India’s G20 presidency: Strengthening global leadership amidst challenges
India’s G20 presidency presented challenges and opportunities for showcasing its leadership in global affairs. Despite challenges, India’s diplomacy successfully facilitated the summit agenda, which heavily focused on the developing world.
In his latest blog, Asoke Mukerji explores the G20 New Delhi Declaration, adopted at the Summit in September 2023; in his view, the declaration reflects a shift towards a multipolar response to global challenges, particularly in addressing the slow progress or regression of sustainable development goals (SDGs). Mukerji explores the nature of today’s geopolitics and multilateralism – with a focus on India’s role within that context – and provides an interesting analysis of the declaration.
Author’s main points:
The declaration’s success depends on its implementation. The G20 recognizes the changing power dynamics in the world and provides emerging powers with a seat at the international high table. Implementation is challenging, as differences among member countries often arise. Voluntary actions frequently fall short of targets.
Multilateralism: Mukerji also highlights the need to address debt vulnerabilities, promote multilateralism, enhance the representation of developing countries, and make global governance more representative.
India is putting the Global South in focus. Mukerji emphasises India’s focus on issues relevant to the Global South through the Voice of Global South summit, with the participation of 125 countries. The inclusion of the African Union in the G20 is seen as symbolic of the importance attached to the Global South.
Gepolitics: There is also mention of a separately negotiated India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor as a counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Technological transformation and digital public infrastructure were highlighted, showcasing India’s achievements in these areas.
Can India gain the momentum? The article concludes that while India’s G20 presidency boosted its image, the summit’s success was the result of India’s rise and consolidation of power. It encourages India to concentrate on consolidating national power in a harmonious and democratic environment.
Read Diplo’s Coverage of digital issues in the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration.
The Declaration contains the following relevant prefixes: Digital – 69 | Data – 14 | Crypto – 11 | Cyber – 8 | AI – 6 | Online – 2 | Tech – 1 |
Explore the Digital Watch Observatory’s coverage of the G20.
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