Strategic Diplomacy

Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita’s upcoming visit to Vietnam, Lao PDR and Palau from August 26 to September 2 highlights India’s expanding Act East and Indo-Pacific engagement. The three-nation tour reflects New Delhi’s efforts to deepen ties with ASEAN partners and Pacific Island nations while advancing cooperation in trade, development, maritime security and sustainable growth.

India and Uzbekistan strengthened their Strategic Partnership during the official visit of Uzbek Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. Bakhtiyor Saidov to New Delhi. High-level meetings focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, energy, and regional security, while the India–Uzbekistan Business Forum explored new economic opportunities, reflecting both nations’ commitment to expanding bilateral ties and fostering long-term strategic collaboration.

India and Lesotho reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties during the sixth Joint Bilateral Commission for Cooperation (JBCC) meeting in New Delhi on July 30. The two countries reviewed progress in key sectors, including trade, agriculture, healthcare, education, renewable energy, and capacity building, while pledging to deepen development cooperation, expand economic engagement, and enhance diplomatic collaboration for mutual growth and shared prosperity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s July 2026 visit to Indonesia marked a significant step in strengthening the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, maritime security, technology, connectivity, and cultural exchanges, the visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to promoting peace, stability, and sustainable growth across the Indo-Pacific region.

India and Saudi Arabia have strengthened their strategic partnership with the signing of a MoU on water resources cooperation during Saudi Water Week in Jeddah, marking a significant step towards collaboration in sustainability, innovation, and water security.

India’s engagement with Nepal remains a cornerstone of its Neighbourhood First policy, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane reaffirmed continued cooperation in connectivity, energy, and regional development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands in May 2026 marked a significant step in advancing India–Netherlands relations, with both countries focusing on innovation, clean energy, climate resilience, and strategic technologies. During high-level meetings in The Hague, discussions centered on semiconductors, artificial intelligence, sustainable infrastructure, water management, and economic cooperation. The visit reflected a shared vision for building a future-oriented partnership driven by green growth, technological collaboration, and stronger people-to-people ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson have reaffirmed their commitment to building a stronger India-Sweden partnership focused on green growth, innovation, and sustainable development. As geopolitical uncertainty, energy insecurity, and economic fragmentation reshape global priorities, both nations are expanding cooperation in clean technology, renewable energy, smart manufacturing, and climate action — positioning their partnership as a model for resilient and future-oriented global collaboration.

President of Vietnam, Tô Lâm, began his State Visit to India with a ceremonial welcome in Bodh Gaya, where he was received by senior Indian dignitaries and offered prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple, highlighting shared civilizational and Buddhist links. The visit continued in New Delhi with formal reception and high-level engagements, including discussions with India’s National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval, reflecting deepening India–Vietnam cooperation in strategic, cultural, and regional domains.

First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, H.E. Mr. Denis Manturov, visited New Delhi in April 2026 to co-chair the India–Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC‑TEC). The high-level meetings focused on expanding cooperation in trade, energy, technology, innovation, and people-to-people ties, reaffirming the long-standing strategic partnership and setting the stage for multi-sectoral collaboration in the years ahead.