India’s G20 Presidentship: Realizing Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

The G20 comprises 19 countries and the European Union, thus giving it an all-inclusive character. This massive grouping accounts for 60% of the world’s population, 80% of global GDP, 75% of global trade. India took over the baton of G20 leadership for 2023 from Indonesia, and is set to host over 200 meetings spread over 50 cities with 32 different workstreams. Over the years, G20 has widened its scope of issue areas under it, which now range from international financial stability, anti-corruption, the fight against terrorism, addressing climate catastrophe to sustainable growth. Interestingly, all P5 members are its members too. Interestingly, 43 heads of delegation participating in the final summit at New Delhi will be the largest ever in G20.

India’s G20 presidency carries immense significance as it represents the country’s emergence as a key player on the global stage. As the 5th largest one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, India has much to offer in terms of experience and expertise in areas such as digital innovation, sustainable development, and financial inclusion. India’s presidency provides an opportunity to showcase its achievements and promote its vision for a more equitable and sustainable world. Moreover, India’s leadership can help to foster greater cooperation and coordination among G20 member states, laying the groundwork for more effective global governance and a more prosperous future for all.

PM Modi’s powerful leadership has been instrumental in securing India’s G20 presidency. His efforts to position India as a major economic power and his diplomatic outreach have helped the country gain recognition as an influential player in global affairs. Additionally, his emphasis on multilateralism and global cooperation has helped build consensus among G20 member countries.

India’s presidency has set “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth, One Family, One Future” as the theme, which acts both as a reminder of the fact of “one-ness”, and also the urgency of it. All things-animate or inanimate, are composed of 5 Tattvas/elements- water, earth, fire, wind, space. “The harmony among the 5 Tattvas and therefore harmony within us and among us is integral to our physical, social and environmental well-being”. Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), which captures this essence, and lays foundation for a sustainable lifestyle in consonance with environment is thus closely knitted to the G20 theme.

India’s G20 logo, which features its national flower lotus, is significant as it symbolizes India’s cultural heritage, purity, growth, and resilience. The juxtaposed planet Earth and lotus reflects India’s commitment to global sustainable development.

India’s stances on various issue areas raised in past presidencies are a cue to what we can expect under its own presidency.

Previously,

PM Modi in one of his editorials highlighted that the world is way past the zero-sum era where owing to the dearth of resources, competition between primitive humans prevailed. LiFE, and Trusteeship Model point at it. It requires transition from a shareholder’s approach to a stakeholder’s approach across realms, at all levels- individual, national, and inter-national. India has undertaken schemes for green energy transitions with its thrust upon hybrid vehicles, blended petrol, hydrogen economy, banning single use plastics with push to other environmental friendly measures which is one of the primary focus areas of G20. India, with other developing countries, has previously pitched for making sufficient funds available for climate financing needs of developing states and SIDS (Small Island Developing States).

Multilateralism stands weak today, be its economic or the political shade. In the Bali Joint Communique, PM Modi’s phrase “this era is not of wars’ ‘ was incorporated. In this era of interdependence, weaponization and politicization of food, fertilizer and medical products’ supply (3 essentials), among other things like electronic chips have unfortunately become probable. Ensuring de-politicization of global supply routes, and security around strategic choke points is a top priority. India’s pitch for free and open oceans is thus pivotal.

India abides by this essence when it tries to mend multilateralism. In this spirit, India has also previously raised concerns over rivalries triumphing over rules based International trading systems. Mending the fractured multilateralism to address above tendencies by forging consensus on key issue areas thus becomes imperative under India’s presidency. India has credentials to solve this issue as it has walked the talk on international humanitarian cooperation (Ex. Vaccine Maitri).

With new India being a leading unicorn hub in the world, the Startup 20 engagement group is India’s very own addition to this edition. India’s success in making startup friendly policies with initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make In India and Mudra loan will be a case study for the G20 countries that would help them flourish. This platform will build and boost a stronger startup ecosystem in G20 nations.

India’s action oriented strategy of dealing with natural disasters led to the formation of CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure). India has its own National Disaster management plan based on the globally accepted Sendai Framework. A working group on Disaster Risk Reduction will be established and The Urban 20 shall address this too in its meetings, as planned urbanization is a mitigating tool against calamity induced damages. Likewise, new India’s good governance module will be the essence of transformational discourse and development among all the forums of G20 including the business20, Civil20, Labour20, Youth20 Parliament20, Science20, SAI20, Startup20, Think20, Urban20 and Women20.

The world commends India for its G20 presidency as WEF head said, “India is promoting a just and equitable growth for all in the world during its G20 presidency, while also making significant progress on the most pressing domestic challenges”. A US government official said, “We look forward to doing everything we can to support India’s work to make its G20 presidency a success.”

The WHO official said, “India’s G20 Presidency is an exciting moment in history, because India is going to decide the global health architecture for the next many decades to come. Because it is going to be decided in the next few months”. Russia also praised India’s constructive role.

India’s G20 presidency will showcase its cultural heritage, democratic values, amplify the idea of India and additionally, it will realize the mantra of ‘vocal for local and making it global’ as all the invitees will be given only Indian art & craft mementoes describing India’s glorious heritage.

India’s priority in the G20 presidency resembles the idea of India including green development, climate finance and LIFE. Accelerated, inclusive and resilient growth. Accelerating progress in SDGs. Technological transformation & Digital public infrastructure. Multilateral institutions for public infrastructure and Women led development. India’s G20 presidency in the beginning of its Amrit Kaal will surely turnout to be an Amrit for the G20 countries and the world realizing its theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.