India has been active on the global stage in 2024, fostering partnerships and strengthening ties with various nations. This year, several important agreements were signed, marking progress in economic, strategic and technological cooperation.

Among the most notable is the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) signed with the United Arab Emirates on February 13, which aims to strengthen 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 emphasizes 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 important agreements under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF): the Clean Economy Agreement and the Fair Economy Accord.

In this article, we will explore the key agreements and others that highlight India’s growing role in international relations.

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Review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement

• Country: ASEAN Nations
• Date of signing: November 21 and 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 strengthen trade relations between India and ASEAN member countries by discussing necessary updates to the existing agreement.

As bilateral trade reached $73 billion between April and October 2024, this review is essential to support growth and address emerging trade challenges.

The discussions focused on improving market access and reducing trade barriers, reflecting India’s commitment to deepening economic ties with ASEAN countries for mutual benefit.

India-Kuwait Joint Committee Agreement

• Country: Kuwait
• Date of signature: 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 cooperation committee at the level of foreign ministers.

This agreement aims to strengthen bilateral relations in various sectors such as trade, investment, education, technology, agriculture, security and culture.

The creation of this committee reflects the commitment of both countries to foster collaboration and respond effectively to mutual interests.

By establishing 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 the United Arab Emirates

• Country: United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Date of signing: 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 which 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 to resolve disputes, thereby strengthening 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, thereby benefiting businesses and economies of both countries. 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 of signing: 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 the areas of defense, renewable energy and emerging technologies.

Co-chaired by the Indian Foreign Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the UAE, the dialogue addressed regional and international issues of common concern.

The discussions aimed to strengthen bilateral relations by strengthening strategic partnerships in various sectors.

Both countries emphasized their commitment to collaborative efforts in areas such as nuclear energy and critical minerals.

This dialogue marks an important step in deepening ties between India and the UAE, reflecting their shared vision of a stable and prosperous region.

Agreement on forensic activities with Belarus

• Country: Belarus
• Date of signature: December 17, 2024

India signed an agreement with Belarus on December 17, 2024, focusing on cooperation in forensic activities. This agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in forensic science between the two countries.

It includes sharing of expertise, technology transfer and joint training programs for forensic professionals. By strengthening their forensic capabilities, both countries seek to improve their criminal justice systems and increase the effectiveness of law enforcement.

This partnership reflects India’s commitment to international cooperation to fight crime and promote justice through scientific methods.

The agreement is expected to facilitate knowledge exchange and foster closer ties between Indian and Belarusian forensic institutions.

Agreements on the transfer of sentenced persons

• Country: Various countries
• Date of signing: December 19, 2024

On December 19, 2024, India signed a total of 31 bilateral agreements on transfer of convicted persons to various countries.

These agreements allow Indian prisoners held abroad to serve the remainder of their sentences in India and vice versa. The initiative aims to ensure the welfare of Indian citizens incarcerated abroad while addressing humanitarian concerns.

By facilitating these transfers, India seeks to provide prisoners with the opportunity to rehabilitate in their home countries.

The move reflects India’s commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens abroad while promoting international cooperation on criminal justice.

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