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• India Shines at the G-20 Summit, Champions Multilateralism and Multipolarity

Central idea

• The recent G-20 summit held in India, especially the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (NDLD), has reaffirmed the vitality of multilateralism on the global stage. Despite challenges, India’s diplomatic efforts, rooted in its principles of multilateralism, multipolarity, and the middle way, bore fruit at the summit.

“In a world that often resembles a dysfunctional global family, India’s diplomatic approach at the G-20 serves as a beacon of hope for effective global governance.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres

Multilateralism: The Key Driver

• Concessions for Consensus:

• The commitment to uphold multilateralism was pivotal in achieving consensus at the G-20. The Western bloc, including G-7 countries, the European Union, and allies like Australia and South Korea, made significant concessions by agreeing to omit direct references to Russia in paragraphs concerning the Ukraine conflict.
• This collaborative approach was driven by the shared goal of preserving the G-20 as a crucial platform for global cooperation.

• Preservation of the G-20:

• The absence of a joint declaration would have cast doubt on the G-20’s future, potentially leading to fragmentation into distinct blocs, including the G-7 and BRICS.
• The G-7 and BRICS had already expressed their positions on the Ukraine conflict. Thus, achieving consensus at the G-20 reinforced its relevance as a forum encompassing diverse perspectives.

• Role of Developing Nations:

• The Troika-Plus, consisting of Indonesia, India, Brazil, and South Africa, all of which are hosting or future hosts of the G-20, played a crucial role in formulating a winning approach to the Ukraine issue.
• This highlighted the multilateral heft of emerging economies and their contribution to consensus-building.

India’s Support for a Multipolar World

• India’s Advocacy: India’s consistent support for a multipolar world order stood out at the G-20. In a world where the U.S. pursued unipolarity, China aimed for bipolarity, and India championed multipolarity, India’s stance gained prominence.
• Global Shifts:

• The recent history of international relations saw the U.S. temporarily withdraw from various multilateral agreements and organizations during the Trump era, causing concern about a potential decline in U.S. global leadership.
• China’s rapid ascent brought both influence and unease due to its actions during the COVID-19 pandemic and aggressive behavior toward neighboring countries, including India.

• The Rise of the Global South:

• The Global South, comprising over 125 countries, emerged as a potent voice in global affairs. Despite disparities in wealth, the Global South’s collective influence reshaped global priorities in areas such as development, climate change, health, and digital access.
• India’s active involvement with the Global South, including its membership in the African Union, bolstered its position at the G-20.

The Middle Way: A Key to India’s Diplomatic Success

• India’s Tradition:

• India’s diplomatic success at the G-20 can be attributed to its long-standing tradition of eschewing alliances and pursuing a middle path in global disputes.
• This approach sometimes requires making compromises, such as maintaining ties with Russia and not inviting Ukraine’s president to address the G-20.
• However, it positions India as a bridge between the Global South and North, East and West.

• A Balancing Act: In a polarized world, the role of bridging divides is indispensable. India’s ability to balance between diverse interests makes it a valuable mediator and consensus-builder on the global stage.

Conclusion

• The G-20 summit in India exemplified the enduring importance of multilateralism, multipolarity, and the middle way in diplomacy. India’s success in fostering consensus and maintaining the unity of the G-20 underscores the significance of these principles in addressing global challenges.

Also read:

India’s G20 Presidency: Embracing Inclusivity, Ambition, and Action

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