From G20 to Voice of the Global South

India's Expanding Multilateral Footprint

- By Aryan Gupta

The transformation of India from a cautious participant in multilateral forums to an assertive global actor has marked a defining shift in the foreign policy of India. The leadership of G20 in 2023 and the creation of the Voice of the Global South Summit (VOGSS) have helped India reposition itself as a bridge between the developed and the developing worlds. These initiatives have reflected the growing ability of New Delhi to shape global agendas around inclusivity, sustainability, and reform, which act as hallmarks of its expanding multilateral footprint.

G20 Presidency: Consensus Building and Developmental Diplomacy

India's presidency has been a milestone in India's rise as a major power to influence world affairs. When the Ukraine crisis brought geopolitical fragmentation, India was able to present the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration with total agreement - an achievement which strongly underlined its diplomatic skill. The motto “One Earth, One Family, One Future” has been the guiding principle of the centralisation of India's G20 agenda around environmental sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusive growth.

The integration of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20 was a major triumph that symbolised India's drive for the representation of the Global South to a greater extent. Global Biofuel Alliance and the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) are two of the initiatives through which India has solidified its leadership in climate and clean energy. Moreover, the emphasis on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) – which was inspired by India's domestic platforms such as Aadhaar and UPI- has offered a scalable model for inclusive digital growth across the developing nations.