Summary and Analysis of Suhasini Haidar's Article on G20 Summit
Introduction
The article written by Suhasini Haidar focuses on the success of India’s G20 presidency, especially the issuance of the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (NDLD). The article sheds light on how India successfully navigated complex geopolitics, particularly around the Ukraine crisis, to find common ground among G20 nations. The absence of Russian and Chinese leaders made the meeting less fractious, enabling India's 'mantras' of multilateralism, multipolarity, and the “middle way” to guide discussions.
Example:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's extensive bilateral visits to countries like Japan, Australia, the United States, and others before the summit worked as a confidencebuilding measure for India's presidency.
The Multilateralism Factor
Importance of Consensus
The writer points out that the commitment to preserve multilateralism drove Western bloc nations to make significant concessions, especially concerning references to Russia and Ukraine.
Example:
The Western bloc allowed for the removal of direct pointers to Russia in the NDLD, focusing instead on more neutral initiatives such as the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
The 'Preservation of G20'
The alternative to achieving consensus would have led to questions about the sustainability of G20 as an inclusive global forum. The crisis could have divided the G20 into smaller, likeminded blocs, weakening its overall influence.
Example:
Had a joint declaration not been issued, the G20 might have fragmented into G7 and BRICS, casting a shadow over its future viability.
Support for a Multipolar World
India’s Role
India has been advocating for a multipolar world as opposed to the unipolar or bipolar world promoted by the U.S. and China, respectively.
Example:
The article mentions that India has consistently sought a multipolar world to balance the existing power dynamics.
Global South Influence
India’s championing of the Global South and the African Union (AU) lent additional weight to the multipolar dialogue at the summit.
Example:
India's commitment to give voice to the Global South is a crucial factor in gaining broader support at multilateral forums like the G20.
The Middle Way
NonAligned Strategy
India's traditional "middle way" strategy of avoiding alignments allows it to bridge the gap between different blocs and navigate complex geopolitics.
Example:
India refrained from criticizing Russia for its actions in Ukraine and did not invite Ukraine’s President to address the G20, striking a balanced stance.
Global Relevance
India's middle way is increasingly critical in a time of heightened global polarization, aligning with what UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres indicated about the need for unity in a “dysfunctional” global family.
Example:
António Guterres emphasized the need for unity, highlighting the relevance of India's "middle way" in current geopolitics.
Conclusion
India's G20 presidency showcased the nation's ability to steer complex negotiations and emerge as a responsible global player. The adherence to principles of multilateralism, support for a multipolar world, and the 'middle way' strategy collectively contributed to this successful outcome.
