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Growing interdependence in the world as a result of globalization, no state pursues its interest in isolation. Multilateralism has become an important approach in foreign policy. Especially addressing the issues of global common, the approach becomes imperative.
Today, the G20 has become a prominent multilateral forum. It started its journey as a forum for international economic cooperation. Its agenda has now grown to cover issues such as trade, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, the environment, climate change, and anti-corruption.
India’s G20 presidency to create better world and better planet
For this year, India has grabbed the opportunity to host the G20 summit. In the closing ceremony of the 17th G20 leaders’ Summit, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi took over the presidency of 18th G20 summit from Indonesia. Indonesian President handed over the gavel to Prime Minister Shri Modi as a symbolic handover of the Presidency. India under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to create better world and better planet adopted the theme- ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, of the summit. The G20 emblem, designed in the colours of India’s national flag, represents India’s pro-planet stance and growth in the face of adversities. The theme and emblem of the summit reflects Indian leadership’s determination to address the issues of global common. India’s year-long G20 Presidency began on 1 December 2022, would continue until 30 November 2023. In January Prime Minister Shri Modi addressed a separate summit
Till the writing of this article 100 meetings of G20 has been held in 41 cities, covering 28 States and Union Territories. During the events of G20, India has showcased its diverse rich culture, inclusive tradition, spiritual and material strength of emerging India, to the world
of the Global South in which 125 developing countries participated. Prime Minister Modi assured that India’s presidency would be inclusive and a voice for developing countries. He said that three-fourths of humanity lives in the Global South. He added that we should also have equivalent voice and hence the eight-decade old model of global governance slowly changes, we should try to shape the emerging order. Till the writing of this article 100 meetings of G20 has been held in 41 cities, covering 28 States and Union Territories. During the events of G20, India has showcased its diverse rich culture, inclusive tradition, spiritual and material strength of emerging India, to the world. According to the government report, more than 150 cultural events featuring local and national art forms were held, with the involvement of over 7,000 artists. Many Jan Bhagidari activities are also being held concurrently with active public engagement in a whole-of-nation and whole-of-society approach, transforming India’s G20 Presidency into a “People’s G20.”
The level of involvement in person during the Presidency is among the highest ever. So far, nearly 12,300 participants from over 110 countries have attended G20-related meetings. This includes G20 members, nine invited countries, and 14 international organisations. Meetings are being held across India, with the full backing and participation of state governments and union territories. Apart from interactions of ministers, businessmen, scientists, and so on there are other engagement groups such as youth20 (Y20), and civil20 (C20) is being organised. Through these interactions, the world is interacting with India’s dynamic and aspirational youth, which constitutes a large chunk of the country’s population, and helping to write the growth history of the country. And world leaders are also seeing how vibrant civil society in India is deepening democracy in the country.
G20 Presidency and India’s evolving approach to multilateralism
If we look at Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s previous engagement at various multilateral forums which depict India under him is no longer just a rule taker or rule resistor; it has evolved into a rule shaper or rule influencer.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, following neighbourhood first policy, invited SAARC leaders and Mauritius Prime Minister to attend his first oath-taking ceremony in New Delhi. India, through this gesture, showcased its intention to deepen regional cooperation in the South Asia Region.Shri Modi’s
approach is more realistic and partnership oriented. Giving a fast pace to regional integration in South Asia, PM Modi initiated the grouping BBIN (Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal), which is playing a role in road connectivity, making borders paperless, and increasing cooperation in other connectivity projects in the region. For achieving India’s economic and security interests, Modi seems to rely more on multi-alignment. Apart from QUAD, India and the US, Israel and UAE formed a quadrilateral alignment I2U2(India, Israel, United Arab Emirates, and the US).
During COVID-19 Pandemic India showcased the gesture of a world leader. Through its ‘Vaccine Maîtri’ initiative it provided medical support and vaccines to 150 countries. Former UN under -secretary-general and Congress leader Shri Shashi
G20 presidency shows that India’s multilateral approach has evolved in response to changes in the context and leadership priorities. Its leadership at the G20 Summits is driven by the necessity to bring in greater inclusivity in the financial system in order to avoid protectionist tendencies and to ensure that growth prospects of Global South do not suffer
Tharoor said on the vaccine diplomacy “India has enhanced its global standing by making vaccines that are readily available in the world’s poorest countries. This effort may one day help India secure recognition as a global power – with a permanent UN Security Council seat to go with it”
One of the important features of PM Modi’s diplomacy at international organizations deals with post-material issues more vociferously.
The Modi government proposed the idea of recognizing June 21st as “International Yoga Day.” With the support of 175 member nations, India introduced the resolution in the UNGA, declaring June 21st as International Yoga Day. It was the highest number ever for any resolution of the UNGA.
At the initiative of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the United Nations declared 2023 the International Year of Millets. India is the biggest producer of millets. In addition to many health benefits, millets require low water and other inputs and are also good for the environment.
At climate change conferences, India is proactive in setting the global agenda. Through the Vision of ‘One Earth, One Health’, Shri Modi urged all countries to embrace sustainable lifestyles.
PM Modi was awarded with the United Nations’ highest honour, the “Champions of the Earth Award,” for his pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and promoting new areas of cooperation, and Modi’s unprecedented pledge to eliminate all single-use plastic in India by 2022.
G20 presidency shows that India’s multilateral approach has evolved in response to changes in the context and leadership priorities. Its leadership at the G20 Summits is driven by the necessity to bring in greater inclusivity in the financial system in order to avoid protectionist tendencies and to ensure that growth prospects of Global South do not suffer. Modi’s participation in the world’s multilateral forums and his approach to dealing with issues demonstrate that India is ready to play a larger global role.