The long-awaited G20 summit in New Delhi has concluded, and officials from around the world have praised India’s effective presidency, which not only helped the deeply divided bloc reach an agreement but also established the groundwork for closer future cooperation. The G20 changed permanently under Indian leadership, with the admission of the African Union, paving the way for further reforms in global multilateral organizations.
India, which has been a prominent champion for global organizational change, walked the walk by leading by example at the Group of 20 summit. The summit has proven to be a powerful representation of India’s emerging importance on the world scene, with some analysts claiming that only India could have obtained such broad agreement. India, which has friendly relations with both the West and Russia, has correctly used its unique position for the greater benefit. Here are five major lessons from the G20 Summit in New Delhi.
1) Inclusion of the African Union
During India’s chairmanship, the G20 became the G21, allowing the African Union to gain a seat at the exclusive table. Africa, which accounts for one-fifth of the world population, cannot continue to be underrepresented on the global stage. India has communicated the same message to foreign leaders without hesitation. South African presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said on Saturday (Sept 9) that it is an important step toward the reforms sought by the 55-nation bloc in global and international organizations such as the United Nations Security Council.
2) India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor
On the eve of China’s Belt and Road Initiative’s tenth anniversary, a big development occurred. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by India, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union to build the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE-EC). This corridor aspires to promote economic integration and connect Asia and Europe, posing a strategic challenge to President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The development is especially significant at a time when Italy, a G-7 member led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is rumored to be considering withdrawal from the China-sponsored BRI. At the request of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, in collaboration with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, offered strong support for this new project. The UAE President, a close friend of Prime Minister Modi and an ally of India, strongly advocated the idea, picturing the Arabian Peninsula as an economic bridge connecting India and Europe. Germany, Italy, and the European Commission have joined forces in this historic initiative with the support of another ally, Emmanuel Macron.
3) G20 unified declaration
Despite disagreements over the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India obtained a consensus “New Delhi Leaders’ Summit Declaration” on all developmental and geopolitical issues on the first day of the G20 Summit. India’s negotiators worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between the Western Block and the Chinese-Russian bloc. On the G20 sidelines, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with leaders such as Joe Biden, Rishi Sunak, Olaf Scholz, and Fumio Kishida, who all contributed to this agreement.
4) Climate change consensus
While the Russia-Ukraine crisis was a contentious issue at the G20, climate change also presented obstacles. However, an agreement on solving the climate catastrophe emerged, signaling a big triumph for India and the rest of the globe. Commitments to reduce fossil fuel use, increase renewable energy targets, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which were met with opposition from China and Saudi Arabia, were among the contentious concerns.
During the declaration discussions, India and other developing countries emphasized the significance of developed countries following through on their promises, while developed countries argued for a global focus on climate-related aims. The declaration issued in New Delhi demands the phase-out and rationalization of fossil fuel subsidies, as well as a reduction in “unabated coal power” while increasing clean energy development.
5) Global Biofuels Alliance
On September 9, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of the Global Biofuels Alliance. This alliance has been agreed upon by nineteen countries and twelve international organizations, including both G20 members and non-members. The alliance’s original members are India, Brazil, and the United States.
Joe Biden, Luiz Inacio da Silva, Alberto Angel Fernández, Giorgia Meloni, Sheikh Hasina, and others were present for the alliance’s inception. Other G20 member countries supporting the proposal, in addition to India, Brazil, and the United States, are Argentina, Canada, Italy, and South Africa. Bangladesh, Singapore, Mauritius, and the UAE, all of whom are not G20 members, are also invited to participate in this interesting effort.
