COLUMN CULTURE, DIPLOMACY, INCLUSIVITY

How India Restored G20 Mandate in the face of Uncertainties

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PANDEMIC aftershocks, wars geopolitical tension, geoeconomic re-posturing and a world more divided than ever with multiple poles vying to set a course of the new world order—this is the backdrop in which India assumed the presidency of the Group of 20.

While it was a truly momentous occasion for India, the world looked at us with mixed feelings, viewing us as a country that maintains deliberate strategic ambiguity and is non-allied with any world powers—a country that has always had potential but has hitherto only continued to have the potential. Having heard of us as a country with potential and demographic dividend, the sceptics were growing restless to see when we would realise them.

However, these mixed feelings faded from the moment get-go on December 1, 2022, when India assumed the G20 presidency from Indonesia. The presidency was launched to grand and rich cultural fanfare—after all, India is not just a country, but a civilisation—to the backdrop of the royal heritage city of Udaipur. The G20 delegates knew that this year would be different: it would be more than business and offer a cultural treat through sights, sounds, people and food.

When delegates visited the 15th-century Ranakpur Jain temple near Udaipur, their faces reflected the spiritual ecstasy and awareness that had set upon them. With this, we welcomed the world to the New India, an India that is rooted in its proud cultural heritage, stands by its civilisational values and is bold to set a G20 agenda.

Steering the Mandate