This year marks India's demonstration as a global leader and innovator amidst complex geopolitical challenges
The year 2023 emerged as a period of significant historical consequence, marked by India's ambitious endeavours in space exploration and leadership role amid geopolitical tensions globally.
 
India continued to excel economically, maintaining its status as the fastest-growing major economy amidst global recessionary concerns primarily fuelled by declining demand. A key factor contributing to the worldwide economic slowdown was the ongoing geopolitical conflicts, notably between Russia and Ukraine, and the tensions involving Israel and Hamas, which captured the world's attention.
 
However, the year also witnessed moments of optimism. Key international summits, such as G20, COP28 and the G7, saw world leaders committing to a sustainable future, emphasizing increased green investments, a shift towards renewable energy sources, and a reduction in fossil fuel reliance.
 
As 2023 concludes, let’s take a look at some pivotal events reforming India’s rank in the global landscape
 
ISRO’s successful soft landing: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a historic milestone with the successful soft landing of the Chandrayaan-3 mission near the Moon's south pole on August 23, 2023. This mission, India's third lunar expedition and second attempt at a soft lunar landing, positioned India as the fourth nation to accomplish this feat and the first to land at the unexplored south pole. 
 
G20 Presidency Success: India's diplomatic triumph in 2023 was highlighted by its presidency of the G20. The 18th G20 Leaders' Summit, hosted in New Delhi on September 9-10, 2023, concluded with the unanimous adoption of the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration. India played a pivotal role in bringing the broader attention to the issues faced by the Global South. Multiple subsequent policy reforms following this driven focus were initiated with India as the overseer.
 
Passage of three new criminal bills: Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the passage of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 during the Winter Session of Parliament, describing this development as a seminal event in the annals of Indian history. The pre-existing British laws have now been replaced by indigenous criminal codes of conduct. 
 
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that these legislative measures significantly further the safeguarding of impoverished, marginalized, and vulnerable communities, while simultaneously imposing stringent measures against organized crime, terrorism, and similar offenses. India’s judicial framework has been recalibrated, making it more pertinent and empathetic in the new ‘Amrit Kaal’.
 
Multiple Relief Responses: This year, India expanded its humanitarian and diplomatic efforts beyond its traditional regional focus, asserting itself as a prominent first responder on the global stage. Under Operation Dost, India promptly dispatched relief teams to Turkey and Syria following catastrophic earthquakes in February. Additionally, during Sri Lanka's profound economic turmoil, India emerged as a key player, contributing significant assistance with a substantial aid package amounting to $4 billion. India entered the global spotlight for providing critical support during international emergencies.
 
Foreign Trade Policy 2023: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, launched the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, highlighting its dynamic and open-ended nature to meet evolving needs. 
 
Developed through extensive stakeholder consultations, this policy marks a significant step in India's trade sector, especially as the nation's combined services and merchandise exports are projected to surpass US$ 760 billion this year. India’s mode and ease of export was additionally refined, with higher export count explicated by the simplified procedures, e-initiatives and lower transaction costs.
 
30 for 30 at 30: Earlier this year, India actively pursued reforms within the World Trade Organization (WTO) to address the concerns of developing countries and to empower the Global South. India has used its influential position as the G20 host to propose significant changes to the WTO's operational framework.
 
One of the key proposals by India is the "30 for 30" incremental reform plan. This plan outlines 30 operational changes aimed at improving the effectiveness and functionality of various WTO bodies and committees. The initiative is timed to coincide with the WTO's 30-year anniversary at the end of 2024. The proposed changes are designed to be incremental yet collectively significant, with an overall positive output on operational efficiency improvements. India encouraged a steep rise in global technological adoption, convergence of digital practices and the openness to adapt working conventions to benefit delegates.