Why India may not get a sizable role in post-war reconstruction of Ukraine

Context: After Ukraine crisis, major international bodies will be framing world order. India might not be a participant in decision making due to its weak presence on international institutions.   

After World War II, the Global Reconstruction was handled by newly created international organizations, like the United Nations (UNs), the IMF, and the World Bank. Later Specific continent-based development banks, like the Asian Development Bank and the African Development Bank, also joined.

However, the approach of reconstruction was guided by the nations holding pole positions in these institutions. Voting rights, for instance, became important in this context.

This global power play will become active again after the end of Russian invasion of Ukraine. In this context, it is important to note that India has not been in senior secretariat positions in any of the major global institutions. Thus, India’s modest presence in these multilateral organisations may devoid it of any active role in decision making.

As a result, India, the world’s sixth largest economy, will be obliged to follow the rules set by most of them.

What are the other reasons behind India’s weak position in major multilateral organizations?

No Major institution in India: India does not host any major global institution.

Not part of few important rule making institution: India is not a member of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). UNCLOS sets rules for marine and maritime activities. Whereas Pakistan is a member country.

India’s strategy: India develops deep partnerships with a number of countries to gain positions at the high table. For example, the Quad Grouping in which India is a significant member. But this is not a viable option because multilateral institutions are more important in global power play.

Some positive developments in the recent past

Indian bureaucrats now also feel that the weaponization of the global financial system to target countries, has made it essential that India sits in positions of authority at the rule-making bodies.

India has chairmanship of the G20 at the end of this year.

India is advocating for combining the issue of Special Drawing Rights with enhanced voting rights at IMF. India argues that those nations that provide the support should also get larger voting rights.

India is also keen to secure the chairmanship of the Heads of State Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

India is a keen supporter of a new G10 grouping.

Source: The post is based on the article “Why India my not get a sizable role in post-war reconstruction of Ukraine” published in the business standard on 09^th March 2022.