Which country’s president did not attend the G20 summit hosted by India?
A. United States
B. China
C. Saudi Arabia
D. Canada
India’s Grand Diplomatic Showcase at the G20 Summit
India recently played host to the 18th meeting of the G20, a gathering of major world economies. While the summit produced an 83-paragraph declaration emphasizing green development and inclusive growth, it was the event’s optics and grandeur that seemed to take center stage. India used this opportunity to enhance its global standing, position itself as a leader of the Global South, and expand its influence in the Muslim world.
The G20 summit is just one part of India’s broader diplomatic agenda. Earlier, the country hosted meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and played an active role in expanding the BRICS grouping. India’s aim is clear: to establish itself as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, a goal it has pursued for decades in partnership with Brazil, Germany, and Japan.
However, India’s diplomatic extravaganza did not come without challenges. In its effort to present a prosperous image, India hurriedly demolished shanty neighborhoods, displacing thousands of its own citizens. Additionally, an attempt to host a preparatory G20 meeting on tourism in Indian-administered Kashmir backfired, as several G20 countries declined to participate due to Kashmir’s disputed status.
One of the most notable aspects of the summit was the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking the first time a Chinese president skipped the event. This reflects the ongoing tensions between India and China and China’s unease with forums that appear dominated by the United States.
Balancing its strategic partnership with the US and cooperation with Russia and China remains a challenge for India. Opposition from key groups like “Uniting for Consensus” and the African group continues to hinder India’s quest for a permanent UNSC seat.
The summit’s theme, “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” seemed tailored to appeal to the developing world. India also sought to position itself as a voice for the Global South by proposing the African Union’s permanent inclusion in the G20. Throughout the summit, India closely collaborated with Brazil, Indonesia, and South Africa, prominent members of the Global South.
One significant development that emerged on the sidelines of the summit was a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to create an India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). This initiative aims to enhance trade connectivity and economic integration by linking railways, ports, electricity, and data networks. While details are still unclear, the IMEC could serve as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and strengthen India’s ties with the Middle East.
However, China remains cautious about the IMEC’s potential to challenge the extensive BRI network, which has already connected 155 countries. Other countries like Turkey have expressed reservations and proposed alternative routes.
India’s attempt to use the G20 summit for self-promotion faced criticism from Canada, which accused India of orchestrating the murder of a Canadian Sikh within Canada. This controversy highlights the need for India’s leadership to recognize the limitations of hubris and prioritize adherence to international norms.
As India continues its diplomatic efforts to secure a permanent UNSC seat and expand its influence, it must navigate complex regional dynamics, address domestic issues, and engage with countries that have diverse interests and concerns.
India’s G20 Summit: Theme and Diplomatic Significance
In recent times, international summits have served as platforms for countries to showcase their diplomatic prowess, assert their influence on global affairs, and convey messages to the international community. The 18th meeting of the G20 hosted by India was no exception. Among the discussions on global issues, economic challenges, and declarations, one key aspect that drew attention was the theme chosen for the summit: “One Planet, One Family, One Future.”
Let’s delve into the theme and the diplomatic implications of India’s G20 summit.
The Theme: “One Planet, One Family, One Future”
The theme “One Planet, One Family, One Future” reflects a vision of unity and collaboration on a global scale. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of nations and their shared responsibility in shaping the future of the planet. While the specific implications of the theme may vary, it generally resonates with concepts of global solidarity, sustainable development, and inclusivity.
The choice of this theme appears to align with India’s broader diplomatic objectives:
- Global Leadership: India aimed to assert itself as a leader, especially among countries of the Global South. By emphasizing a theme that underscores unity and shared destiny, India sought to position itself as a voice representing the interests of developing nations.
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Promoting Inclusivity: India proposed inviting the African Union to become a permanent G20 member, signaling its commitment to inclusivity and representing the African continent’s interests. This aligns with the theme’s focus on a shared global future.
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Economic Corridor Initiative: While not part of the summit’s official agenda, a significant outcome of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). This initiative aims to enhance trade connectivity and economic integration across regions, reflecting the theme’s message of unity and collaboration.
Diplomatic Significance
India’s decision to host the G20 summit with grandeur and extravagance was accompanied by a clear diplomatic agenda. Here are some key diplomatic aspects to consider:
- Global Stature: By hosting major international summits like the G20, India aims to enhance its global stature. With a significant population, a robust economy, and the title of the world’s largest democracy, India seeks to be recognized as a key player on the world stage.
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Balancing Act: India faces the challenge of balancing its strategic partnership with the United States, cooperation with Russia and China, and its quest for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. The absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping from the summit highlights ongoing tensions between India and China, reflecting China’s reluctance to engage in forums dominated by the U.S.
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Economic Corridor Initiative: The IMEC initiative, although not part of the official summit agenda, gained significant attention. It seeks to create a trade corridor connecting India, the Middle East, and Europe. This initiative could potentially offer an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and enable India to strengthen its economic ties with the Middle East.
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Challenges and Controversies: India’s diplomatic endeavors are not without challenges and controversies. Internal issues, such as the treatment of non-Hindu minorities, and external issues, including accusations related to state agents, can impact its international image and relationships.
In conclusion, India’s hosting of the G20 summit with the theme “One Planet, One Family, One Future” was a strategic move to assert its diplomatic influence, strengthen its ties with the Global South, and promote a vision of global unity. While the summit’s outcome included declarations on important global issues, it was the separate IMEC initiative that garnered significant attention, potentially reshaping regional economic dynamics. India’s diplomacy on the global stage continues to evolve, navigating complex challenges and opportunities.
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