdom signed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) That would be Benefits to various Indian regions Such as AgricultureTextiles, leather, chemicals and engineering goods.

The UK government had said that tariffs on 92% of goods exported from the UK to India would be removed or reduced and the average tariff on these would come down from 15% to 3%. Goods related to whisky, aerospace, automobiles and electrical machinery are among the UK goods that will have easy access to Indian markets. deal,

Abstain from UNGA Gaza vote (June 2025)

In December 2024, India voted in favor A resolution in the UN General Assembly calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages, but only in six months, in June 2025, second vote abstained The UNGA called for a ceasefire in Gaza, in line with its policy of not voting on statements criticizing Israel.

However, India reassured its support for the Palestinian cause in a debate in the UN Security Council a month later, saying that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza must stop. this also voted in favor A resolution at the UNGA in September to support the ‘New York Declaration’ on a two-state solution.

India also welcomed Mr Trump’s 20-point peace deal for Gaza. In December, Foreign Minister JaishankarDuring his visit to Israel he reiterated India’s support for the peace plan.

Parliamentary delegation after Operation Sindoor (June-July 2025)

seven delegations33 MPs from various parties were sent countries To give brief information on pahalgam terrorist attack And it has links with Pakistan, and Operation SindoorExpressed his agreement on fighting terrorism.

delegation Gave the message of Shri Modi “new normalResponding to terrorist attacks and having “zero tolerance” towards terrorism. Mr Modi had also said that India would not tolerate any “nuclear blackmail” while taking action against terrorists in Pakistan.

However, the move was criticized domestically opposition congress party Criticized the Center for nominating Shashi Tharoor over other names suggested by the party. Trinamool Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) also initially refused to send their MPs saying that they were not officially informed, but later agreed after the intervention of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. The Communist Party of India, which was not part of the delegation, said the move was marked by “ambiguity and exclusion”.

PM Modi’s five-nation visit to give priority to Global South (July 2025)

Mister. Modipreviously announced goals visit To Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibiawas strong Global South cooperation,

In Ghana, India elevated its bilateral ties to a comprehensive partnership and also discussed helping Ghana become a “vaccine hub”. In Trinidad and Tobago, an agreement was reached to improve access to affordable medicines from India. In Argentina, India again emphasized its pharma industry, while Buenos Aires agreed to cooperation on critical minerals and its shale gas and oil reserves.

Modi-Xi meeting (August-September 2025)

Mister. Modi visited China For the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in August and a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. tianjin declarationThe resolution adopted during the summit condemned terrorism in all its forms, including the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

During their bilateral meeting, Mr Modi told Mr Xi that both the countries have been “Victims” of terrorism. And we should work together to deal with this. He also underlined that Importance of peace on the border For continuous improvement of relationsThey agreed on cooperation and resolution of border issues, direct flights were resumed in October as part of improving people-to-people ties and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was resumed in June,

Putin’s visit for India-Russia Annual Summit (December 2025)

Mister. Putin’s visit The US peace proposal to end the war in Ukraine came in the backdrop of Western sanctions against Russia and tariff tensions over India-US ties. This was sir. Putin’s first visit Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.

Both countries agreed to further deepen their relations strategic partnership At a meeting of its defense ministers. While India called for cooperation in specific technologies, Russia assured to help India in its drive towards self-reliance in defense production.

two sides It was also agreed to establish a framework for the movement of skilled workers to Russia and tackle “irregular migration” after the meeting between Mr. Putin And Mr. Modi. Several other agreements on health and maritime cooperation were also announced. The leaders also agreed to strengthen the “special and privileged strategic partnership” of the two countries.

India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (December 2025)

Oman and India signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during Mr Modi’s visit to the Gulf country.

Under the deal, Oman will provide fee-free access 99.38% of India’s exports go to Oman and India has offered liberalized tariffs on 94.81% of Indian imports from Oman. The deal also includes several concessions that are expected to benefit India’s services sector, including worker mobility.

deal The Indian government said it would provide complete tariff elimination for many labor-intensive sectors and provide an enhanced mobility framework for Indian professionals in certain sectors.

India-New Zealand conclude FTA talks (December 2025)

India and New Zealand End discussion on ftaThe agreement, to be signed in 2026, will provide India with tariff-free access to the island nation’s markets, bring in $20 billion of investment over 15 years and double bilateral trade to $5 billion over the next five years.

Under the deal, tariffs will be removed Or 95% of New Zealand’s exports were cut, but no concessions were given on imports of dairy, onions, sugar, spices, edible oils and rubber. Indian professionals in skilled sectors will be given temporary employment visas, with an annual quota of 5,000 visas and a stay of up to three years.