Arun Kumar Gupta
In a historic and monumental event, Bharat, a rising global economic powerhouse, recently hosted its first-ever G20 Summit in 2023. This gathering of world leaders marked a significant milestone in Bharat’s quest for a prominent seat at the table of global diplomacy. With the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” deeply rooted in ancient Sanskrit wisdom, Bharat showcased not only its rich cultural heritage but also its commitment to sustainable development on a global scale.
The G20 Summit, held in New Delhi, was more than just a platform for discussions and agreements. It was an embodiment of Bharat’s growing influence and role as a leader on the international stage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired the summit, stood at the helm of this transformative journey, reflecting Bharat’s visionary leadership and emerging superpower status.
The diplomatic excellence and Global Impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a statesman of global repute, orchestrated a remarkable diplomatic coup during the G20 Summit. Leveraging Bharat’s economic significance and strategic positioning, he was instrumental in garnering unanimous support for the Leaders’ Declaration recognizing the conflict in Ukraine without assigning blame to any specific entity. This diplomatic victory showcased Bharat’s rising influence and diplomatic finesse, setting the stage for further global engagement.
G20 New Delhi Declaration – Unanimity and Historic Consensus was one of the most notable outcomes of the G20 Summit – was the unanimous approval of the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, a historic moment in the history of G20 meetings. All 83 paragraphs of this significant declaration received unanimous approval, a rare achievement, indicating the power of consensus and Bharat’s adept negotiation skills. This marked Bharat’s capacity to drive a diverse group of nations toward a common goal, underlining its potential as a global superpower.
The climate Action and Sustainable Development showcased Bharat’s commitment to sustainable development and climate action was prominently highlighted in the G20 New Delhi Declaration. The urgency to mobilize substantial financial resources to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 was emphasized. This reflects Bharat’s understanding of the critical need for global cooperation to combat climate change, positioning it as a responsible and forward-thinking global actor.
The Prime Minister Modiji’s vision and impact as a leader with a transformative vision, saw this summit as Bharat’s diplomatic milestone. Beyond Bharat’s national interests, he viewed this as an opportunity to amplify the concerns of the Global South. With Bharat set to face general elections in the upcoming year, the outcomes of this summit carried significant weight. PM Modi’s visionary leadership was instrumental in garnering support for key aspects, including climate action, global reforms, and fostering sustainable development. His strong stance on reforming global institutions like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) found alignment and backing, further solidifying Bharat’s role as a proactive global leader.
The timing of the G20 Summit was particularly opportune, coming after Bharat’s successful moon landing under the Chandrayaan-3 program. This successful mission added to the momentum of Bharat’s global standing, showcasing its technological prowess and ambitions in the space sector. It underscored Bharat’s capabilities and potential not only as a global economic player but also as a technologically advanced nation.
A Beacon of Unity, the ’20 New Delhi Declaration, a pivotal outcome of the summit, represented Bharat’s efficient leadership and the power of consensus. It contained crucial agreements related to the Finance Track, further solidifying Bharat’s influence in shaping financial discussions at the global level. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the achievements of the Indian G-20 Presidency, emphasizing strategies to strengthen multilateral development banks, regulate cryptocurrencies, and enhance financial inclusion through digital public infrastructure. The absence of footnotes or Chair’s Summary in the 83 paragraphs of the declaration was historic, signifying a unified stance and marking a turning point in the G20’s history.
This comprehensive declaration outlined critical aspects related to the conflict in Ukraine, an issue of global concern. Finance Minister Sitharaman underscored the importance of a faster debt relief plan for vulnerable nations, displaying Bharat’s focus on addressing economic challenges faced by various countries. The declaration also emphasized the urgency of mobilizing trillions of dollars to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, showcasing Bharat’s commitment to combating climate change and fostering sustainable development.
One of Bharat’s priorities during its G20 presidency was to advocate for a more representative G20. The welcoming of the African Union as a full member was a significant step in this direction. Bharat recognized the African Union’s importance and commitment to global development, advocating for a more diverse representation in the G20, similar to the representation enjoyed by the EU. This move underlined Bharat’s inclusive approach and its understanding of the diverse world order, paving the way for a more balanced and representative global leadership.
Bharat’s Emergence as a Global Superpower was evident as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership and Bharat’s strategic approach to critical global issues were on full display. Bharat’s adept diplomacy, efficient negotiation skills, and the ability to foster consensus marked its ascendancy in the international arena. The unanimous approval of the G20 New Delhi Declaration showcased Bharat’s capacity to lead and influence diverse nations, further strengthening its status as a global leader.
Bharat’s emphasis on climate action and sustainable development, along with its commitment to inclusivity, portrayed it as a responsible and forward-thinking global actor. With a transformative vision for a better world and a proactive stance on global challenges, Bharat is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of international diplomacy and governance.
Thus, the G20 Summit in 2023 was a monumental event that showcased Bharat’s visionary leadership and emerging status as a global superpower. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s adept diplomacy and strategic approach were pivotal in garnering unanimous support and fostering consensus on critical global issues. Bharat’s emphasis on sustainable development, climate action, and inclusivity underscored its commitment to shaping a better and more equitable world. As Bharat continues to play a proactive role on the global stage, it is destined to be a key player in the future of international relations and global governance.
(The writer is President of Arya Samaj Dayanand Marg City Chowk, Jammu)