As the world's leading economies converge in New Delhi for the G20 summit, the host nation, India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is poised to assert its burgeoning diplomatic influence on the global stage. The summit, however, is not without its challenges, with key players like China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin choosing to remain absent.
The G20 leaders' gathering in the Indian capital comes at a time when the world is grappling with significant geopolitical shifts. Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the escalating trade tensions between the world's two largest economies, China and the United States, are among the pressing issues casting a shadow over the summit's proceedings.
Despite these challenges, Prime Minister Modi is keen on leveraging the summit to bolster India's image as a major global player. The streets of New Delhi are adorned with posters and billboards featuring Modi, symbolizing his central role in the summit. Some of these visuals welcome the delegates, while others highlight India's achievements and aspirations, including its recent lunar mission success and its advocacy for the rights of the global south.
Sumedha Dasgupta, a senior Asia analyst with the Economist Intelligence Unit, opined that India aims to serve as a bridge, facilitating dialogue between the developed and developing nations. Modi's vision extends beyond the current G20 framework. He has expressed a desire to expand the bloc to "G21" by including the African Union as a permanent member, emphasizing the importance of a more inclusive global dialogue.
However, the absence of key leaders, especially China's Xi Jinping, raises questions about the potential outcomes of the summit. With Premier Li Qiang representing China, it remains uncertain what consensus, if any, can be reached on critical issues. The G20 is deeply divided on matters like Russia's actions in Ukraine. While some members are vocal in their condemnation of Moscow, others, particularly from the developing world, are more concerned about the economic implications, such as rising grain prices.
Furthermore, environmental concerns, especially the phasing out of fossil fuels, have proven contentious. A previous G20 energy ministers' meeting failed to reach a consensus on reducing the use of fossil fuels, particularly coal, which remains a primary energy source for countries like India and China.
The U.S.'s ambition to position the G20 as the primary forum for global economic cooperation also faces challenges, especially without China's full participation. As Happymon Jacob, a politics professor at India's Jawaharlal Nehru University, pointed out, without China's active involvement, many critical issues might remain unresolved.
In conclusion, while the G20 summit in New Delhi offers India a unique opportunity to showcase its growing diplomatic prowess, the path to meaningful global consensus is fraught with challenges. The world will be keenly watching how leaders navigate these complexities and what resolutions emerge from this crucial gathering.
