February 1 marks four years of the military coup in Myanmar, which plunged the country into a bloody civil war, still on-going. The crisis is deepening, as the struggle between the Junta forces and a fragmented resistance wages on with no resolution in sight. A stalled mediation by ASEAN, and lack of consensus amongst neighbouring countries on how to help, leaves Myanmar’s future uncertain.

India hosted Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on a four-day state visit and as chief guest for its 76th Republic Day. The bilateral is now going beyond civilisational commonalities. Tourism, trade and connectivity are central themes, as is defence and maritime security cooperation with India. A robust India-Indonesia partnership can help both nations achieve shared goals in the Indo-Pacific.

Managing ties with the U.S., China, Russia, and those within its South Asian neighbourhood will be India’s key foreign policy priorities in 2025. For India to be a principal player in the region and beyond, it must skillfully weave national security, economic, and diplomacy into its strategic calculations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s six-day visit to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana in November resulted in several bilateral agreements on economic, developmental, energy and technological cooperation. The trip highlighted India’s strategic and diplomatic priorities in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and offered the country an opportunity to position itself as a key partner for sustainable development and multilateral cooperation in the Global South.

The G20 Leaders' Summit, held in Brazil on November 18-19, focused on advancing climate action, addressing hunger and poverty, and global governance reform. Along with welcoming the African Union as a full member, it balanced continuity with innovation and highlighted the forum's role in creating and pushing multilateral solutions to pressing global challenges.

Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to Nigeria on November 16-17 marks the first leg of his transcontinental diplomatic tour and offers a valuable opportunity to advance cooperation with Africa and the Global South. The trip, aimed at deepening cooperation in trade, investment and defence, signaled India’s recognition of Nigeria’s significance as Africa’s regional and continental powerhouse.

The 16th BRICS Summit, held in Russia’s Kazan in October, was the first summit of the expanded grouping. With 13 new partner states invited, it revealed how increased membership has the potential to enhance the grouping’s influence. For India, BRICS serves as a bridge between the west, the east, the north and the south, making New Delhi the geopolitical sweet spot.

Zambia celebrated 60 years of independence last week. The African nation's position at the crossroads of eastern central and southern Africa and unbroken democratic rule makes it a vital strategic partner for India in the continent. The country’s vibrant political institutions and abundant natural resources indicate opportunities in the energy, mining, and tourism sectors that can revitalize a historically cordial relationship between India and Zambia.

President Droupadi Murmu made state visits to Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi from 13-19 October. It was the first-ever visit by an Indian head of state to these African nations, reflecting New Delhi's interest in strengthening its multidimensional strategic partnership with the continent. It also provides an opportunity to understand and respond to the needs of nations in the Global South.

Maldivian President Muizzu's state visit to India last week was marked by discussions on a Free Trade Agreement, a vision document on maritime security cooperation, and five MOUs. India committed to supporting the Maldives’ development goals, while the Maldives pledged to respect India's security concerns in the Indian Ocean. Hopefully, this mutuality of interests will be the principal driver in the bilateral as it implements joint visions of economic and strategic cooperation.