Opinion

Critical deliberations to ensue during the G20 Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a much-awaited visit to Bali, Indonesia, on Monday to participate in the 17th G20 Leaders’ Summit. During the summit, deliberations over several critical aspects of global concerns (including reviving global growth, food and energy security, environment, health and digital transformation) are to be raked up between the top dignitaries of the global bloc under the summit theme ‘Recover Together, Recover Stronger’.

Speaking ahead of his visit, PM Modi said, “Leaving for Bali, Indonesia, to take part in the G-20 Summit. I will have the opportunity to interact with various world leaders on a wide range of issues. I will also be addressing a community programme.”

According to the reports, during his 45 hours jam-packed visit to Bali, Prime Minister is expected to attend 20 key engagements including his participation, as per the G20 Summit agenda, at the three working sessions at the leader’s level- food and energy security, Health and digital transformation. On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi is also scheduled to take up several bilateral interactions along with his G20 counterparts to brief them of course on India’s evolving G20 priorities while also reviewing key elements of bilateral engagement with the respective member states. US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping are among the list of expected dignitaries to attend the Summit. However, no official communication has been released by the Ministry of External Affairs till this point regarding the names of expected leaders for the bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Notably, PM Modi’s this three-day visit to Bali signifies greater importance, as at the concluding session of the summit, Indonesian Prime Minister Joko Widodo will symbolically hand over the G20 chairmanship to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of its G20 presidency from 1 December 2022. Moreover, this historic opportunity for the country comes at a time when the country is celebrating the glorious 75 years of its Independence, which marks another major milestone for the country. India being a founding member of G20 since its inception in 1999 emerged as a crucial partner for proposing new ideas and finding solutions for crucial issues.

Further, speaking of India’s G20 commitment, PM Modi added, “During my interactions at the G20 Summit, I will highlight India’s achievements, and our unwavering commitment to collectively address global challenges. India’s G20 Presidency will be grounded in the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth One Family One Future”, which underlines the message of equitable growth and shared future of all.”

Marking the occasion of the visit, according to the MEA, PM Modi would also extend a personal invitation to G20 members and other invitees for the G20 Leaders’ Summit to be hosted by India in 2023.

Set up in the year 1999, to discuss global economic and financial issues, after the Asian financial crisis that wreaked havoc on economies in the region and led to spill-over effect, over the years G20 becomes a premier forum for international economic cooperation that plays a crucial role in global economic governance and political context. The G20 members represent around 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of the global trade and about two-thirds of the world’s population.

Significance G20 Presidency holds for India

In line with India’s consistent track record of commitment as it is striking to take over the G20 Presidency, hope and expectation are on the rise from India to lead in these times of poly-crisis by promoting reformed multilateral cooperation in fields of climate change, reviving global growth, food & energy security, health, and digital transformation amidst the tumultuous geo-political situation.

Also, India’s prowess in managing global economic challenges paves the way for itself to take a center stage at the world’s second-largest club.

However, the path ahead also poses a daunting challenge for India amidst the global geo-political tensions exacerbated due to Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine. In this context, India would be called upon to provide substantive steps and act as a bridge for the members of  global bloc.

However, notably, as the incoming president, India has been steadfast in its position ensuring the strong leadership that the G20 platform needs while resolving issues of substantive interest. India as the next chair is also seeking to endeavour to provide a greater voice to issues of interest to the global South, and steer the G20 agenda in a representative and balanced manner.

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