New Delhi, Sept 11: As the Indian Presidency of G20 comes to a close, following a highly successful leaders’ summit that drew global attention to Delhi, it’s time to reflect on what this achievement signifies for India and the world. The G20 summit, with its declaration and the multitude of bilateral and plurilateral meetings on the sidelines, not only showcased India’s foreign policy priorities but also highlighted the nature of its relationships with key global players.
The implications of the G20 summit extend beyond the event itself and will influence India’s bilateral ties, especially with the United States, Russia, and China. Additionally, it underscores India’s ambition to be the voice of the Global South and its commitment to reviving reformed multilateralism in a challenging international environment.
Engaging America: A Great Leap Forward and Consolidation of Trust
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the United States in June was a significant leap forward in India-US relations, while President Joe Biden’s visit to India further deepened trust and collaboration. The synergy between the two leaders and their administrations was evident in their cooperation at the global, regional, and bilateral levels.
India’s flexibility in crafting the Delhi declaration with Washington’s approval, particularly regarding Russia’s aggression, demonstrated the strength of the India-US relationship. Both nations are actively shaping the world together, addressing issues far beyond their traditional bilateral scope.
Regionally, the India-Middle East-Europe corridor announcement holds immense significance, as it brings together diverse actors from four regions to collaborate on a major infrastructure project. This initiative offers a viable alternative to China’s infrastructure financing model and opens new commercial opportunities for India. Bilaterally, India and the US have made substantial progress in implementing agreements and fostering collaboration in various sectors, including defense, technology, trade, climate, and more.
Reassuring Russia: Balancing Complexities
The India-Russia relationship, while showcasing public friendship and cooperation, also navigates complexities. The summit accommodated Russia’s demands by dropping specific references to its aggression.
However, it provided India with the space to include critical paragraphs condemning Russia’s actions, including threats of nuclear weapon use, attacks on civilians and infrastructure, violation of territorial integrity, and destabilizing the global economic environment. India’s ability to balance accommodation and criticism reassured Moscow of its commitment to the relationship and its strategic autonomy. Privately, Indian policymakers recognize the need to diversify their international dependencies due to the uncertain future of the India-Russia strategic partnership.
Managing China: A Complex Challenge
The G20 summit highlighted the formidable challenge of managing India-China relations. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s absence from the summit, the first time a Chinese leader missed a G20 gathering since taking office, underscored China’s reluctance to endorse India’s global leadership role.
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It also hinted at the border tensions between the two nations. China’s stance during the negotiations and its obstructionism on various issues further complicated India’s efforts to engage Beijing constructively. While India acknowledges the fragility of its ties with China, it continues to strengthen its capabilities and pursue its interests independently, even in collaboration with the United States on regional and global issues.
Traditional Constituencies and the Return of the Global South
The G20 summit demonstrated India’s proactive engagement with its neighbors, the extended neighborhood, and the global South. Notably, the inclusion of the African Union (AU) in the G20 marked a historic moment, addressing the underrepresentation of an entire continent in international forums.
The declaration incorporated concerns of the Global South, emphasizing food security, climate change, sustainable development goals, and financial inclusion. India’s advocacy for multilateral development bank (MDB) reforms underscored its commitment to prioritizing the Global South’s interests.
India’s approach to the Global South is distinctive in that it leverages its global standing to bridge divides between the West/North and the South, fostering collaboration rather than opposing the West. This approach reflects India’s role in shaping discussions on the concerns of marginalized voices in the international order.
India’s hosting of the G20 summit marked a significant milestone in its foreign policy. From bilateral engagements to global leadership and a renewed focus on the Global South, India’s accomplishments were evident.
However, geopolitics is ever-evolving, and new challenges lie ahead. This experience has undoubtedly boosted Indian policymakers’ confidence while making them acutely aware of the complexities of the global landscape. The G20 summit has inaugurated a new chapter, and India must navigate the upcoming challenges in the global order with skill and determination.
