What’s the news?

• India’s leadership role in the G20 reflects its growing importance and influence in global politics.

Central idea

• India celebrated its 74th Republic Day earlier this year, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution of India on January 26, 1950, marking the nation’s transition to a sovereign republic. This year, India’s Republic Day holds special significance as the country assumes the presidency of the G20, an influential forum comprising the world’s leading advanced and emerging economies.

India’s Democratic Success Story

• India’s journey as the world’s largest inclusive democracy, characterized by its multi-dimensional diversity and pluralistic society, is both fascinating and inspiring.
• Despite formidable challenges in the form of illiteracy and widespread poverty, India’s visionary Constitution makers established a multi-party democratic political system immediately after gaining independence.
• Overcoming these hurdles, India has consistently conducted free and fair elections through its independent constitutional body, the Election Commission of India, solidifying its democratic credentials.
• In a world where many post-colonial nations grappled with political turbulence, India’s commitment to electoral democracy stood as a beacon of hope.

Socio-Economic Development and Increased Political Participation

• Socio-Economic Progress:

• India’s ascent as a democratic republic has been accompanied by substantial socio-economic advancements.
• Over the decades, the nation has made significant strides in alleviating poverty, expanding access to education, improving healthcare, and developing infrastructure.
• These achievements have not only improved the standard of living but also fostered a sense of inclusion among its diverse population.

• Youth Empowerment:

• India’s burgeoning youth population has emerged as a potent force in shaping the country’s political landscape.
• Young people are increasingly active in civic participation, advocating for change, and driving social and political discourse.
• This dynamism reflects a commitment to democratic principles and a desire to influence the nation’s direction.

• Rising voter turnout:

• India’s commitment to democratic values is vividly demonstrated through the consistently rising voter turnout in elections.
• Citizens across the country recognize the power of their votes in shaping the destiny of the nation.
• This surge in political engagement underlines the vibrancy of India’s democracy.

• Empowerment of women:

• A heartening trend in India’s democratic journey has been the growing participation of women in both electoral processes and political leadership.
• The increased representation of women at various levels of governance not only strengthens democracy but also promotes gender equality and diversity in decision-making.

• Diverse Political Landscape:

• India’s democracy has evolved into a dynamic and diverse political arena. A multitude of political parties, each representing unique constituencies and interests, actively participate in the democratic process.
• This pluralism underscores India’s commitment to accommodating a wide range of perspectives and voices.

India’s G20 Presidency

• Global Significance: The G20, comprising the world’s most advanced and emerging economies, is a forum of immense global significance. India’s presidency in this forum signifies its ascent as a major player in international affairs.
• Showcasing India: Hosting G20 meetings in India provided a unique opportunity to showcase the nation’s diversity, culture, democracy, development, and technological prowess to the global community. It allowed India to present its story as a positive model of pluralistic democracy and development, inspiring other nations, particularly in the Global South.
• Covid Pandemic Response: India’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic further solidified its reputation as a responsible global leader. Its ability to manage the crisis, provide vaccines to other nations, and contribute to global efforts for containment and recovery demonstrated its commitment to international cooperation.
• Bilateral and Multilateral Engagement: During its G20 presidency, India engaged in important bilateral and multilateral discussions, fostering partnerships and addressing global challenges. Key agreements, such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor Agreement and the Global Biofuels Alliance, highlighted India’s role in shaping international economic and environmental agendas.

Outcomes of the G20 Summit

• Economic Advancements: The G20 New Delhi Summit also served as a platform to showcase India’s contemporary technological advancements and its rich heritage, culture, and traditions. It energized the international economy, promoted tourism, enhanced food security through millet production, and deepened commitments to sustainable biofuels.
• Food Security: The summit emphasized stronger food security through millet production and consumption. This initiative aligns with global efforts to enhance food sustainability and ensure a stable food supply for growing populations.
• Commitment to Biofuels: India’s leadership in the G20 Summit deepened its commitment to sustainable biofuels. This focus on clean energy sources aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions.
• Key Agreements: Notably, the G20 Summit witnessed the conclusion of significant agreements, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor Agreement and the Global Biofuels Alliance. These agreements are of considerable significance in shaping international economic and environmental agendas.

P20 (Parliamentary 20)

• The P20 (Parliamentary 20), which has evolved significantly since its inception in Canada in 2010, exemplifies the importance of parliamentary participation in shaping the global agenda.

• It has garnered social acceptance and legal tenability in participating countries, emphasizing the importance of involving elected representatives in international decision-making.

The Role of Parliament in Global Governance

• Supreme Law-Making Body: Parliament is the supreme law-making body in any democratic nation, representing the will and aspirations of its citizens. In the context of global governance, the role of parliament is essential, as it ensures that international agreements and commitments align with the interests and values of the people it represents.
• Democratic Accountability: Parliament’s participation in global governance adds a layer of democratic accountability to international agreements and treaties. When elected representatives endorse these agreements, they become socially acceptable and legally binding within their respective countries.
• Bilateral and Multilateral Engagement: Parliaments also engage in bilateral and multilateral discussions, further fostering partnerships and addressing global challenges. Their involvement helps shape the direction of international cooperation and ensures that agreements benefit their respective nations.

P20 Summit Agenda

• The upcoming P20 Summit, hosted by the Indian Parliament, exemplifies the parliamentary dimension’s significance in global governance.
• The summit’s four high-level sessions, focusing on themes such as Sustainable Development Goals, Sustainable Energy Transition, Gender Equality, and Public Digital Platforms, will facilitate wide-ranging discussions among G20 members and guest countries on how parliaments can effectively advance global objectives.

What else: Emphasizing Environmental Responsibility

• The LiFE is Beautiful initiative, recognizing environmentally conscious communities as Pro-Planet People” (P-3), demonstrates India’s commitment to sustainability and responsible living.

Conclusion

• This year’s P20 Summit theme, One Earth, One Family, One Future, reflects the spirit of unity and shared responsibility. India’s journey from Republic Day to G20 leadership is a testament to its democratic strength and its increasingly influential role in shaping the global future.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

What’s the news?

• 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

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

What’s the news?

• India’s 18th G20 Summit, held under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, made history by admitting the African Union (AU) into the G20.

Central idea

• The addition of the African Union as the 21st member brings substantial weight to the G20. It significantly enhances the G20’s global economic and financial governance. With Africa’s representation, the G20 becomes a more inclusive and influential body, covering a vast portion of the world’s population, GDP, and trade.

Africa’s Stake and Strength

• Stake in G20 Inclusion:
• Representation: Africa’s inclusion in the G20 through the African Union (AU) provides the continent with a significant voice and presence in global economic and financial governance.
• Global Economic Impact: Africa’s inclusion in the G20 is notable because it represents the continent’s growing economic influence. Africa possesses substantial resources, including agricultural land, minerals, metals (including rare earth minerals), and a young workforce.
• Developmental Challenges: Africa faces numerous developmental challenges, including widespread poverty, conflict, political instability, climate stress, environmental degradation, and socioeconomic devastation from various crises. These challenges underscore the importance of Africa’s participation in the G20 for addressing global public goods (GPGs) and development issues.
• Strengths Leveraged in the G20:
• Resource Abundance: Africa’s wealth of natural resources positions it as a significant contributor to G20 discussions on resource utilization, sustainable development, and global economic growth.
• Economic Integration: Africa’s ongoing economic and political integration, including initiatives like the African Free Trade Area and “Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want,” demonstrate its commitment to becoming an economic powerhouse.
• Demographic Advantage: Africa’s large and youthful population presents opportunities for future global economic growth and trade partnerships.
• Alignment with Global Goals: Africa’s role in achieving global goals, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), underscores its importance within the G20 for coordinated efforts to meet these goals.

Benefits of the AU’s inclusion in the G20

• Enhanced Representation and Credibility: The AU’s inclusion makes the G20 more representative and enhances its credibility as a global decision-making body.
• Effective Policy Implementation: AU’s participation is expected to improve the implementation of G20 policies, programs, measures, principles, and initiatives.
• African Voice and Influence: The AU’s presence provides Africa with a voice, participation, and leadership role at the global high table, enabling African countries to influence the global agenda and priorities.
• Cooperation and Leveraging Resources: The AU’s inclusion fosters cooperation within the G20 and allows for the mutual leveraging of Africa’s abundant resources for the benefit of all member nations.

Strategic Benefits for India

• Deepened Partnerships: India can strengthen its strategic, political, economic, technological, trade, and people-to-people partnerships with African nations. AU’s inclusion provides India with a unique opportunity to foster deeper relationships across various sectors.
• Regional and Sub-Regional Engagement: India can engage with African countries on both regional and sub-regional levels. This enables India to extend its influence and cooperation beyond individual nations and into larger African regions.
• Collaboration with Like-Minded Partners: India can collaborate with like-minded partners from the North, such as Japan and the United States, to further its interests in Africa. These partnerships can lead to joint initiatives and investments in the continent.
• Diplomatic Trust: Prime Minister Modi’s successful efforts to secure the AU’s inclusion in the G20 have earned the trust and gratitude of African nations. This trust can translate into diplomatic goodwill and cooperation on various global issues.
• A Counterbalance: The AU’s presence in the G20 can serve as a counterbalance to China’s efforts to influence African countries, especially in matters related to UN Security Council reform. India’s alignment with African interests can bolster its position.
• Economic Opportunities: Africa’s economic growth and integration present opportunities for Indian businesses to invest and trade in the region. India can leverage its participation in the G20 to facilitate economic engagement with African partners.
• Global Influence: By actively engaging with African nations within the G20, India can enhance its global influence and stature as a country that promotes inclusive development and cooperation.

G20’s global mission

• Conclusion Global Economic and Financial System: The G20 plays a pivotal role in shaping the global economic, financial, and monetary system. It strives to establish a framework that is fair and adheres to established rules and principles.
• Providing Global Public Goods (GPGs): The G20 is committed to providing global public goods, which can encompass shared resources, technologies, and knowledge that benefit all nations. These may include international tax packages and initiatives in areas like digital health.
• Addressing Global Public Bads (GPBs): Beyond providing public goods, the G20 addresses global public bads—issues and threats that transcend national borders. This involves taking concerted actions against challenges such as money laundering, counterterrorism financing, and other transnational risks.
• Supporting Developing Countries:

• A significant aspect of the G20’s mission is to create a level playing field for developing countries. It involves taking affirmative measures to assist those nations facing the most significant challenges.
• Key areas of focus include reforming Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), providing stimulus for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), financing initiatives related to green development and climate transition, issuing Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) during crises, and addressing food security and supply chain disruptions.

Conclusion

• Admitting the African Union into the G20 during India’s presidency is a historic achievement that enhances the G20’s credibility and inclusivity. AU’s inclusion adds a valuable perspective to the G20’s discussions and decisions, making it a more powerful and representative body on the world stage.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

Central idea

• The G20 summit attracted attention as it started with a clear consensus to invite the African Union (AU) as its member. India’s initiative to include African Union in G20 was unanimously accepted. This was a unique reordering of the global high table.

India’s efforts for inclusion of the African Union

• India’s big bet: Of the AU’s 55 members, 54 are in the United Nations. Only one African country, South Africa, has been an original member of the G20. No presidency has ever risked amending the membership for fear of competing rivalries.
• Global platform for Africa: It has been India’s case that not only must the G20 reflect the priorities of the Global South but must also include those who are underrepresented, particularly from Africa.
• Inviting major African countries: The AU has double the number of countries as the EU. The AU has been invited to G20 meetings, and some presidencies have held African outreach events in a manner of telling them what is good for them. It is India that has actually taken the initiative of talking with them rather than at them.

Importance of AU

• Africa as the road to the global south: India aspires to bring the global south to the center of the G20 agenda. The elevation of the AU is courageous; no presidency has attempted to alter the composition for fear of claims from other regional organizations.
• Branding itself using Africa: The AU fits in with the rebranding of the G20 that India undertook. This is India’s harambee (Swahili word for co-operation) factor—the spirit of developmental cooperation in action.
• AU as a voiceless block: The AU is the largest of regional institutions and the one with a limited voice in most international fora, despite having 54 votes in the United Nations General Assembly.
• Partner for India at the High Table: The prospects of Africa getting a permanent seat in the UN Security Council remain distant. What India has achieved, as always, is to provide Africa with a voice at the high table.

India’s engagement with Arican Nations

• Nigeria: Inviting Nigeria, particularly at this stage, recognizes it as the largest economy in Africa and a consistent friend of India. This is Nigeria’s biggest outing since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was elected. Nigeria was qualified to be in the BRICS but perhaps did not pursue it hard enough. Nigeria participated with great enthusiasm, with a number of ministers accompanying their president in advance of the G20 Summit.
• Egypt: Egypt is another African powerhouse, representing North Africa. It is also the current chair of AU-NEPAD, which is a permanent invitee to the G20. Egypt is a recent strategic partner of India. India backed it to join the BRICs. Egypt brings balance to the presence of South Africa and Nigeria.
• Mauritius: Mauritius is a close friend of India due to its PIO population, its regular engagement with India, and its strategic location in the Indian Ocean.
• Comoros: Comoros is another Indian Ocean country representing Eastern Africa. With their participation, India ensured two of the four African countries in the Indian Ocean and most of the regions of Africa were represented, making the G20 better balanced.

Conclusion

• The African Union is hot bed for great power rivalry between India and China. Even if India cannot match the deep pockets of Chinese investments in Africa, India has shown that it can deliver on the African Interest at global platform.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

Central Idea

• As world leaders and finance moguls gather in Paris for the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact, the urgency to take tangible steps towards sustainable finance becomes paramount. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasizes the need to enhance “financial solidarity with the [Global]South.” India, as the president of the G20 and co-chair of the steering committee for the summit, is expected to be a strong advocate for the Global South’s interests.

What is Summit for a New Global Financing Pact?

• The Summit for a New Global Financing Pact is a high-level international gathering aimed at addressing the challenges and finding solutions for sustainable financing on a global scale.
• The summit serves as a platform for world leaders, finance moguls, policymakers, and other stakeholders to come together and discuss strategies to mobilize financial resources for sustainable development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

The specific objectives of the summit

• Increasing Financial Solidarity: The summit aims to enhance financial solidarity with the Global South, recognizing the need to address the specific challenges faced by developing countries in accessing adequate financial resources for sustainable development initiatives.
• Bridging the Funding Gap: It seeks to address the gap between the promises made by the international community and the actual funding provided for sustainable development. The focus is on finding concrete solutions to close this gap and ensure that financial commitments are fulfilled.
• Transforming Financial Architecture: The summit aims to facilitate the transformation of the international financial and development architecture to make it more equitable, predictable, and conducive to supporting sustainable development goals. This includes exploring innovative financing mechanisms, enhancing transparency, and reducing conditionalities.
• Mobilizing Private Sector Investment: The summit recognizes the importance of private sector engagement in financing sustainable development. It seeks to promote strategies and mechanisms to mobilize private investment in sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and other key sectors

Significance of the New Global Financing Pact

• Addressing Sustainable Development Challenges: The summit provides a platform to discuss and address the pressing challenges related to sustainable development. It focuses on mobilizing financial resources to tackle issues such as climate change, poverty eradication, social inequality, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Bridging the Financing Gap: One of the key objectives of the summit is to bridge the gap between the promises made and the actual funding provided for sustainable development initiatives. By highlighting the discrepancy between commitments and payment, the summit aims to find concrete strategies and mechanisms to ensure that financial commitments are fulfilled and adequate funding is made available.
• Enhancing Financial Solidarity: The summit emphasizes the importance of financial solidarity, particularly with low- and middle-income countries, often referred to as the Global South. It recognizes the need to provide equitable access to financial resources and support developing countries in their sustainable development efforts.
• Transforming Financial Architecture: The summit serves as a platform to discuss and propose reforms in the international financial and development architecture. It encourages the exploration of innovative financing mechanisms, increased transparency, and reduced conditionalities to ensure more effective and efficient use of financial resources.
• Mobilizing Private Sector Engagement: The summit recognizes the crucial role of the private sector in financing sustainable development. It aims to facilitate greater private sector engagement by exploring strategies to mobilize private investment in sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and other key sectors.

Gap between Promises and Payment

• Insufficient Funding: Despite global commitments and pledges to support sustainable development initiatives, the actual amount of funding falls short of the targets. This includes commitments made in international agreements such as the Paris Agreement and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Lack of Predictability: The availability of funding for sustainable development initiatives is often unpredictable, making it difficult for countries and organizations to plan and implement long-term projects. This unpredictability hampers progress in addressing pressing global challenges.
• Regional Disparities: Funding disparities exist between different regions, with a significant portion of funds allocated to wealthier nations or specific regions, while low- and middle-income countries, particularly in the Global South, face challenges in accessing adequate financial resources.
• Conditionalities and Restrictions: Funding from international sources often comes with conditions and restrictions that limit the flexibility and sovereignty of recipient countries. These conditions may hinder the effective utilization of funds for sustainable development initiatives.
• Inadequate Implementation: Even when funding is available, the actual disbursement and implementation of funds may be delayed or ineffective. Administrative bottlenecks, bureaucratic processes, and inefficient mechanisms can contribute to delays and hinder the timely implementation of projects.
• Limited Private Sector Engagement: Mobilizing private sector investment for sustainable development is challenging due to perceived risks and inadequate returns on investment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The gap between promises and payment extends to attracting private sector participation.

Way ahead: Steps to ensure progress in sustainable financing

• Concrete Action Plans: The summit should lead to the formulation of concrete action plans and commitments from participating countries and stakeholders. These action plans should outline specific measures, timelines, and responsibilities to bridge the gap between promises and actual funding.
• Implementation and Accountability: It is crucial to ensure the effective implementation of the action plans and hold stakeholders accountable for their commitments. Regular monitoring, reporting, and review mechanisms should be established to track progress and identify areas where additional efforts are needed.
• Innovative Financing Mechanisms: The summit should encourage the exploration and implementation of innovative financing mechanisms. This includes exploring sources of funding beyond traditional development assistance, such as impact investing, green bonds, climate funds, and public-private partnerships.
• Strengthening Global Cooperation: The way ahead involves strengthening global cooperation and collaboration. This includes fostering partnerships between governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to leverage their respective expertise, resources, and networks.
• Empowering Developing Countries: A crucial aspect of the way ahead is empowering developing countries, particularly those in the Global South. This can be achieved by providing technical assistance, capacity building, and knowledge transfer to enable these countries to effectively access and utilize financial resources.
• Long-term Commitment: Sustainable financing requires long-term commitment and sustained efforts. The way ahead should prioritize the establishment of multi-year funding commitments, stability in financial flows, and a predictable and enabling environment for investment.

Conclusion

• The Summit for a New Global Financing Pact presents a crucial opportunity to take concrete action towards sustainable finance. As we approach significant milestones, including the 80th anniversary of the UN, reformed finance for sustainable development should serve as the basis for inclusive and effective multilateralism. It is imperative to ensure that the dishes served at the table suit the palate of the Global South, which will contribute significantly to global growth.

Also read:

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

Central Idea

• India’s G20 presidency, characterized by the keywords “inclusive, ambitious, and action-oriented,” has made substantial progress in delivering on its promise of inclusivity. By prioritizing the basic necessities of life for every citizen, India has exhibited a strong commitment to social security support and people-centric development.

Inclusive Development Initiatives during India’s G20 presidency

• Digital Public Infrastructure: India’s robust digital infrastructure has played a crucial role in delivering the benefits of development directly to citizens across the country. This transparent and corruption-free system has ensured that developmental programs reach every corner of the nation, bridging the digital divide and empowering citizens.
• Access to Basic Necessities: The government has prioritized providing every citizen with access to basic necessities. For example, around 110 million rural households have been provided with access to clean drinking water at their homes. Additionally, more than 110 million sanitation facilities have been constructed across the country, improving public health and hygiene.
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana: This flagship financial inclusion program has been instrumental in providing banking services to previously unbanked sections of society. With a focus on women-led development, the scheme has witnessed significant participation, with 56% of Jan Dhan account holders being women, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
• Women-Led Development: Recognizing the pivotal role of women in driving development, India’s G20 presidency has prioritized women’s empowerment. Policies and initiatives have been designed to foster gender equality, enhance women’s participation in various sectors, and promote their overall well-being.

How India’s Foreign Policy consistently prioritized working for the global public good?

• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief: India has a long-standing tradition of providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to countries in need. In times of crises India has extended its support by offering medical aid and supplies. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, India provided essential medical supplies to over 190 countries and shared vaccines through the Vaccine Maitri program with more than 150 countries.
• Development Cooperation: Through programs such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and the Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme (IDEAS), India has offered capacity building, technical assistance, and development projects in various sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
• Multilateral Engagements: India actively collaborates with other nations to find collective solutions to issues like climate change, sustainable development, peacekeeping, and poverty eradication. India’s engagement in forums such as the United Nations, G20, BRICS, and regional organizations like SAARC and ASEAN reflects its commitment to multilateralism and working towards common goals.
• Peacekeeping Operations: India has consistently been one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions. Indian peacekeepers have played a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in conflict-affected regions around the world.
• South-South Cooperation: India actively engages in South-South cooperation, which involves sharing knowledge, experiences, and resources among developing countries. India has partnered with other developing nations to address common challenges, share best practices, and promote mutual growth and development.

What is Pro-Planet People’s Movement?

• Prime Minister Modi’s call for a “pro-planet people’s movement” to combat climate change epitomizes inclusivity in its true essence.
• Aligned with this year’s G20 theme of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or One Earth, One Family, One Future, India demonstrates its holistic worldview, emphasizing collective efforts for global good.
• Derived from the ancient Sanskrit text, the Maha Upanishad, this theme underscores the interconnectedness and value of all life forms, emphasizing the planet Earth’s broader universe

Inclusivity at the Core of India’s G20 Presidency

• Geographic Representation: India has taken steps to ensure geographic inclusivity by holding G20 meetings in different locations across the country, covering all states and Union Territories.
• African Representation: India has actively invited African nations to participate in its G20 Presidency, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and engagement with the African continent. Countries such as South Africa, Comoros (African Union Chair), Nigeria, Egypt, and Mauritius have been invited, giving a strong voice to Africa within the G20 discussions.
• Engagement of Non-G20 Members: India has extended invitations to non-G20 member countries, regional organizations, and international organizations for specific G20 meetings. This initiative enriches the discussions by incorporating perspectives and expertise from a wider range of stakeholders. For example, Norway, known for its expertise in the blue economy, has been invited to contribute to the G20 meeting on ocean health.
• Regional and International Organizations: In line with the inclusive approach, India has invited regional and international organizations to participate in specific G20 meetings. This facilitates dialogue and collaboration with organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, IMF, and other relevant institutions.
• People-Oriented Approach: India’s G20 Presidency adopts a people-oriented approach, encouraging the active participation and engagement of citizens. Various events, including seminars, conferences, and festivals, have been designed to involve the public and make them stakeholders in India’s G20 Presidency.

Facts for prelims

Conclusion

• India’s G20 presidency embodies the values of inclusivity, ambition, and action. By prioritizing the most vulnerable citizens of the world, India aims to foster human-centric development. In an era of global crises, the significance of upholding the sentiment of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam has never been more crucial. India remains committed to inclusivity, ensuring the participation of all in the path to growth and prosperity.

Must read OP-Eds:

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

Central Idea

• The inability of the G20 finance ministers to agree on a joint statement last week points to an important reality about multilateralism. When great powers are at peace with each other, multilateralism has reasonable chances of success; but when they are at each other’s throats, the room for global cooperation shrinks.

Get your Rs 10,000 worth of UPSC Strategic Package for FREE | PDFs, Zoom session, Tests, & Mentorship

What is multilateralism?

• Multilateralism is an approach in which multiple countries or parties come together to address and solve common problems, through negotiations and cooperation, while respecting each other’s sovereignty and interests.
• In international relations, multilateralism can take different forms, such as multilateral agreements, treaties, and organizations.
• The United Nations (UN) is an example of a multilateral organization, which brings together almost all countries in the world to promote peace, development, and cooperation.

Multilateralism and Major Powers: From Cooperation to Conflict

1. The Cold War and Multilateralism:

• Lack of cooperation during the Cold War, except in a few areas such as nuclear arms control
• The formation of the UN after the Second World War with the expectation of great power cooperation.
• Allies turning into adversaries and sharp division of the world into competing economic and military blocs.

1. Post-Cold War Multilateralism:

• Collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to an expansive phase of multilateralism
• Great power cooperation at the UN and creation of the WTO
• The financial crisis of 2008 and the rallying of the top 20 economies to stabilise the global economy.

1. Current State of Multilateralism

• World of shared interests among top nations no longer exists
• Simmering political conflict between Russia and the West, possibility of military conflict between the US and China.
• Consensus on key issues eludes the G20 today
• Rising geopolitical conflict mirrored in the economic domain
• Efforts by the US and China to reduce their massive economic exposure to each other
• Economic conflict enveloping emerging technologies, especially in the digital domain.

India’s Multilateral Diplomacy amidst the Great Power Conflict

• Multilateralism and G20: As the current chair of the G20 in 2023, India has to steer the group amidst the renewed rivalry between the major powers. Reducing the impact of the political conflicts on the G20 would be a diplomatic achievement for India.
• Delhi’s Troubled Relationship with Beijing: India is part of the great power rivalry with China. The conflict is not just about military assertiveness but also deep differences on multilateral issues
• Need to Balance China: India cannot stand apart from the great power conflict while representing the Global South at the G20. India has to balance its cooperation and contestation with China in various multilateral forums.
• India’s Participation in Multiple Multilateral Institutions: India’s approach to multilateralism has evolved from a focus on the UN and NAM to participation in multiple institutions including the Quad and the G7. It is also working to strengthen its coalition with the Global South.

Conclusion

• The diversity of India’s multilateralism reflects the structural imperatives of global politics. Delhi must cooperate with adversaries for regional and global problem-solving while wrestling with rivals and collaborating with like-minded countries. Cooperation and contestation balance depend on the issue and context.

Mains Question

Q. What do you understand by Multilateralism? India is continuously expanding its multilateral approach. Discuss.

Attempt UPSC 2024 Smash Scholarship Test | FLAT* 100% OFF on UPSC Foundation & Mentorship programs

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now