The world’s gaze is fixed on New Delhi as leaders from the Group of 20 (G20) nations convene for a summit marking the culmination of India’s year-long presidency. This occasion highlights the formidable challenges it faces in navigating intricate international relations. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strategically leveraged India’s G20 presidency to bolster India’s geopolitical standing and assert itself as a key global influencer. However, this path forward is fraught with obstacles, including persistent disagreements among G20 members, particularly Russia and China, on pivotal issues such as the Ukraine crisis.
India’s dicey rise on the global stage is intricately intertwined with the ongoing geopolitical rivalry between the Western powers, led by the United States and supported by affluent European economies. This rivalry is rooted in the desire to curb China’s rapid ascent and technological prowess.
On the other hand, China’s unprecedented economic growth, bolstered by its vast resources and highly skilled workforce, has allowed it to engage with and invest in emerging economies, effectively creating mutually beneficial partnerships while simultaneously sowing apprehension among Western nations. The fear of China’s influence has galvanized Western powers to promote India as a counterbalance.
While India claims the status of the world’s fifth-largest economy, it is essential to acknowledge that a substantial portion of its population still grapples with poverty. This reality contrasts unambiguously with India’s portrayal as an economic powerhouse. Thus, the effort to artificially elevate India’s status to counter China’s influence is riddled with complexities and contradictions.
India’s economic trajectory may have transitioned from a country of modest global influence to one of the world’s top economies. Nevertheless, this economic ascent has not translated into proportional influence on the global policy stage. India’s journey to assert itself as a significant global player remains an ongoing challenge.
It’s important to recognize that once China reaches a favorable accord with Western powers on issues of mutual concern, India’s aspiration for a more prominent role on the world stage could face a sobering reality check. The pursuit of a greater global say is akin to building a house of cards, vulnerable to the winds of geopolitical change and strategic realignments.
India’s role within the G20 framework unfolds against a backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions, notably with China, with whom India grapples over border disputes. The absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping from the G20 summit in New Delhi has raised numerous questions and conjectures.
Xi’s decision to abstain from the summit can be viewed through multiple lenses. It may be perceived as a diplomatic rebuff, indicating China’s reluctance to engage with India on this particular platform. Alternatively, it could be seen as a strategic maneuver to elevate alternative multilateral groups, such as the BRICS, above the G20 and G7, as China aims to reshape the global order in alignment with its interests.
China’s foreign affairs spokesperson, Mao Ning, announced that Premier Li Qiang would lead the Chinese delegation. This marks the first time a Chinese leader has skipped the G20 leaders’ summit since its inception in 2008. The move symbolizes China’s narrative of the “rise of the East and the decline of the West,” showcasing its willingness to assert itself on its own terms.
However, India’s G20 presidency coincides with a period of pronounced global polarization characterized by rising debt levels, slowing economic growth, and heightened uncertainty. Even as India’s rapidly expanding economy offers a strategic advantage, the path forward is marred by divisions and disagreements among G20 members, particularly regarding critical issues like the Ukraine crisis.
India’s G20 presidency has made strides in addressing pressing social and employment challenges. The development of an international occupational classification system to promote cross-country comparability is a noteworthy accomplishment. Furthermore, the commitment to provide comprehensive social protection for gig and platform workers is a crucial step toward safeguarding worker welfare in the modern gig economy. However, it is vital to acknowledge that India faces domestic challenges in this regard, particularly concerning the welfare of its vulnerable populations. Religious and ethnic minorities continue to grapple with discrimination, and incidents of gender-based violence persist.
India’s audacious endeavors during its G20 presidency are not without inherent risks. The lack of consensus on binding agreements, particularly due to objections from Russia and China, could undermine India’s credibility on the global stage. Furthermore, the inability to foster a joint communique from previous G20 meetings raises questions about the effectiveness of India’s presidency.
However, formidable challenges persist, chiefly in the form of ongoing discord within the G20, escalating geopolitical frictions, and the conspicuous absence of key leaders like Xi Jinping.
As the world closely scrutinizes the proceedings of the G20 leaders’ summit in New Delhi, it’s crucial for the global community to approach the event with a discerning perspective. While India’s presidency indeed represents a significant moment, one should not assume that India possesses the unwavering capacity, visionary acumen, and intellectual prowess to seamlessly leverage this pivotal opportunity to propel its global ambitions and firmly establish itself as a paramount player in international affairs.
India’s journey on the global stage is undeniably intricate, characterized by a tapestry of contradictions and complexities. The optics may suggest a seamless ascent, but the reality is marred by multifaceted challenges, conflicts of interest, and political considerations that often transcend the pure merit of the endeavor.
In essence, India’s path to global prominence is a formidable one, laden with obstacles and competing narratives and a world marked by intricate geopolitics and diverse interests.
