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.

The past week has been eventful for India’s Neighbourhood First policy, with the External Affairs Minister’s visit to Sri Lanka and the state visit of the President of Maldives to India. Rajiv Bhatia, Distinguished Fellow, Foreign Policy Studies, Gateway House and Amit Bhandari, Senior Fellow, Energy, Investments and Connectivity, Gateway House, analyse India’s regional outreach and recent economic and political changes in the subcontinent.

The 9th China-Africa Summit, held in Beijing from September 4-6, reflected China’s long-held view that Africa is vital to the world’s future, and therefore to the conduct of Chinese foreign policy. As China expands its strategic footprint on the continent, there is much for India to learn. It must adopt a proactive approach and back its economic and diplomatic initiatives with sustained political will.

India hosted the third Global South Summit virtually on August 17. Such summits are a necessary platform to network with other developing countries and bring neglected issues to attention. But now they must do more than be tick-box events. They must have achievable milestones, actively share experiences and solutions, and show how they matter.

Sheikh Hasina’s recent ouster as the Prime Minister has highlighted the deep fissures in Bangladeshi society and pushed the subcontinent into political turbulence. Amb. Rajiv Bhatia, Distinguished Fellow for Foreign Policy Studies, Gateway House, speaks about the political, economic, and security implications the crisis in Bangladesh has for Indian foreign policy and geopolitics in the neighbourhood and beyond.

The Quad foreign ministers meeting, held in Tokyo on July 29, took a clear position against China’s coercive actions in the East and South China seas. The four ministers have done their bit by reviewing the progress of the grouping’s many initiatives and reiterating its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. For continued progress, the Quad now needs solid initiative from the top leadership – and a summit at the earliest.

The 22nd India-Russia summit, held in Moscow on July 9 during Prime Minister Modi’s official visit, focused on expanding bilateral economic, energy, cultural and defense cooperation. It indicates the two nations’ commitment to adding substance and new momentum to their relationship. The long-delayed summit, which coincided with the NATO summit in Washington, should be viewed through the wider lens of a multipolar world.