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)

Geopolitics Leadership

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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)

Leadership Media Policy World

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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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Out to Conquer!

Naya Kashmir shines bright on global stage

PM Modi at G20 in Bali, Indonesia