India has been active on the global stage in 2024, fostering partnerships and strengthening ties with various nations. This year, several significant agreements were signed, marking progress in economic, strategic, and technological cooperation.
Among the most noteworthy is the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) signed with the United Arab Emirates on February 13, which aims to enhance investment protection and foster a resilient economic environment between the two countries.
This treaty replaces the previous Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) and emphasises investor confidence through robust dispute resolution mechanisms.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States for the Quad Summit on September 21, India signed two significant agreements under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF): the Clean Economy Agreement and the Fair Economy Agreement.
In this article, we will explore the major agreements and others that underline India's growing role in international relations.
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Major Agreements Signed by India in 2024
According to the Ministry of External Affairs of India, here’s the list of the major agreements signed by India with other countries in 2024, highlighting key collaborations in energy, defence, technology, and trade.
| Date | Agreement | Details |
| January 9, 2024 | MoU between the Embassy of India, Yangon, and the Government of Myanmar for Infrastructure Projects | This agreement involves the construction of a 20-foot Bailey bridge and four (5x5x26) foot box culverts from the 3/6-mile junction road of Lahe-Nanyun to the Laungkyannaukone-Taikyan-Lanhtain junction in the Naga Self-Administered Zone under Quick Impact Projects. |
| January 9, 2024 | MoU between the Embassy of India, Yangon, and the Government of Myanmar for Community Hall Construction | This agreement involves the construction of a 60x30x12 feet steel structure multi-purpose community hall near Tikeyan Village, Lahe Township in the Naga Self-Administered Zone under Quick Impact Projects. |
| January 15, 2024 | Agreement on Economic Cooperation with Croatia | This agreement aims to enhance bilateral trade and economic ties between India and Croatia. |
| January 23, 2024 | MoU between the Government of India and the Government of Kenya for CT Scan Machine | This agreement involves gifting a CT scan machine (Green Project) to the Kenya Defence Forces as part of a Quick Impact Project (QIP). |
| February 14 | Agreement on Economic Cooperation with the United Kingdom | Focuses on establishing a Joint Economic Committee to promote trade and investment between the two nations. |
| February 19, 2024 | Agreement with Micronesia on Visa Exemption | This agreement exempts diplomatic and official passport holders from visa requirements when travelling between India and the Federated States of Micronesia. The agreement is set to come into effect on September 15, 2024. |
| February 22, 2024 | Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement with Denmark | Signed to attract Indian workers and support the Green Strategic Partnership between India and Denmark. The agreement enables younger Indian nationals to undertake short-term employment in Denmark, enhancing their skills, while also addressing irregular migration issues. It includes provisions for greater employment opportunities for Indian professionals in Denmark's healthcare sector. |
| March 10, 2024 | India-EFTA Trade Agreement | Aimed at enhancing trade relations between India and the European Free Trade Association countries. |
| March 15, 2024 | Agreement with Andorra on Visa Exemption for Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders. | This agreement exempts holders of diplomatic and official passports from visa requirements for stays up to 90 days. The agreement is effective from March 15, 2024. |
| June 6, 2024 | IPEF Agreements (Pillars III & IV) | Agreements on Clean Economy and Fair Economy under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework were signed, focusing on climate cooperation, investment in green technologies, and anti-corruption measures. |
| June 22, 2024 | MoU with Bangladesh on Blue Economy and Maritime Cooperation | This MoU aims to enhance cooperation in maritime security and sustainable use of marine resources in the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean region. |
| June 24, 2024 | Agreement with Malta for Employment of Diplomatic Dependents | Allows dependents of diplomatic missions to engage in gainful employment in Malta. |
| July 2, 2024 | MoU with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Economic Cooperation | Focuses on enhancing economic ties and cooperation in various sectors between India and SADC member countries. |
| August 1, 2024 | Agreement with Vietnam for Employment of Diplomatic Dependents | Similar to the Malta agreement, this allows dependents of diplomatic missions to work in Vietnam. |
| August 6, 2024 | MoU with Saint Kitts and Nevis for Consultation Mechanism | Establishes a framework for regular consultations on various bilateral issues. |
| August 10, 2024 | Visa Exemption Agreement with Timor-Leste | Exempts holders of diplomatic and official passports from visa requirements between the two countries. |
| August 20, 2024 | MoU with Malaysia on Recruitment, Employment, and Repatriation of Workers | Aims to facilitate the recruitment and employment of Indian workers in Malaysia while ensuring their rights and welfare. |
| August 23, 2024 | MoU with Ukraine for Humanitarian Grant Assistance | This MoU focuses on community development projects funded by India in Ukraine. |
| September 10, 2024 | Four agreements with the UAE in the Energy Sector | Includes long-term LNG supply agreements, a production concession agreement for oil, an MoU for crude storage, and an MoU on nuclear cooperation aimed at enhancing energy security and cooperation in nuclear energy operations. |
| September 17, 2024 | Agreement with Nauru on Visa Exemption for Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders | This agreement exempts holders of diplomatic and official passports from visa requirements for stays up to 90 days. The agreement was signed on September 17, 2024, and is pending ratification. |
| September 21, 2024 | IPEF Overarching Agreement | Establishes a high-level political oversight mechanism for various IPEF agreements, enhancing India's integration into global supply chains and promoting innovation. |
| October 17, 2024 | IPEF Agreements on Clean Economy and Fair Economy | India signed first-of-its-kind agreements under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) focusing on clean energy technologies, investments, and capacity building aimed at enhancing energy security and climate resilience among IPEF partners. |
| October 25, 2024 | Joint Statement from India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations | This statement emphasised deepening the India-EU Strategic Partnership, promoting a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, and coordinating efforts on key connectivity initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. |
| October 28, 2024 | India-Spain Joint Statement | During the visit of the President of the Government of Spain to India, both nations emphasised cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and acknowledged India's invitation for Spain to participate in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. |
| October 30, 2024 | India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) 2024 | This treaty aims to protect foreign investments while allowing the host state regulatory autonomy. It replaces the previous BIPPA that expired in September 2024 and includes provisions for digital infrastructure projects and payment platform interlinking. |
| November 5, 2024 | Kazakhstan | Agreement on Defence and Military Technical Cooperation |
| November 15, 2024 | Maldives | MoU on Maritime Security Cooperation |
| December 12, 2024 | Kenya | MoU on Cooperation in Agriculture |
| December 15, 2024 | Japan | Agreement on Technology Transfer in Renewable Energy |
India-Germany Green Hydrogen Roadmap
- Country: Germany
- Date Signed: October 25, 2024
During the 7th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations on October 25, 2024, India and Germany signed the Green Hydrogen Roadmap.
This agreement aims to promote collaboration in green hydrogen technologies, a critical component for achieving sustainable energy goals.
The roadmap outlines joint initiatives for research, development, and deployment of green hydrogen solutions.
By leveraging each other's strengths, both countries aim to accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon economy.
This partnership underscores India's focus on renewable energy and its commitment to addressing climate change through innovative solutions.
India-Guyana Hydrocarbons Agreement
- Country: Guyana
- Date Signed: November 2024
In November 2024, India signed a significant agreement with Guyana focusing on hydrocarbons. This MoU aims to enhance cooperation in the oil and gas sector between the two nations.
It includes provisions for sourcing crude oil and collaborating on natural gas projects. The agreement reflects India's interest in securing energy resources from emerging markets while strengthening bilateral ties with Guyana.
By fostering collaboration in hydrocarbons, India aims to diversify its energy sources and ensure energy security for its growing economy.
India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty
- Country: United Arab Emirates
- Date Signed: October 30, 2024
On October 30, 2024, India signed a new Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with the UAE. This treaty aims to protect investments made by investors from both countries while ensuring that host states can regulate investments effectively.
Key provisions include protecting against unfair treatment and ensuring national treatment for investors.
The BIT is crucial for enhancing economic cooperation between India and the UAE, providing a stable framework for investment flows.
This agreement signifies India's commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the UAE in various sectors.
ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement Review
- Country: ASEAN Nations
- Date Signed: November 21-22, 2024
India participated in the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) on November 21-22, 2024.
This meeting aimed to enhance trade relations between India and ASEAN member countries by discussing necessary updates to the existing agreement.
With bilateral trade reaching USD 73 billion during April-October 2024, this review is vital for sustaining growth and addressing emerging trade challenges.
The discussions focused on improving market access and reducing trade barriers, reflecting India's commitment to deepening economic ties with ASEAN nations for mutual benefit.
India-Kuwait Joint Committee Agreement
- Country: Kuwait
- Date Signed: December 2024
In December 2024, during a visit by the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister to India, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to establish a Joint Committee for Cooperation at the level of Foreign Ministers.
This agreement aims to enhance bilateral relations across various sectors such as trade, investment, education, technology, agriculture, security, and culture.
The establishment of this committee reflects both nations' commitment to fostering collaboration and addressing mutual interests effectively.
By creating new Joint Working Groups under this framework, India seeks to strengthen its strategic partnership with Kuwait while promoting regional stability.
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Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with UAE
- Country: United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Date Signed: December 13, 2024
India signed the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with the UAE on December 13, 2024. This treaty replaces the previous Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement that expired in September 2024.
The BIT aims to provide a secure environment for investors from both countries by ensuring minimum standards of treatment and non-discrimination. It introduces an independent arbitration mechanism for resolving disputes, enhancing investor confidence.
The treaty reflects a shared commitment to fostering economic cooperation and creating a robust investment framework.
It is expected to increase bilateral investments, benefiting businesses and economies in both nations. By facilitating smoother investment flows, the BIT positions India and the UAE as strategic partners in the global economy.
4th India-UAE Strategic Dialogue
- Country: United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Date Signed: December 12, 2024
On December 12, 2024, India and the UAE held their 4th Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi. This high-level meeting focused on expanding cooperation in defence, renewable energy, and emerging technologies.
Co-chaired by India's External Affairs Minister and the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, the dialogue addressed regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The discussions aimed to strengthen bilateral relations by enhancing strategic partnerships across various sectors.
Both nations emphasised their commitment to collaborative efforts in areas such as nuclear energy and critical minerals.
This dialogue marks a significant step in deepening ties between India and the UAE, reflecting their shared vision for a stable and prosperous region.
Agreement on Forensic Activities with Belarus
- Country: Belarus
- Date Signed: December 17, 2024
India signed an agreement with Belarus on December 17, 2024, focusing on cooperation in forensic activities. This agreement aims to enhance collaboration in forensic science between the two nations.
It includes sharing expertise, technology transfer, and joint training programs for forensic professionals. By strengthening forensic capabilities, both countries seek to improve their criminal justice systems and enhance law enforcement effectiveness.
This partnership reflects India's commitment to international cooperation in addressing crime and promoting justice through scientific methods.
The agreement is expected to facilitate knowledge exchange and foster closer ties between Indian and Belarusian forensic institutions.
Agreements on Transfer of Sentenced Persons
- Country: Various Countries
- Date Signed: December 19, 2024
On December 19, 2024, India signed a total of 31 bilateral agreements on the transfer of sentenced persons to various countries.
These agreements allow Indian prisoners held abroad to serve their remaining sentences in India and vice versa. The initiative aims to ensure the welfare of Indian citizens incarcerated overseas while also addressing humanitarian concerns.
By facilitating these transfers, India seeks to provide prisoners with an opportunity for rehabilitation within their home country.
This move reflects India's commitment to protecting its citizens' rights abroad while fostering international cooperation in criminal justice matters.
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