Top 10 Friends of India in 2024: Who are India’s allies?

The world is a difficult place, but strong friendships can help navigate those difficulties. As India continues to grow on the world stage, its friendships with other countries will be even more crucial.

Now you might be thinking- What makes a “Friend” country? It’s a mix of factors, really! Political ties, economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and a shared vision for the future all play a role. Just like in any friendship, there can be ups and downs, but the key is mutual respect and a willingness to work together. Let’s look at the list of countries that are considered Top 10 friends of India in 2024.

Top 10 friends of India in 2024:

1.Russia

The deep relationship between Russia (formerly the Soviet Union) and India is not new. The decisive backing of the USSR to India in the Indo-Pak War of 1971 in the form of military aid and its UN Veto helped India achieve victory and liberate Bangladesh. This act of togetherness laid a strong foundation for a close relationship that surpassed the Cold War and continues to this day.They formalized their strategic partnership in 1992, focusing heavily on security and defense cooperation.

Russia remains India’s largest supplier of military equipment, with jets like Sukhoi-30MKIs and tanks like T-90s forming the backbone of the Indian armed forces. They even co-produce certain advanced weaponry, like the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, showcasing a deeper level of collaboration.The ongoing production of the AK-203 assault rifle in India signifies a move beyond the simple buying of weapons. Discussions on co-production of next-generation fighter jets like the Sukhoi Su-57 are also underway.

The partnership isn’t limited to military might. They collaborate extensively in space exploration. They jointly developed the cryogenic engine for India’s GSLV rockets, a crucial technology for reaching higher orbits. Additionally, Russia’s Roscosmos trained Indian Air Force pilots for the Gaganyaan mission, India’s first human spaceflight effort targeted for later in 2024. It surely stands as an example of their shared vision of space exploration.

There are also discussions for joint lunar missions and other future partnerships indicating a long-term commitment to pushing the boundaries of space travel and their friendship.

With India maintaining a neutral stance in the current Russia-Ukraine war and not commenting negatively towards Russia, there is no doubt that this friendship means much to both countries. While the dynamics are undoubtedly evolving, Russia’s historical ties, established supply chains, and ongoing collaborations in JRD ensure its name in the Top 10 friends of India in 2024.

2. United Arab Emirates (U.A.E)

Just like Burj Khalifa, the India-UAE relationship also stands tall. It is built on business, cultural connection, and strategic cooperation. As of 2024, the UAE remains India’s third-largest trading partner, exceeding a staggering $92 billion in bilateral trade in 2023, showcasing continued growth. This translates to a constant flow of goods and services, keeping both economies vibrant.

The UAE continues to be one of India’s top five investors, pouring in over $50 billion across various sectors. Imagine the infrastructure development, renewable energy projects, and bustling food processing industries fueled by this investment!

The vibrant Indian community in the UAE, exceeding 3.5 million strong, continues to be the heart and soul of the cultural connection. Witness bustling Diwali celebrations, energetic Bollywood events, and recently, the inauguration of the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, further solidifying the cultural exchange.

Both nations continue their collaboration on crucial issues like maritime security and counter-terrorism, acting as strategic partners in a complex region. Recent joint exercises and training programs showcase their commitment to regional stability.

3. Israel

India and Israel might seem like geographically distant countries, but they share a surprisingly long and friendly history, dating back to the very founding of Israel in 1948. While they didn’t officially become best friends until 1992, they’ve always shared a respect for each other’s struggles and achievements.

They work like two super-smart friends, both really good at tech and working together to solve big problems. India and Israel established a Joint Working Group on Cyber Security in 2012. This collaboration has led to knowledge sharing, joint training programs, and improved cybersecurity measures for both countries. They also have a special fund to help them work on cool tech projects together.

Both nations face similar security threats from terrorism. They actively share intelligence to disrupt terror plots and dismantle terror networks. This cooperation has proven crucial in safeguarding national security. Israel is a leading supplier of defense equipment to India, including advanced missile defense systems, radars, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This equips India with cutting-edge technology to counter security threats and makes Israel one of the Top 10 friends of India in 2024.

 India and Bhutan have a bond woven with threads of history, cultural closeness, and a deep respect for each other’s values. The renewed Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between them forms the bedrock of their relationship. It guarantees Bhutan’s security and allows India to “guide” Bhutan’s external affairs. India remains Bhutan’s primary defense partner, providing military training and equipment, like the delivery of sophisticated communication equipment in 2023 to enhance Bhutan’s border security.

India respects Bhutan’s unique Buddhist culture and its pursuit of Gross National Happiness (GNH) over GDP. This is evident in India’s support for Bhutan’s conservation efforts and its focus on sustainable development projects. India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner, accounting for over 80% of its trade. India also provides significant financial assistance for Bhutan’s development projects.

Bhutanese students attend universities in India, and there’s a growing exchange of tourists and cultural events, strengthening the bond between the people. The deep-rooted ties between these two Himalayan nations ensure their enduring friendship.

5. France

Rafale jets are a symbol of a strong friendship between India and France, making both countries safer and stronger in the long run. The deal involves the transfer of crucial technologies related to maintenance and support of the Rafale jets. This enhances India’s self-reliance in fighter jet upkeep and potentially paves the way for future indigenous development.

It also spurred job creation in the Indian aerospace sector and fostered partnerships between Indian and French companies, promoting knowledge sharing and technological advancements. But the story doesn’t end there! This partnership between India and France is more than just buying jets.

Regular exercises like “Shakti” and “Varuna” showcase the growing military cooperation between the two nations. These exercises involve joint training for maritime security operations and humanitarian assistance & disaster relief (HADR) missions.Historically, France, unlike some other countries, was supportive of India’s civilian nuclear program, leading to the landmark Indo-French nuclear agreement in 2008.

The French space agency, CNES, and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) also collaborate on various space projects. This includes joint satellite missions like Megha-Tropiques, which studies the tropical atmosphere.This enduring friendship holds immense potential for continued collaboration and mutual benefit for both India and France.

6. United States of America (U.S.A)

The US-India relationship is more than just a friendship. It’s a strategic partnership driven by shared values, common interests, and a commitment to working together for a more secure and prosperous future. Both democracies cherish freedom, individual rights, and the rule of law. This forms the bedrock of their growing cooperation. Their bilateral trade has grown steadily, exceeding $128.55 billion in 2022-23, making them significant trading partners. The two nations conduct regular military exercises and collaborate on developing advanced defense technologies.

A vibrant Indian diaspora thrives in the US, fostering cultural exchange and strengthening ties. Educational partnerships are flourishing, with thousands of Indian students pursuing higher education in the US. They collaborate on issues like climate change and clean energy initiatives. India’s participation in the Quad grouping alongside the US, Japan, Australia highlights their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Initiatives like the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (ICET) are fostering joint research and development, pushing the boundaries of innovation in areas like artificial intelligence and quantum computing. This collaboration fosters a sense of shared progress and advancement. From collaborating on climate change initiatives to addressing global health challenges, the US and India work together. They solve problems that affect not just their own citizens, but the entire world. This shared purpose fosters a sense of global responsibility and partnership.

7. Bangladesh

(Pic credit- @narendramodi)

India played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971, a defining moment in their relationship. This shared history fosters a sense of mutual respect and gratitude. Bilateral trade has grown significantly in recent years.

As of 2022-23, Bangladesh is India’s largest trading partner in South Asia, with trade approx. 15.9 billion. India is assisting Bangladesh in developing critical infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and power plants. Both nations are investing in regional connectivity projects like the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) corridor in 2024.

Their shared history, ongoing efforts to resolve disputes, and flourishing economic ties surely paint a positive picture of the future of their friendship.

8. Afghanistan

There is a recent survey suggesting a high percentage of Afghans see India as their “best friend” highlights a complex and often under-reported relationship. It’s more than just a headline; it’s a bond built on historical ties, shared challenges, and a commitment to a peaceful Afghanistan. India played a significant role in reconstructing Afghanistan after the Soviet-Afghan War in the 1980s. This history fosters a sense of trust and goodwill. Both nations face the threat of terrorism. India cooperates with Afghanistan by providing training and equipment to Afghan security forces.

India has been a leading donor to Afghanistan, contributing over $3 billion towards reconstruction and development projects. These projects range from building schools and hospitals to providing food security assistance. India offers scholarships and educational opportunities for Afghan students. This investment in Afghanistan’s future generation strengthens the long-term connection between the two nations.

India has played a key role in developing critical infrastructure projects in Afghanistan, like the Salma Dam which provides electricity to thousands of homes. India has emphasized the importance of providing humanitarian aid to the Afghan people, regardless of the ruling Taliban regime. In 2024, Indian technical experts visited Afghanistan to inspect the Salma Dam project funded by India to help the Afghans.

9. Japan

(Pic credit- @narendramodi)

India and Japan are two old friends who, despite their distance, have always had a special connection. Buddhism, a religion that originated in India, has deeply influenced Japanese culture. This shared spiritual connection fosters mutual respect and understanding.

The India-Japan economic partnership is a powerhouse in Asia. It goes beyond just buying and selling goods; it’s a collaborative effort that fuels growth and innovation in both countries.
Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (HSR) project, commonly referred to as the bullet train, is a tangible symbol of the growing friendship and strategic partnership between India and Japan.

Their bilateral trade has grown significantly, approx. USD 21.96 billion in 2022-23. Japan is a major investor in India, with a cumulative investment exceeding $34 billion as of June 2022.

Japan remains India’s largest bilateral donor for Official Development Assistance (ODA). These loans often come with low-interest rates and flexible repayment schedules. This demonstrates Japan’s commitment to India’s long-term development, fostering trust and strengthening the partnership.

Both nations face similar security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. They conduct joint military exercises and collaborate on developing defense technologies, showcasing their growing strategic cooperation.

10. Australia

(Pic credit- @narendramodi)

Both India and Australia are democracies that cherish individual rights and the rule of law. Security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region, like maritime security and countering terrorism, create a natural alliance between the two nations. Bilateral trade has grown steadily, exceeding $30 billion in 2022, fueled by the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA).

Cricket transcends sport, acting as a powerful cultural connector. The fierce but respectful rivalry on the field fosters a unique bond between the two nations. A vibrant Indian diaspora thrives in Australia, enriching cultural exchange and strengthening ties. Educational partnerships are flourishing, with thousands of Indian students (Over 100,000) pursuing higher education in Australia.

The two nations conduct regular military exercises like “AUSINDEX” (short for Australia-India Defence Exercise) and collaborate on defense technology development, strengthening regional security architecture.

It’s a friendship built on a foundation of shared interests, a growing economic partnership, and even some healthy competition.

Conclusion

This is just the beginning of the story! The world of international relations is fascinating, and India’s friendships are ever-evolving. Always keep your eyes open to new developments as the list of Top 10 friends of India might change in the coming future as India reclaims its place in the top countries of the world.

FAQs

1. Which is India’s best friend?
– In geopolitics, there are no permanent best friends. The only thing permanent is countries pursuing their own interests. In the 21st century, India has aligned itself more with democratic countries like the U.S.A. in recent years.

2. Is India more popular than China?

– Both countries are popular in different ways, in terms of population- India is the most populous nation in the world( 1.44 billion people+)

3. Which country loves India most?
– There is generally a positive view about India in Israel and Afghanistan.

4. Who are India’s greatest allies?

– As per S. Jaishankar, India’s foreign minister in 2024- France is one of the closest allies of India. French P.M.- Emmanuel Macron was also invited as chief guest for Republic Day celebrations in 2024.

5. Which countries support India?

– Generally, India gets the support of countries like-

• United States (US)
• Russia
• Israel
• France
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Japan
• Singapore