India’s G20 Presidency: Propelling India’s Foreign Policy and Recalibrating a Global Paradigm

Ambassador Katju commented on the G20 Presidency stating, “This is the most important summit after the Non-Alignment Movement in the early 1980s…the Presidency is a significant moment for our diplomacy.” Since the conclusion of The Leaders’ Summit of G-20 in September, there have been several opinions on both sides - some claiming it to be a ‘resounding success’ while others calling it ‘uninspiring and underwhelming’. As a virtual review meeting looms at the end of November it’s appropriate to analyse the true significance of the G20. To comprehensively assess this, we must delve into the fabric of the current world order, India’s strategic positioning within it, and the nuanced significance of the recent G20 Summit in India. It is a moment that not only shapes India’s foreign policy but also propels a palpable momentum toward a recalibrated global paradigm.

There is sufficient consensus that today’s world is at an ‘inflexion point’; the old world order, characterised by ‘Pax-Americana’, is crumbling, while a new world order is yet to emerge. Many have termed this a ‘G-Zero’ or a multipolar leaderless world. Given this fact, the global future can be either ‘Matsya Nyaya’ (anarchical multipolarity) or ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (interdependent multipolarity). At this crucial juncture, India, through its G20 meeting, has given the world a vision and direction for the latter.

Shifting to India’s position within the current global landscape, commentators note that the nation is at the heart of this global churn. India’s rising stature as a great power on the world stage is evident with the recent remarks of the WEF President Brende predicting a G-3 world led by India, China and the US. This increased heft and influence has been a result of a tremendous rise in India’s ‘Comprehensive National Power’ (CNP), defined as the product of a country's hard power (military and economic) and its soft power. It is this power which was on excellent display during the G20 summit.

First, the theme was ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbukum’, signified with a logo of the Earth placed on the lotus and petals representing the 7 continents and the 7 universal musical notes, aimed at bringing the world together in harmony while respecting diversity. With over 220 meetings held across 60 cities, covering all 28 states and 8 union territories of the country, the event displayed the Indian government’s ‘Team India’ and ‘Jan Bhagidari’ approach that decentralised the G20 from a ‘protocol-driven’ to a ‘people-driven’ event - a first for the G20. Further, in a time when faith in multilateral institutions is waning, the G20, under India's stewardship, emerged as an equitable, representative, and balanced ‘voice of multilateralism.’ The event's organization highlighted India's ability to champion multilateralism both on the domestic and international fronts.

Second, the Delhi Declaration, with 83 paras, 112 outcomes (twice of Bali), no reservation, dissent or footnote but a hundred per cent consensus, has been a remarkable achievement. This has been possible due to India’s ‘strategic balancing’ between competing powers. Indian foreign policy’s long-standing adherence to Nagarjuna’s non-dogmatic precept of ‘Madhyamaka’ (Middle path) in International Politics has now come to be seen as an asset instead of being labelled as strategic ambivalence.

Third, the induction of the African Union has cemented India’s position as the natural leader of the Global South and also a bridge between the Global North and the Global South. This would not only serve to strengthen India-Africa relations - a major element of India’s foreign policy - but also provide a greater voice to the Global South within the G20.

Finally, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor has been a significant strategic achievement and displays the central tenet of the Modi Doctrine, which envisions India as a 'leading power' shifting from a reactive to a proactive force, influencing regional and global outcomes. Further, India’s weight is also seen in its ability and willingness to provide global public goods like the ‘Vaccine Maitri’ during the pandemic and the Digital Public Infrastructure and Biofuel Alliance during the G20 Summit. This principle of non-reciprocity, echoing the ideals of Panchsheel, becomes especially meaningful in a world today where the US grapples with the Kindelberger Trap while China employs transactional diplomacy in its aid efforts.

Nonetheless, there has been criticism of the G20 regarding the absence of certain leaders, the inability to achieve a consensus on fossil fuel phase-out and a non-explicit mention of Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine. However, it must be reiterated that India had the highest number of leaders (18/20) since any G20 meeting in the last few years and made G20 far more inclusive with the induction of the African Union. Furthermore, concerning the climate, the achievement of a Green Development Pact and the call for commitment of nearly $10 trillion for the Global South in climate financing are significant achievements towards bringing the world together for a more sustainable future. Even on the Russia-Ukraine issue, contrary to the critics, the declaration has encompassed a language which is balanced, moderated, yet powerful. Despite being an economic body it remarkably managed to achieve a unanimous consensus on an important geopolitical matter.

In conclusion, the G20 Summit has been a pivotal moment for India’s international standing, heralding for India the start of its “Amritkaal”. It has been India’s moment to shape not just its foreign policy but a vision of the world.  If NAM has been India’s ‘moral voice’, the G20 Summit Presidency is India’s ‘global voice’, successfully heard and lauded.