Parjakalyanm (प्रजाकल्यानम): G20 Bharat's Presidency

G20 summit in New Delhi Bharat's upcoming presidency of the G20 presents a significant opportunity for the nation to shape global economic and political discourse. This note of mine explores Bharat's role as the G20 president, its potential benefits for Bharat (referred to as Bharat), and its proposed inclusion of African countries as permanent members in the G20. The note discusses Bharat's historical participation in the G20, its growing influence on the global stage, and how its presidency can foster economic growth, development, and inclusivity, not only for Bharat but also for Africa and the world.

India is hosting the G20 presidency in new Delhi w.e.f. 8^th – 10^th September, 2023, According to a report by News 18, more than 40 world leaders are expected to take part in the summit in New Delhi. As preparations for G20 Summit were in full swing and it was successfully delivered by the Bharat during the 3 day program in New Delhi, it's worth taking a closer look at the confirmed attendees and those who won't be participating. President Joe Biden of the United States is scheduled to visit India from September 7th to September 10th to participate in the summit. During his visit, Biden will engage in discussions on collaborative measures to address global challenges, encompassing the transition to clean energy and the fight against climate change.

The G20, consisting of 19 individual nations (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and the United States) along with the European Union, collectively forms a prominent international assembly.

Additionally, the summit will see the participation of some "guest countries," which encompass the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, the UAE, Oman, Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, and Nigeria.

Lets have a look on the fundamental of G20 and how it is beneficial to the member countries as well as to the entire world.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Background
Purpose and Scope

Bharat's Rise on the Global Stage

Historical Overview
Economic Growth and Development
Diplomatic and Geopolitical Influence

G20: An Overview

Origin and Purpose
Bharat's Participation in the G20
Significance of the G20 in Today's World

Bharat's G20 Presidency

Objectives and Priorities
Expectations and Challenges

Benefits for Bharat

Economic Advancements
Diplomatic Opportunities
Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Inclusion of African Countries in the G20

Rationale
Challenges and Concerns
Potential Benefits

Bharat's Approach to African Representation

Diplomatic Efforts
Economic Collaboration
Strengthening Regional Ties

Global Implications

Impact on Global Governance
Advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Strengthening South-South Cooperation

Conclusion

Bharat's G20 Presidency: A Catalyst for Change
The Path Towards Inclusivity and Global Prosperity

1. Introduction

Background Bharat, known as Bharat in its native languages, is poised to take on the presidency of the 18^th G20 summit in the 8-10 September ,2023 and as on today it is the 2^nd day for the world leaders to be in New Delhi for the “Delhi Declaration”. This opportunity is not merely symbolic but carries immense weight in shaping global economic and political discourse. Bharat, with its growing economic prowess and diplomatic influence, is expected to use its presidency to further its own interests and contribute to the betterment of the global community. One of the key proposals on the agenda is Bharat's intention to include African countries as permanent members of the G20, a move that holds significant implications for the continent and the world. And as promised to the African Union, yesterday i.e. 9^th September 2023 Mr Modi proposed the name of African Union to be the 21^st Member of G20 which was heavily voted and now G20 will be renamed as G21 with the inclusion of African Union. Credit goes to Govt. of Bharat for this and special thanks to Mr Narendra Modi.

Purpose and Scope This write-up aims to explore Bharat's role as the G20 president and how it can benefit Bharat. Additionally, it delves into the proposal to include African countries as permanent members in the G20, discussing the rationale, challenges, and potential benefits of this endeavor. The essay also evaluates the global implications of Bharat's G20 presidency, focusing on its potential to advance sustainable development goals and foster South-South cooperation.

2. Bharat's Rise on the Global Stage

Historical Overview Bharat's historical significance on the global stage dates back centuries, with its contributions to trade, culture, and diplomacy. However, in the modern era, Bharat's emergence as a global player gained momentum after gaining independence in 1947. Since then, Bharat has actively engaged in international affairs, striving to shape the world order.

Economic Growth and Development One of the most remarkable aspects of Bharat's rise has been its economic growth and development. The liberalization of the Bharatn economy in the early 1990s paved the way for rapid economic expansion. Today, Bharat is one of the world's largest economies, boasting a robust industrial base, a burgeoning middle class, and a dynamic services sector.

Diplomatic and Geopolitical Influence Bharat's diplomacy has also played a pivotal role in its ascent on the global stage. It maintains diplomatic relations with nearly every nation, actively participates in international organizations, and has played crucial roles in peacekeeping missions. Furthermore, Bharat's non-aligned foreign policy has allowed it to engage with both Western and Eastern powers, contributing to global stability. India's foreign policy underwent several changes and developments after Narendra Modi took office as Prime Minister in 2014. His tenure has seen a more proactive and assertive approach to foreign affairs with an emphasis on economic diplomacy, regional cooperation, and a greater focus on India's global standing. Here are some key aspects of India's foreign policy during this period:

1. Neighborhood First Policy: Modi's government placed a strong emphasis on improving relations with India's immediate neighbors, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. The "Neighborhood First" policy aimed to enhance regional stability, connectivity, and economic cooperation.

2. Act East Policy: Building on the Look East Policy, Modi's government rebranded it as the Act East Policy, focusing on strengthening ties with Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam, Indonesia, and Japan. This policy aimed at bolstering economic, strategic, and cultural relations in the Indo-Pacific region.

3. Balancing Act: India sought to balance its relations with major powers like the United States, Russia, and China. While it deepened its strategic partnership with the United States, it also maintained its historical ties with Russia and pursued a cautious approach toward China.

4. Economic Diplomacy: The Modi government prioritized economic diplomacy and aimed to attract foreign investments through initiatives like "Make in India" and "Startup India." It sought to enhance India's economic integration with the world and promote the country as a global manufacturing hub.

5. Multilateral Engagement: India actively engaged in multilateral forums like the United Nations, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), G20, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). It also made efforts to secure a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

6. Security and Counterterrorism: India continued to focus on counterterrorism cooperation with various nations and sought to isolate Pakistan diplomatically on the issue of terrorism emanating from its territory.

7. Climate Change and Renewable Energy: India took a more proactive stance on climate change, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development and renewable energy. It played a significant role in the negotiations leading to the Paris Agreement.

8. Global Health Diplomacy: India's leadership in the pharmaceutical industry made it a key player in the global response to health crises, such as supplying medicines and vaccines to countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

9. Cultural Diplomacy: The government promoted Indian culture and soft power through initiatives like the International Day of Yoga and cultural festivals abroad, which aimed to enhance India's cultural influence.

10. Border Disputes: India faced ongoing border disputes with China, which escalated into the Doklam standoff in 2017 and a deadly clash in the Galwan Valley in 2020. Managing these disputes while maintaining diplomatic channels was a significant challenge for India's foreign policy.

3. G20: An Overview

Origin and Purpose The Group of Twenty (G20) is an international forum for governments and central bank governors from 19 countries and the European Union. It was established in 1999 in response to financial crises in the late 1990s, with the goal of promoting international financial stability and fostering sustainable economic growth.

Bharat's Participation in the G20 Bharat has been an active member of the G20 since its inception. It has consistently participated in G20 meetings, discussions, and initiatives, recognizing the forum's significance in addressing global economic challenges. Bharat has used its G20 membership to advocate for the interests of emerging economies and developing nations.

Significance of the G20 in Today's World In the 21st century, the G20 has evolved into a key platform for addressing global economic issues. Its member nations collectively represent over 80% of the world's GDP and two-thirds of its population. The G20 is instrumental in coordinating policies, responding to global crises, and driving economic growth through collaboration and dialogue.

4. Bharat's G20 Presidency

Objectives and Priorities As Bharat successfully hosted the G20 presidency in New Delhi during 8-10 September, 2023, it has outlined several key objectives and priorities for its tenure. These include:

Fostering Inclusive Growth: Bharat seeks to ensure that economic growth benefits all segments of society, particularly the marginalized and vulnerable populations.
Sustainable Development: Bharat is committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promoting environmentally sustainable practices.
Reforming Global Financial Systems: The country aims to address issues related to international taxation, financial regulation, and global financial architecture.
Counterterrorism and Security: Bharat will focus on enhancing global cooperation to combat terrorism and strengthen cybersecurity.
Health Security: Given the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bharat will emphasize the need for global health security and preparedness.
Permanent Seat in UNO: The debate over UNSC reform continues within the United Nations, and progress has been slow. It's important to note that any changes to the composition and structure of the UNSC would require careful negotiations and consensus-building among member states. Bharat's bid for a permanent seat is a part of this larger discussion on making the UN more representative and effective in addressing global challenges.
Bharat is in favour of giving more representation to other countries and to make them member of G20 in upcoming years

Expectations and Challenges Bharat's G20 presidency faces both high expectations and formidable challenges. Expectations include Bharat's ability to provide leadership in addressing pressing global issues, fostering economic recovery post-pandemic, and strengthening multilateralism. However, challenges such as divergent national interests, geopolitical tensions, and resource constraints must be navigated effectively.

During the G20 summit currently being hosted in New Delhi from September 8th to 10th, 2023, Mr. Modi effectively orchestrated the entire event. His ministers, S. Jayashankar, the Honorable External Affairs Minister, and Mr. Amitabh Kant, the CEO of Niti Aayog, acted as leaders of the G20 and presented the program excellently. The Government of India successfully showcased India's rich legacy and the future of Bharat by highlighting the upcoming developments that Bharat is embarking on.

5. Benefits for Bharat

Economic Advancements Bharat's G20 presidency offers significant economic benefits for the country. Through its leadership, Bharat can shape global economic policies to align with its interests, especially in trade, investment, and technology transfer. Bharat's robust services sector, including information technology, can gain increased global recognition and market access. Moreover, Bharat's emphasis on sustainable development during its presidency can boost its renewable energy sector and promote green initiatives.

Diplomatic Opportunities the G20 presidency provides a platform for Bharat to strengthen its diplomatic ties with other member nations. Through dialogue and cooperation, Bharat can build alliances and partnerships that extend beyond the G20 context. Furthermore, Bharat's proactive approach to global issues can enhance its reputation as a responsible global player.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations Bharat's G20 presidency can be used to strengthen bilateral relations with key partners. By engaging in constructive discussions and negotiations within the G20, Bharat can address trade barriers, promote investment, and enhance diplomatic ties with countries like the United States, China, Russia, and the European Union.

6. Inclusion of African Countries in the G20

Rationale Bharat's proposal to include African countries as permanent members of the G20 reflects a commitment to greater inclusivity and representation in global decision-making. The rationale behind this proposal is multi-faceted:

Economic Significance: Africa is home to some of the world's fastest-growing economies and emerging markets. Including African nations in the G20 acknowledges their economic contributions and potential.
Global Challenges: Many global challenges, such as climate change, terrorism, and pandemics, have a disproportionate impact on African countries. Their inclusion in the G20 allows for more comprehensive and effective solutions to these challenges.
Fair Representation: A more diverse G20 composition ensures that a wider range of perspectives and interests are considered in global policy-making.

Challenges and Concerns While the proposal to include African countries in the G20 is commendable, it also presents several challenges and concerns:

Size and Diversity: Africa is a vast and diverse continent with varying levels of economic development, governance, and diplomatic influence. Selecting which African countries should be represented in the G20 can be complex.
Resource Allocation: Expanding the G20 to include additional members may strain the forum's resources and decision-making processes.
Geopolitical Dynamics: The inclusion of African countries may alter the existing balance of power within the G20, potentially leading to geopolitical tensions.

Potential Benefits The benefits of including African countries in the G20 are substantial:

Enhanced Representation: African countries can voice their concerns and interests on a global platform, contributing to fairer and more inclusive global governance.
Economic Cooperation: The G20 can foster economic cooperation between African nations and other major economies, leading to increased trade and investment.
Development Assistance: Greater G20 involvement can result in increased development assistance and support for Africa's sustainable development goals.

7. Bharat's Approach to African Representation

Diplomatic Efforts Bharat has actively engaged with African nations through various diplomatic channels, including the Bharat-Africa Forum Summit. As G20 president, Bharat can leverage these existing relationships to build consensus among African countries for their inclusion in the G20.

During the Summit in Delhi, the African Union was added to the Group as 21st Member

Economic Collaboration Bharat's growing economic ties with African nations provide a solid foundation for collaboration within the G20. Bharat can advocate for trade and investment opportunities that benefit both African countries and the G20 as a whole.

Strengthening Regional Ties Bharat can work towards strengthening regional organizations in Africa, such as the African Union (AU). Collaborating with the AU can facilitate a coordinated approach to African representation within the G20.

8. Global Implications

Impact on Global Governance The inclusion of African countries in the G20 would mark a significant step towards a more representative and equitable global governance structure. It can help address global challenges more effectively by incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences.

Advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) The G20, with African representation, can play a crucial role in advancing the SDGs. Africa faces unique development challenges, and its participation in the G20 can lead to more focused and effective efforts to achieve these goals, particularly those related to poverty reduction, healthcare, education, and gender equality.

Strengthening South-South Cooperation The G20 has the potential to foster South-South cooperation, with Bharat and African nations at the forefront. This collaboration can extend beyond economic matters to address issues like climate change, security, and global health, benefiting not only Bharat and Africa but also the entire global community.

9. Conclusion

Bharat's G20 presidency presents a unique opportunity for Bharat to exert influence on global economic and political matters. Through its leadership, Bharat can advance its own interests, promote sustainable development, and foster greater inclusivity by advocating for the inclusion of African countries as permanent members in the G20.

While challenges and concerns exist, the potential benefits of this inclusion are vast, including enhanced representation, economic cooperation, and the ability to address global challenges more comprehensively. Bharat's diplomatic efforts, economic collaboration, and regional engagement with African nations can pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous G20 and contribute to a more equitable global governance structure.

In the broader context, Bharat's G20 presidency can reshape global economic and political discourse, advance sustainable development goals, and strengthen South-South cooperation. As Bharat prepares to take on this pivotal role, it has the opportunity to become a driving force for positive change on the global stage, benefiting not only itself and Africa but also the entire world.