Geopolitics Leadership Media Policy Security Technology

Out to Conquer!

Playing right, pursuing human centre policy framework with strategic independence will help Bharat regain its exalted status post G-20! K.A.Badarinath When Walter Russell Mead pointed to emergence of India as a world power after last week’s tremendously successful G-20 summit held under her Presidency, there were enough sneers and jeers from within the country. The learned professor for foreign affairs and humanities at Bard College in New York may have been amused at the way Indian opposition parties’ criticism of G-20 summit in New Delhi that whipped up ‘hundred per cent consensus” declaration. Mead, also a fellow in Strategy and Statesmanship at Hudson Institute was not out of place when he identified emergence of India as a world power as part of three tectonic shifts in global order. The celebrated Wall Street Journal columnist beautifully summed up the post-summit world order as, “India rising, China and Russia seething, Europe shrinking and America dithering…” This is not a solitary view that was available before, during or after the summit. African Union President Azali Assoumani went one step further to state that India has overtaken China as a super power that arrived on the global stage a few years back. Let’s consider Jim O Neill, celebrated economist known for having coined acronym BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) group of developing countries descrition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi being the ‘ clear winner’. Mead, Assoumani and O Neill may have differing views like several others on top global forums that would be relevant or those getting into diminution in medium to long term. Most were however were unanimous on India and Prime Minister Modi making the best out of G-20. And, they do not mince words on what holds out for India. G-7’s waning influence is something that’s written on the wall and one would only be blind not to see it given Europe’s decline and Canada being in irretrievable mess of sorts. BRIC, on the other hand, as visualized by Jim O Neill was different from what the grouping has emerged to be today. South Africa joining the group of large developing countries in 1999 was the first step towards its expanding arc of influence. Its first expansion however happened only last month when six countries were inducted as full members of BRICS turning it into leading to BRICS Plus. On the parallel, G-20 would have been dead and irrelevant in case there was nothing substantive to take home in the ‘New Delhi’ declaration running into 83-paras on a clutch of global issues. G-20 Plus emergence with joining of African Union has rendered this group ‘prima dona’ position in global sweepstakes on economic and development order. With Ukraine war becoming a sticking point in the negotiations, G-20 formally launched itself into realm of geo-political and security issues. This in turn led to expansion of its mandate albeit indirectly. Aging outfits like United Nations and its umbrella of organizations have lost sheen to these emerging stars like the BRICS Plus or G-20 Plus. Given the intransigence to reform, Britten Wood institutions like World Bank and IMF may have to make way for new kids on the block in the development finance space. Fresher organizations like Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), BRICS New Development Bank or proposed outfits for Green Energy financing may take the decades old multi-lateral funding institutions. Democratization of these organizations and reorienting them to finance developing and least developed countries is something Prime Minister Modi has been harping upon. With Western Europe especially Germany, France and Italy losing pole position, it’s no brainer to say that Bharat has taken centre stage in global engagement. Strategic independence in its foreign policy is something that has stood out big especially during last ten years. And, this open and flexible policy framework will work well at least another ten years. Not going the Russian or Western way on Ukraine war is an example to emulate going forward. Getting into one coterie or other is the easiest option that has been set aside by Prime Minister Modi and his point man Subramaniam Jaishankar and national security advisor Ajit Doval. One factor to watch out for is China, its expansionist drive financed by oligarchs close to the country’s communist party and President Xi Jingping’s insatiable urge for complete control within and outside. Over to Bharat! (author is Director & Chief Executive, Centre for Integrated & Holistic Studies, a non-partisan think tank based in New Delhi)

Business Economy Geopolitics Leadership Media Policy

611

Bharat pulls it off!

As G-20 President, Bharat achieved the impossible with New Delhi declaration, exclusive economic corridor to rival China, bio-fuel alliance & African Union induction to push for Global South. K.A.Badarinath Off late, the moniker ‘Global South’ resonated in these parts of the world with Bharat pushing for thrust on developing and least developed countries hitherto grouped as G-77. Security analysts in particular were not very gung-ho on having this group as the biggest focus of Indian G-20 Presidency given that the block had China with extreme and expansionist plans. But, if G-20 New Delhi declaration adopted by global leaders on Friday ahead of schedule is any indication, Bharat’s Presidium ambitions, strategy and thrust seems to have worked around ‘very fine balance’. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and tenacity carried the day contrary to western analysts’ summation that New Delhi leaders’ summit was a ‘wash out’ and there would be no ‘declaration’. They pointed to deep divide between Western leaders and China – Russia standing their ground on Ukraine war. Bharat and Modi seems to have achieved virtually the impossible with hundred per cent consensus on 83 paragraphs longish declaration that was approved by Presidents and Prime Ministers. And, Modi hit the gavel signalling a fruitful deal of ‘healing, harmony and hope’. This proved many Western analysts wrong as they seem to have under-estimated Bharat’s leadership, Modi’s affable nature and posturing at G-20 that accounts for 85 per cent economic output and 75 per cent world trade. Several commentators had seen the latest declaration as a ‘climb down’ for the Western powers giving Russia the leeway or letting it off easily on Ukraine. That may not be the case. The US and Europe may have taken a tactical one step backwards while consenting the declaration including key lines on ‘war in Ukraine’. In fact, New Delhi declaration is an extension of what was clinched at Bali in November last year. Finding ground to clinch a ‘declaration’, keep the G-20 relevant and kicking, could be one interpretation. Not having a declaration was perhaps not an option or in the best interest of the global economies that are dangerously struggling to keep afloat in aftermath of Covid 19. Thirdly, the declaration demonstrates Bharat’s heft to move world powers. Fourthly, personal bonding Prime Minister Modi established with world leaders seems to have worked wonders in taking forward an ambitious economic and development agenda that’s inclusive and ambitious. Fourthly, western powers seem to have not lost the message after last minute pull out of Chinese President Xi Jingping from New Delhi summit. In fact, this led to acerbic comments from US President Joe Biden that Beijing had the option of being a ‘spoilsport’. Fifthly, world community especially the Western Europe and US could not have ignored finalizing a roadmap to pressing issues like poverty alleviation, transition to green energy, restructuring debt of several poor countries that have become bankrupt and digital public infrastructure and crypto currencies etc. Sixthly, Bharat stood like a solid rock in balancing countries, groups and blocks aspirations especially the G-7 and BRICS, Russia and China that led to virtual pulling apart of G-20 summit. Seventhly, let’s not forget that China got taste of its own medicine with announcement of Bharat, Middle East, Europe rail and roads spread economic corridor that includes United States. India, US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, France, Germany and Italy heads standing together to announce this huge infrastructure driven economic project is neither insignificant nor symbolic. It rivals the now jinxed Belt and Road initiative of China that pushed several developing countries into bankruptcy under unsustainable debt burden. The project envisages establishing rail, road and under-sea data connectivity lines from Mumbai to Western Europe running through shipping lines to Europe. This direct challenge to China comes at a time Belt and Road Initiative tenth anniversary is being celebrated by Beijing. Interestingly enough, the stakeholders in Bharat, Middle East and EU economic corridor will come up with roadmap for the project in 60-days along with funding plans. Apart from China angle, Bharat may not have to depend on yet another uneasy neighbour, Pakistan to establish over land and under-sea linkages with Europe. In the melee of Ukraine war centric conversation, induction of 55-member African Union into G-20 may have gone off very lightly. But, its significance is too huge to ignore. Bharat playing a key role in bringing African Union on board the coveted club is something to write home about. This is the first time that G-20 got into expansion mode after its formation in 1999. Most importantly, African Union will be a full permanent member of G-20 and equals the status enjoyed exclusively by 27-members European Union block till now. African Union’s induction into G-20 also explains India voicing the ‘Global South’ moniker in recent times. Yet another interesting outcome is setting up of bio-fuels alliance on the lines of International Solar Alliance which provides sharper focus to energy consumption transition especially in transport services and households globally. The 19-countries group is expected to push for shift in environment friendly alternative and environment friendly fuels in an effort to decarbonize economic expansion happening globally. G-20 Presidency, tactical positioning, hard play in diplomacy, soft showcasing of Bharat’s cultural, civilizational and philosophical connect with humanity apart from hard gains made from the leaders’ summit will ring in for long. (Author is Director & Chief Executive, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, a New Delhi based non-partisan think tank)

Geopolitics Leadership

607

Naya Kashmir shines bright on global stage

Tourism, infrastructure development, rich cultural heritage, progress, inclusive growth, transformation & positive change defines ‘nature’s bowl’ Rahul Pawa The third G20 tourism working group meeting is currently underway in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), capturing global attention as it showcases India’s rich cultural identity and vast tourism potential. This three-day event focuses on promoting sustainable and eco-friendly tourism, with the aim of driving economic growth, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering sustainable development in the region. Amidst the captivating sights of unprecedented development and delightful interaction between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and G20 delegates, certain entities and individuals persist in propagating an unfounded belief that J&K is engulfed in perpetual suffering. However, the reality on the ground reveals a different story. J&K is currently hosting its first grand international event since 2019 after it was designated a Union Territory (UT) following amendment to Article 370 of the Indian constitution. This amendment empowered residents of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Ladakh, with the same rights enshrined in the Constitution of India and the benefits of central laws enjoyed by citizens across the country. Hosting of this historic international event by Jammu and Kashmir stands as testimony to region’s progress and newfound stability. It showcases the region’s intrinsic, inclusive, and vibrant nature, highlighting its rich cultural heritage, tourism potential, and commitment to sustainable development. As international delegates participate in this event, they witness firsthand the positive impact of the constitutional amendment, dispelling lingering misconceptions and emphasizing the region’s journey towards a more prosperous and harmonious future. Furthermore, this event goes beyond mere tourism promotion. It also places emphasis on creating employment opportunities, developing infrastructure, fostering interdepartmental coordination, and ensuring government’s accountability to the people of Kashmir. Through targeted initiatives and collaborations, the event aims to spur growth, thereby contributing to overall socio-economic progress of the region. The event places strong emphasis on infrastructure development, recognising its significance in facilitating seamless travel experiences, enhancing connectivity, and providing essential amenities for both tourists and residents. The focus is on building robust and sustainable infrastructure that supports the growth of the tourism industry while also benefiting the local communities. Additionally, the event seeks to foster interdepartmental coordination, recognising that effective collaboration among various government departments is essential for the successful implementation of policies and initiatives. By promoting synergy and communication between different entities, the event aims to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and ensure the optimal utilisation of resources for the development of the tourism sector and related industries. Furthermore, the event underscores the importance of government accountability to the people of Kashmir. It aims to create a transparent and responsive governance framework, where the needs and aspirations of the local population are prioritised. Through open dialogue and consultations, the event seeks to ensure that the government remains accountable to its citizens, fostering trust and strengthening the bond between the authorities and the people they serve. Most importantly, this event goes above and beyond conventional tourism promotion by encompassing a multifaceted approach that reflects a holistic vision for the sustainable and inclusive development of Jammu and Kashmir. It aims to ensure that its people and communities thrive in a conducive environment, where their well-being and aspirations are at the forefront of the region’s growth and progress. Regrettably, there are individuals who persist in their unwillingness to acknowledge the positive transformations taking place in Jammu and Kashmir. However, their efforts are likely to falter when confronted with the prevailing reality on the ground. The G20 event in Kashmir, aptly named ‘Naya Kashmir’ (New Kashmir), stands as a powerful symbol that uplifts the spirits of the local population and sheds light on the remarkable progress achieved in the region. It serves as a testament to the unwavering resilience and determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who have embraced progress and growth as a means to overcome the challenges posed by terrorism and pave the way for a more prosperous and harmonious future. The success of the G20 event in Kashmir extends beyond its ability to showcase the true essence of Jammu and Kashmir; it also lies in its capacity to dispel the unfounded beliefs and narratives perpetuated by a few. This event uplifts the spirits of the local population, instilling within them a profound sense of pride and optimism. Despite the persistence of challenges and the dissemination of misinformation by certain individuals, the G20 event in Kashmir stands as a shining example of the transformative power inherent in positive change. Ultimately, the G20 event in Kashmir serves not only as a celebration of India’s rich cultural identity and the immense tourism potential of the region, but also as a platform to showcase the indomitable spirit, resilience, and unwavering determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It sends a resounding message that J&K is not a region condemned to perpetual suffering, but rather a land brimming with opportunities and possibilities waiting to be realised. (author is an international criminal lawyer and director of research at New Delhi based think tank Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies)

Economy Geopolitics Leadership World

584

Nature’s bowl rolls out red carpet

The G-20 meet may herald a new era for Jammu and Kashmir and bolster its engagement with the international community. Manoj Sinha Third G-20 tourism working group meeting being held in Srinagar over next two days will be a defining moment for Jammu and Kashmir. The multilateral G-20 meet will provide an occasion to host and engage with the international community and offer a window to the world to see this nature’s bowl and a land of opportunities through visiting G20 delegates’ experiences when they return to their respective countries. The mist around Jammu & Kashmir formed due to unrelenting peddling of misinformation will also settle down eventually. The G-20 meet will lend fresh energy and enthusiasm to work towards a new Jammu & Kashmir that is ancient in its wisdom, modern in growth, and rich in its diversities. Transcending history of Jammu & Kashmir demonstrates the unimaginable outcomes that visionary and committed leadership in conjunction with mass effort can deliver. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to select the Union Territory as venue for the crucial global meet ignoring opposition from some international quarters reflects a confidence change. Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, as far as I remember never hosted any multilateral meet of this sort in recent past. India, under leadership of Prime Minister Modi, has shown it’s willing to take a tough stand against interference by any foreign nation or nations in its domestic affairs. We want peace but not at the cost of our unity and integrity. I would not like to drag here futile attempts to manufacture a diplomatic row by a few. Still, the move to disrupt G-20 meeting does not surprise us. Acceptance of Srinagar as venue for meeting by G-20 countries – representing twenty of the biggest economies which together carry 75 per cent global trade, hold 80 per cent global GDP and represent 60 per cent of global population is a setback to adversaries. Jammu & Kashmir people are looking for development and their share in socio-economic transformation in the slowly enveloping Union Territory. Change in Jammu & Kashmir is irreversible. This is not only because we in the administration are committed to confronting untouched challenges and don’t shy away from out-of-the-box solutions for people’s welfare but also because the people have smelt aroma of functional democracy. They dread the mere thought of the past striking back. And that’s defining and motivating for us. Terrorists from across the border have lost local support. Strengthening of grassroots democracy through successful panchayat and urban local bodies elections and responsive delivery mechanism have nurtured hope for a sustained relationship between the people and the administration, which I think, is the harbinger of a new social order. Jammu & Kashmir now wears the crown of Incredible India. Tourism drives the economy that aggregates associated industries such as hospitality and brings jobs. It trickles into people’s earnings and improves their standards of living. Declaration of tourism in Jammu & Kashmir as an industry along with accompanying factors is attracting massive investment. After a long pause of almost four decades, we have revived relationship with Bollywood and launched a film policy in 2021 to attract more investment and to make union territory the most popular film shooting destination. Last year alone, more than 300 movies were filmed in the region which is a sign of peace and prosperity. Tourism contributed seven per cent to the region’s Gross Domestic Product last fiscal. About 18.8 million tourists visited Jammu & Kashmir last year and much of it is due to improved law and order situation and people-friendly policies. We partner with, rather than dictate to, people in tourism sector through our policy initiatives such as homestays and 300 new destinations to ensure that visitors go beyond age-old venues to explore the unexplored Elysian beauty that Jammu & Kashmir offers. In the process, more local communities get enriched and empowered. Prime Minister has reshaped the policy that enables all sections of society to actively participate in Jammu & Kashmir’s growth and gains are more equitably distributed to bring qualitative change in the life of people. The youth no longer finds destructive rhetoric attractive. Young men and women with big dreams are now more ambitious, more aware and working hard to realise their aspirations. Transparent and accountable governance has brought transformational change in the speed and scale of project execution. Our speed to complete the project has gone up by ten times. In 2018, 9229 projects were completed whereas 92,560 projects were completed in financial year 2022-23. In last four years, we have registered 770,000 new entrepreneurs through self-employment schemes which mean that around 527 young people started their entrepreneurial journey per day. These figures are impressive but they do not fully capture the quiet transformation that is taking place at the level of women-led enterprises in the villages. More than 600,000 women entrepreneurs, through self-help groups are reaching global scale in quality and output. Recruitment in government jobs is happening only on merit and through transparent ways to get rid of the culture of backdoor appointments that were the norm during previous regimes. Since 2019, more than 28,467 appointments have been made. Further, out of 12,000 vacancies identified in 2023, 6,000 are under process for referral. In a very short span of time, we are advancing towards building a digital society. We are offering more than 450 public services online. G-20 is a tribute to the people’s willingness to come out of the trap of violence engineered by an immediate neighbour. The G-20 meeting is also a symbol of resurgent India. (Author is Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. Views expressed are personal. This write up was first published in Hindustan Times)

Technology World

563

Crude critical, data for development

G-20 can develop a global framework to deal with data to ensure inclusiveness, spread prosperity and contain rouge states K.A.Badarinath Data is the new oil for humanity in near future. There’s no escaping from this reality. As a consequence, data security, management and governance are the new focus areas for both governments and private enterprises globally apart from actual consumers. Data supremacy will determine the global leadership in short to medium term. Of late, this reality may have been camouflaged with huge talk on oil, natural gas assets, their ownership, pricing and access to these hydrocarbon energy products. On-going Ukraine – Russia conflict has brought hydrocarbons to centre stage. And, energy markets have gone through a churn and continue to give sleepless nights to governments, suppliers and consumers in Europe given the price embargo slapped by 27-nations EU and the powerful G-7. For countries like India that continue to be on high economic growth trajectory and spurt in energy needs, oil has become a key factor. China being in the dumps owing to recent surge in Covid 19 cases and not being able to track asymptomatic cases has not altered the conversation beyond energy. With a million barrels oil being imported each day and spending $ 100 billion annually, India has unsaturated demand for hydrocarbons to fuel its economy on course to catapult to $ 5 trillion in few years. But, this transient surge in demand for hydrocarbons should not take the emphasis away from data that’s key to economic expansion and holistic development in India. Data market in India is valued as a multi-billion industry and growing at a fast pace. This market is expected to grow manifold. For example, data centres alone that store and manage data in India have been projected to grow 15 per cent annually to US $ 10.9 billion in five years i.e. by 2027. Data analytics is big business in India expanding over 26.5 per cent annually and touched $ 40.22 billion this fiscal. Amidst deep dive digitization in several sectors including security establishments, huge investments are being made on data generation, storage, data engineering, big data, hyper-personalisation etc. Arguably, advances in internet of things, machine learning, big data analytics is driving the digital transformation process in firms, companies and services providers apart from governments as well as public offices. Data continues to be the centre piece of global negotiations and India is no exception to this irreversible phenomenon of data-centric world. Explosive amount of data worth 1.2 trillion to 59 trillion giga bites generated over last ten years makes data management a huge challenge given the implications for India’s defensive and offensive interests on socio-economic and strategic fronts. For instance, RBI governor Shaktikanta Das in a closed door meeting with select chief executives of financial technology companies pushed hard on data security and management as a big focal area. This is no pep talk as financial and business data along with consumer behaviour analysis determines market leaders for products and services. Unsolicited online Chinese loan frauds, online breaches reflect the data vulnerability India faces especially in financial services sector that’s on a big boom and expansion drive internationally. Over a fortnight long data-breach at All India Institute of Medical Sciences targeting its 100-odd servers seeking Rs 200 crore ransom in crypto currency by Chinese hackers backed by People’s Liberation Army is a case in point. This also highlights data security as a key element in India’s strategic and economic affairs. India’s financial capital Mumbai’s electricity systems and their data centres were targeted leading to massive outages in October 2020. Most intelligence reports pointed to PLA backed Chinese online hackers for this outage. In May this year, Chinese PLA arm reportedly led the Threat Activity Group 38 (TAG – 38) to bring down seven state load despatch centres in northern region this May with virtual squatting on the country’s power data centres is a grim reminder of data politics evolving internationally to settle scores. There are several such instances in last few years where India’s data has been targeted in key areas. On the other hand, data diplomacy plays a significant role in global engagement. India that recently assumed the Presidency of two powerful groups, G-20 and Shanghai Cooperation Organization for 2023 apart from 13-member United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has made “Data for Development” in this decade a key priority. Healthcare, education, food security and digital financial inclusion will be centre piece of India’s global engagement on data. Once this is achieved based on experiences in countries like India especially during and in the aftermath of Covid 19 pandemic, one can expect to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) much earlier. National Data and Analytics Platform set up by India can be leveraged to evolve a mechanism for data management globally. In this context, World Economic Forum (WEF) estimates of creating $ 100 billion worth economic activity through data generated by drones in just India in sectors like agriculture, smart cities leading to over half a million jobs creation. International regulations should reflect the new reality relating to data. From India’s perspective, notwithstanding breaches, it’s eminently empowered to deal with large data from development areas, financial and corporate world as well as government. The latest version of Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2022 has mooted the idea of a dedicated commission to deal with offenses relating to data that’s regarded ‘sovereign’ and distinctly different from ‘personal’ data. Penalties on individuals, companies and groups that violate data protection for commercial means or otherwise should be slapped based on the crime. Penalties should be directly proportional to the kind of violations detected by the commission. Secondly, defining ‘sovereign’ data for security purposes is paramount while ‘personal’ data privacy should be honoured. In this context, data fiduciary or purpose for which data is access should be determined. Anglo-Saxon laws on data protection may not work in the Indian context and this principle has been recognized in the new version of the bill. Housing data

Guest Column

954

Panch tatva philosophy to guide India’s G-20 Presidency

Push for partnerships, hope, harmony and healing. Decisive leadership voices policy against war, conflicts and confrontation Narendra Modi Today, India commences its G20 Presidency. The previous 17 Presidencies of the G20 delivered significant results — for ensuring macro-economic stability, rationalising international taxation, relieving debt-burden on countries, among many other outcomes. We will benefit from these achievements, and build further upon them. However, as India assumes this important mantle, I ask myself — can the G20 go further still? Can we catalyse a fundamental mindset shift, to benefit humanity as a whole? I believe we can. Our mind sets are shaped by our circumstances. Through all of history, humanity lived in scarcity. We fought for limited resources, because our survival depended on denying them to others. Confrontation and competition — between ideas, ideologies and identities — became the norm. Unfortunately, we remain trapped in the same zero-sum mindset even today. We see it when countries fight over territory or resources. We see it when supplies of essential goods are weaponised. We see it when vaccines are hoarded by a few, even as billions remain vulnerable. Some may argue that confrontation and greed are just human nature. I disagree. If humans were inherently selfish, what would explain the lasting appeal of so many spiritual traditions that advocate the fundamental one-ness of us all? One such tradition, popular in India, sees all living beings, and even inanimate things, as composed of the same five basic elements — the panch tatva of earth, water, fire, air and space. Harmony among these elements — within us and between us — is essential for our physical, social and environmental well-being. India’s G20 Presidency will work to promote this universal sense of one-ness. Hence our theme — “One Earth, One Family, One Future”. This is not just a slogan. It takes into account recent changes in human circumstances, which we have collectively failed to appreciate. Today, we have the means to produce enough to meet the basic needs of all people in the world. Today, we do not need to fight for our survival — our era need not be one of war. Indeed, it must not be one! Today, the greatest challenges we face — climate change, terrorism, and pandemics — can be solved not by fighting each other, but only by acting together. Fortunately, today’s technology also gives us the means to address problems on a humanity-wide scale. The massive virtual worlds that we inhabit today demonstrate the scalability of digital technologies. Housing one-sixth of humanity, and with its immense diversity of languages, religions, customs and beliefs, India is a microcosm of the world. With the oldest-known traditions of collective decision-making, India contributes to the foundational DNA of democracy. As the mother of democracy, India’s national consensus is forged not by diktat, but by blending millions of free voices into one harmonious melody. Today, India is the fastest growing large economy. Our citizen-centric governance model takes care of even our most marginalised citizens, while nurturing the creative genius of our talented youth. We have tried to make national development not an exercise in top-down governance, but rather a citizen-led “people’s movement”. We have leveraged technology to create digital public goods that are open, inclusive and interoperable. These have delivered revolutionary progress in fields as varied as social protection, financial inclusion, and electronic payments. For all these reasons, India’s experiences can provide insights for possible global solutions. During our G20 Presidency, we shall present India’s experiences, learnings and models as possible templates for others, particularly the developing world. Our G20 priorities will be shaped in consultation with not just our G20 partners, but also our fellow-travellers in the Global South, whose voice often goes unheard. Our priorities will focus on healing our “One Earth”, creating harmony within our “One Family” and giving hope for our “One Future”. For healing our planet, we will encourage sustainable and environment-friendly lifestyles, based on India’s tradition of trusteeship towards nature. For promoting harmony within the human family, we will seek to depoliticise the global supply of food, fertilisers and medical products, so that geopolitical tensions do not lead to humanitarian crises. As in our own families, those whose needs are the greatest must always be our first concern. For imbuing hope in our future generations, we will encourage an honest conversation among the most powerful countries — on mitigating risks posed by weapons of mass destruction and enhancing global security. India’s G20 agenda will be inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented, and decisive. Let us join together to make India’s G20 Presidency a presidency of healing, harmony and hope. Let us work together to shape a new paradigm — of human-centric globalisation. (author is India’s Prime Minister and the write up coincides with India taking over presidency of G-20)

Leadership Media Policy

564

India to assume G-20 Presidency on Thursday

On Thursday, India will take formal charge of G-20 as President from Indonesia amidst several challenges faced internationally especially terrorism, radicalization and recession staring in the face across Europe, Covid 19 virus and challenge to President Xi Jingping’s leadership in China apart from unending war in Ukraine. India brings to table a lot of value to G-20 – the most influential global forum of developed and developing countries representing roughly 4.6 billion people – as President till November 30, 2023. Showcasing unity with diversity, India’s culture, products from each of the districts with over 200 events, stakeholders meetings across the country including Jammu & Kashmir as well as Arunachal Pradesh may be attempted by India gearing up to lead the world. If initial reports are to be believed, stakeholders, Presidents & Prime Ministers apart from negotiating groups and officials from these countries will be hosted in 50 cities in India. About 100 Indian monuments will be illuminated with G-20 logo that pushes for ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam’, world as one big family. Students and youth from colleges and universities in different states will get to be part of this largest international outreach during next one year. G-20 group accounts for 20 major economies of the world, more than 80 per cent of global GDP, 75 per cent international trade and 60 per cent of the population. The forum has met every year since 1999. Its leaders meet for an annual G20 Leaders’ Summit since 2008.

Leadership Media Policy World

633

PM Modi at G20 in Bali, Indonesia

Prachi Mishra / New Delhi Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in his speech at the first working session on Food and Energy Security of the G20 Summit in Bali, called for all the world leaders to strive for peace, security, and harmony. Deriving from the lessons learnt during the wars of yesteryears, he urged for a path to ceasefire and diplomacy in conflict-ridden Ukraine. Basing on the ethos of vasudhaiva kutumbakam, he stated that the time is ripe for all nations to collectively resolve the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This statement holds much gravitas as India enters its year-long G20 presidency on December 1st. He said that the G20’s presidency in the land of Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi will send a strong message of peace to the entire world. In a world which is gripped with many issues, India is bound to play a key role in shaping the course of global development in the coming year. He asserted that in the post-pandemic world, where climate change, COVID-19, and the Ukraine conflict have wreaked havoc on global supply chains and disrupted systems as were known earlier, the onus of setting the new world order now lay entirely on multilateral groupings like the G20. He stressed that the relevance of G20 has increased insurmountably in the present times, especially when age-old institutions like the UN have been unsuccessful in resolving pressing global challenges. On the issue of food security, he stated that during the pandemic, India ensured that each and every of its citizens had access to and availability of food grains. In fact, India also lent a helping hand to many other countries by not only providing them with medical aid, vaccines, and equipment but by also providing them with food grains. He also brought to focus the issue of fertiliser shortage. Since fertilisers are directly linked to food grain production, their global shortage should ring a bell for the world leaders to address this paucity. Moving forward, he recommended a mutually agreed instrument that can be developed to facilitate supply of both fertilisers and food grains. He also laid stress on promoting organic farming and that many Indian states have revolutionised and re-popularised natural farming and have been promoting traditional food grains like millets to ensure sustainability. In fact, the revival of these grains has been given a strong thrust by the Indian government in the last few years to eradicate malnutrition, ensure food security, improve the livelihood of marginalised farmers, and make farming more climate friendly. Moving on to the next major point of consideration, he stressed that India’s energy security is crucial for growth globally and that vehemently opposed restrictions imposed on the supply of energy. Apropos of this, he stated that stability of the energy market must be ensured. Since there has been a clear opposition from many nation states to purchase Russian oil and gas, this tilt away from the global crude oil leader can create an astronomical imbalance in the oil and gas trade, eventually leading to energy instability. Imposing restrictions of such nature can have catastrophic consequences on global supply chains, manufacturing, and industrial production in many countries. In fact, to balance the supply scale, India increased its imports of Russian crude oil from 0.2 percent (as of March, 2022) to 22 percent (as of October, 2022). He also affirmed India’s commitments to Sustainable Development Goals and asserted that by 2030, half of Indian power needs will be met by renewable energy sources. At a time when the energy crisis has been looming in many parts of the world, India is well placed to boost its renewable energy sector. India is the founding member of the International Solar Alliance and is on the cusp of transitioning towards green energy. He also spoke about more inclusivity in technology transfer and financing so that developing countries are also able to ensure a smooth energy transition. Prime Minister Modi met and greeted other leaders of the G20 and is expected to engage with them on the sidelines of the Summit. These bilateral interactions will not only pave the way for the Indian presidency of the Summit but also bring everyone together on India’s G20 priorities. (Prachi is a research consultant at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies.)

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