Opinion: G20 Summit Brings India To The Centre-Stage

India has firmly positioned itself at the centre of the new global order and decision-making with astute diplomacy and strategy, which culminated in the New Delhi Declaration during its G20 presidency. Despite a nine-month impasse with consensus seemingly elusive, 200 hours of tireless negotiations and four drafts finally led to a unanimous agreement among G20 members.

Throughout the negotiations, India emphasized unity over division. This G20 presidency marked a historic moment for India, elevating its role in the emerging global order. Today, the world views India as a trustworthy, robust power and an advocate for the underserved and marginalised nations. Earlier in the year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased his vision by hosting the 'Voice of the Global South' virtual summit. This entailed consultations with 125 countries, often sidelined in such dialogues. Beyond the wealthier members, nations from the Global South predominated India's G20 guest list. That is a position that distinguishes India from other emerging leaders.

India's Democracy vs China's Autocracy

The Covid pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict highlighted the global economies' over-reliance on China's supply chain. The need for not just affordable labour but also reliable, resilient partners became apparent. Repeated lockdowns in China disrupted global supply chains. Geopolitical tensions, coupled with China's hegemonic goals and intrusive business practices, have eroded trust. The world now faces a dichotomy - India's democratic approach versus China's opaque autocracy.