So, for the first time ever, India today assumes the presidency of the important G 20 grouping at a crucial time in the world. The presidency offers both opportunity and challenge. Opportunity, because India can help set the global agenda, push for reconciliation/resolution of at least some of the global issues and finally, offer solutions to problems based on its own experience. Challenge, because the world is polarized, there are intractable problems at hand and unexpected black swan events may emerge.
The theme of India’s presidency is appropriately entitled: One Earth, One Family and One Future. This is a clear enunciation of the old Indian belief, Vasudaiva Kutumbakam or the world is one family. But it also emphasizes things like there is only one earth for us to share, that we are all in this together and that the future lies in our hands.
PM has already stated that India wishes its presidency of G 20 to be inclusive, ambitious, decisive and action-oriented. This is a tall order given the “polycrisis” that characterizes the world order and the polarisation that prevails in international relations. Be that as it may, India does have a lot of credibility and equity which will help it play a key role in achieving the above markers.
Specifically, India will strive for the following objectives:
(1) Be the voice of the Global South.
(2) Stress international cooperation rather than confrontation.
(3) Showcase India’s developmental experience as a possible role model for other countries.
(4) Technology as a means to provide solutions to global problems.
(5) Stress climate change as a serious issue where the poor countries are the most vulnerable. PM’s LIFE initiative.
(6) Depoliticize the global supply of food, fertilizer and medical products.
(7) Outline ways to diminish the digital divide.
(8) Reform the multilateral system to reflect contemporary realities.
(9) Urge the early achievement of SDG objectives such as abolition of extreme poverty.
(10) Ensure geopolitical issues such as Ukraine war do not disproportionately affect the countries of the Global South.
The task is not easy but as pointed out earlier, if there is a country well suited to talk to all sides and find cooperative solutions, it is perhaps India!
Diplomacy and Geopolitics 