In the true spirit of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam’, India is trying to bring about a world order which is just, equitable and mutually respectful to all
Indeed, the year 2022 was special and memorable for India in many ways. On one hand, we faced various global challenges firmly, on the other hand, we achieved many milestones in the fields of sports, education, business, economy, science and technology. But as they say, “All is well that ends well”, this phrase was seen to be true when India officially assumed the chairmanship of the G20 group on December 01, the last month of the year 2022. It was a matter of pride for all the Bharatvanshis. This unique opportunity came at a stage when India was taking pride in its history by celebrating 'Amrit Mahotsav of Independence' in a historic manner and Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the ramparts of the Red Fort wished India to emerge as a strong global superpower in the next 25 years. He was telling about the resolution of 'Panch Prana'.
Those who are confused about what is G20 after all? Why is there so much discussion on India getting its chairmanship? So, they should know that G20 European Union is an international group of 19 countries including India, Russia, Germany, USA, England, France, China, Japan, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Turkey. It was established in 1999 to discuss global economic issues. Every year one of the member countries gets the responsibility of presiding over it. All G20 members together represent about 85 per cent of global trade, more than 75 per cent of the global market, and two-thirds of the world's population.
Since India has got the chance to preside and host it for the first time, it is being considered a great achievement because after the United Nations, G20 is the only powerful organization at the global level. Every time at the G20 summit, there is a group of 3 countries known as 'Troika', which is a Russian word meaning “three”. In this, the countries of the presidency of the outgoing, current and upcoming years are included. Indonesia, India and Brazil are included this year, this time the 'Troika' is also special because all three are developing countries. Their importance also increases because according to the provision, the issues of 'Troika' countries are given special importance in the G20 conference.
On one hand, the chairmanship of G20 is an opportunity for India to increase its credibility in front of the world and on the other hand it is also a challenge to try restoring peace in Ukraine amid the Russia-Ukraine war and to get rid of the global economic crisis. India had already made its stand clear on September 2022 when Prime Minister Modi said in his meeting with Russian President Putin that “today is not the era of war”. This was also reiterated in the 'Bali Declaration' at the end of the G20 summit held in Indonesia in November 2022, which was unanimously accepted by all the member countries. It was diplomatic skill of India that despite mutual differences in many countries, no political conflict was seen in this conference, which was most feared in the past. For this, Prime Minister Modi had held talks with all the heads of states one by one. Placing India's side in his address, Prime Minister said that "the responsibility of building a new world order after COVID is upon us. The need of the hour is that we come together with a firm resolve to maintain peace and security and show determination towards it.”
India's vision for the world has always been that of 'Vasudaiv Kutumbakam'. It has been a culture on the soil of India that considers everyone equal and wants the welfare of everyone. Glimpses of this are also being seen in G20. Just as in the past India gave the mantra of renewable energy revolution to the world with One Sun, One World, One Grid and called for strengthening the global health infrastructure with One Earth, One Health, similarly the G20 mantra under its chairmanship 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' means 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'. This was also heard in the Prime Minister's statement in Bali last year where on India getting the presidency of the G20, he said that "I believe that if the leaders of the G-20 meet on the soil of Buddha and Gandhi, then we will bring peace to the world." Will send a strong message."
During its presidency of the G20 for one year, India will hold more than 190 meetings at 55 different places across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir. Its main meeting will be held in New Delhi on the 9th and 10th of September. For this whole year, the hope of the world will also rest on India as its increasing global political stature, it is to see how much India is also successful in making consensus on various issues, it will be worth watching. By the way, during this period, along with the heads of state, social and business organizations of the member countries, industrialists, scientists and important international organizations like the United Nations will also be a part of many meetings. There is no doubt that India will provide new thinking and momentum to the world's largest group through political, economic, social and intellectual leadership. Along with this, it will also showcase to the world the vastness of India's amazing diversity, distinctive tradition and rich cultural heritage.
(The writer is a Research Scholar of Political Science, PPU, Patna)
