An unforgettable presidency – on G20 Summit

Source: The post is based on the article “An unforgettable presidency– India’s convening power, ability to generate a consensus at G20 summit has set a benchmark difficult to emulate” published in “The Indian express” on 11th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS1: Art and culture- India’s soft power & GS2- International relation- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

News: The author discusses India’s successful leadership during the G20 Summit. The summit highlighted India’s ability to bring countries together and influence global decisions. Despite some absences like China’s and Russia’s leaders, the event was effective. The author praises India’s Prime Minister role in making the summit memorable. India’s cultural power and vision for the future were also emphasized.

How did India showcase its global influence at the G20?

Unified Agreement: The Delhi Declaration was a testament to India’s diplomatic finesse. Accepted by all 20 member countries, it touched upon pivotal issues ranging from the Ukraine war to climate change.

India’s Alternative Vision: G20 saw a significant change with the inclusion of the African Union, transforming it into the G21. This moves further underscored India’s commitment to inclusivity and its vision of representing diverse voices in global discussions.

Economic Propositions: A significant proposal was the economic corridor connecting Europe, the Middle East, and India. This strategic move was seen as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, signaling India’s intent to be a major global economic player.

Leadership Acclaim: The G20’s organization and outcomes were widely attributed to India’s Prime Minister leadership. His efforts drew praise from numerous global leaders, marking India’s G20 presidency as memorable and influential.

How was India’s cultural power displayed?

Cultural Showcasing: The G20 Summit and associated meetings showcased the diversity, color, and genius of the Indian people, bringing them onto the world stage with newfound confidence.

Cultural Diplomacy: The summit highlighted India’s civilizational strength, often suppressed by a lack of self-confidence in the past. This renewed sense of cultural pride positions India as a key destination for dialogue on contentious issues, all while visitors experience India’s renowned hospitality.

Soft Power Expression: The author feels that “soft power” is an understated term for what India showcased. Instead, it’s a resilient source of India’s power deriving from its age-old civilization.

Merging Tradition with Modern Diplomacy: Despite some minor criticisms about cultural presentations, like the choice of dance for Oman’s delegation, the emphasis was on India’s broader cultural essence.