Representatives of the world’s largest economies are set to convene in New Delhi for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, a significant geopolitical assembly that has gained prominence over the years. With India assuming the G20 presidency this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to showcase India’s capacity as a global leader and reinforce his diplomatic credentials ahead of next year’s domestic elections.
The G20 Leaders’ Summit provides an opportunity for India to demonstrate its ability to bridge gaps between developed and developing nations and manage relations with rival powers. Michael Kugelman, the director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, recognizes the challenges faced by India in achieving this objective, given the rising tensions worldwide. Nevertheless, the success of the summit hinges on whether Modi can ensure consensus and produce a joint communiqué or Leaders’ Declaration.
Despite the potential absence of a joint declaration, Modi has already tactfully utilized the G20 presidency to further India’s interests. For instance, choosing to host a G20 tourism meeting in Kashmir, India’s sole Muslim-majority region, aimed to normalize India’s hold over the disputed territory. Additionally, the Indian government referred to the country’s president in dinner invitations as the “President of Bharat,” a move that aligns with the Hindu nationalist ruling party’s vision.
The absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit is notable and could shape the dynamics of the event. While multiple factors could contribute to Xi’s decision, it occurs amidst domestic turmoil in China and strained India-China relations, largely due to the latter’s growing engagement with the United States and an unresolved territorial conflict. Xi’s absence deprives him and President Biden of an opportunity to engage in face-to-face dialogue, possibly hindering efforts to ease tensions between their respective countries.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will also be absent from the summit. Putin’s decision to stay away from multilateral gatherings since the invasion of Ukraine reflects the desire to avoid international scrutiny and potential ramifications. India’s presidency has confronted challenges in achieving a joint communiqué due to diverging positions on the Ukraine conflict, with Russia insisting on aligning the declaration with its own stance. However, India could adopt a diplomatic approach similar to Indonesia’s last year, using language that acknowledges disagreements while fostering consensus.
India aims to highlight the concerns of the Global South during its G20 presidency. The G20, representing a significant portion of global economic output, population, and trade, has frequently faced criticism for not adequately addressing the challenges faced by developing nations. Under the theme of “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” India intends to prioritize climate finance, green technology development, a just energy transition, gender empowerment, inclusive economic growth, and digital public infrastructure development.
India has taken proactive steps in this regard, hosting the virtual Voice of Global South Summit, engaging with Pacific Island states, and inviting guest countries to join the G20. Modi has even suggested that the African Union be granted permanent membership.
India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasizes that the core mandate of the G20 is to promote economic growth and development, which can only be achieved by addressing the concerns of the Global South.
As the G20 Leaders’ Summit unfolds in New Delhi, the world eagerly anticipates the outcomes and the extent to which India’s presidency will shape global economic governance and address the pressing issues affecting the world, with a specific emphasis on the challenges faced by the Global South.
Market Capital Research 