Global Horizons
Date: December 04, 2024
This issue covers the diverse range of international developments during the month, from presidential elections in the US to conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, G20 and APEC summits held respectively in Rio and Lima to COP29 held in Baku, summit level engagements of PM Modi across continents to developments in India’s neighbourhood.
The author points out that the decisive victory of Donald Trump and the Republican Party in the US election is being watched with great interest and some trepidation as the world reacts to Trump’s pronouncements on his administration’s policies and cabinet personnel. Meanwhile, the Biden team is trying to make sure that the major policy initiatives it has taken in the international arena over the past years can be sustained.
In Ukraine, President Zelenskyy appears to be reviewing his hardline stance on seeking a settlement with Russia, given setbacks in the ongoing war and an uncertain outlook for future support from the US and Europe. The decision by the US and the UK to allow attacks on Russian territory by longer range missiles supplied by them has been met by strong warnings from Russia.
Israel’s military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon were finally brought to an end under a ceasefire agreement which came into effect on November 27. Israel’s war against Hamas continues.
The author highlights the main outcomes of the APEC and G20 summits, which also showcased the growing global prominence of Chinese leader Xi Jinping and provided the backdrop for his final summit meeting with President Biden. Xi has demanded mutual respect and an equal relationship from the US, a message which will not be lost on the incoming US administration.
The G20 summit hosted by Brazil built upon the foundations laid under India’s chairmanship last year, while providing the opportunity for PM Modi’s bilateral meetings on the sidelines with as many as 17 heads of state or government. His meetings with the PMs of Australia and Italy were among the most substantive.
From the perspective of India and the Global South, the outcomes of COP29 were deeply disappointing, as they failed to deliver commitments of meaningful financial support from advanced countries to the developing world for mitigation and adaptation efforts against climate change.
PM Modi also visited Nigeria and Guyana, shoring up economic and strategic ties with the former and building frameworks for wide-ranging cooperation with the CARICOM nations.
Finally, in India’s neighbourhood, atrocities and attacks against the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh since the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina are of increasing concern to India. Political turmoil has continued in Pakistan. The massive victory of President Dissanayake’s National People’s Power Party in Sri Lanka’s parliamentary election has raised prospects of political stability, which will be welcomed by India.
To read this issue of Global Horizons, Vol. II, Issue 11, please see the PDF attached.
The author points out that the decisive victory of Donald Trump and the Republican Party in the US election is being watched with great interest and some trepidation as the world reacts to Trump’s pronouncements on his administration’s policies and cabinet personnel. Meanwhile, the Biden team is trying to make sure that the major policy initiatives it has taken in the international arena over the past years can be sustained.
In Ukraine, President Zelenskyy appears to be reviewing his hardline stance on seeking a settlement with Russia, given setbacks in the ongoing war and an uncertain outlook for future support from the US and Europe. The decision by the US and the UK to allow attacks on Russian territory by longer range missiles supplied by them has been met by strong warnings from Russia.
Israel’s military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon were finally brought to an end under a ceasefire agreement which came into effect on November 27. Israel’s war against Hamas continues.
The author highlights the main outcomes of the APEC and G20 summits, which also showcased the growing global prominence of Chinese leader Xi Jinping and provided the backdrop for his final summit meeting with President Biden. Xi has demanded mutual respect and an equal relationship from the US, a message which will not be lost on the incoming US administration.
The G20 summit hosted by Brazil built upon the foundations laid under India’s chairmanship last year, while providing the opportunity for PM Modi’s bilateral meetings on the sidelines with as many as 17 heads of state or government. His meetings with the PMs of Australia and Italy were among the most substantive.
From the perspective of India and the Global South, the outcomes of COP29 were deeply disappointing, as they failed to deliver commitments of meaningful financial support from advanced countries to the developing world for mitigation and adaptation efforts against climate change.
PM Modi also visited Nigeria and Guyana, shoring up economic and strategic ties with the former and building frameworks for wide-ranging cooperation with the CARICOM nations.
Finally, in India’s neighbourhood, atrocities and attacks against the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh since the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina are of increasing concern to India. Political turmoil has continued in Pakistan. The massive victory of President Dissanayake’s National People’s Power Party in Sri Lanka’s parliamentary election has raised prospects of political stability, which will be welcomed by India.
To read this issue of Global Horizons, Vol. II, Issue 11, please see the PDF attached.
