India received G20 presidency with pride at the summit

Indonesia hosted annual event the 2022 G20 summit on 15-16^th November which was attended by global leaders of different nations. Scheduled to take place in Nusa Dua, Bali, meeting was meant to discuss Russia-Ukraine war consequences and challenges originated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Countries like Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Russia, US, Republic of Korea participated in it along with India. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the summit in three sessions – health, food and energy security, digital transformation. Other than that, there is a complete chance of conversations around agriculture, global economy, and issues relating to energy, health, environment and digital transformation.

The summit is said to be special for India because the country will hold the presidency of the group from 1^st December for next 1 year. It will be assigned at the ongoing event. According to the information, Kwatra said, ‘India as the next chair would endeavor to provide a greater voice to issues of interest to the global South and steer the G20 agenda in a representative and balanced manner. On the sidelines of the Bali summit, Prime Minister Modi would have several bilateral interactions with the G20 leaders to brief them of course on India’s evolving G20 priorities as also to review key elements of bilateral engagement with these world leaders’. 

Deepak Mehra is an expert in diplomacy and shared India’s future goals and significance of G20 presidency given to the country this year. While commenting on the big achievement under Modi’s administration, he said, ‘During my tenure of work, this is a huge moment for our nation and especially for our current administration. G20 summit is a group of nations that have pledged to work together in tackling global challenges and getting the responsibility to lead that group is a proud instance for the country like India that is developing with all of its potential resources.’ Along with India taking the leadership, what all subjects country will focus on and will promote during this one year period is a center of attention. According to Mehra, Prime Minister Modi very much cleared his concern in the summit. He said, ‘While mentioning the four key subjects that Indian Prime Minister wants every global leader to prioritize and to work collectively for, that are – problems originated after pandemic, climate change, economic crisis and digitalization, country will also throughout the period of its presidency will work effectively to attain the discussed objectives.’  

Indian Prime Minister was seen sharing cordial relationship with his all contemporaries, Joe Biden, Rishi Sunak, Emmanuel Macron and XI Jinping. It was the first time since Galwan valley clash when Prime Minister and President of both the countries shook hands and exchanged greetings at G20 dinner. Mehra believes it is a formal gesture and has nothing to do with change of heart. ‘As a part of G20 summit, both the leaders are bound to act formally. However, this does not portray that India has changed its stand in border dispute with China. India still stands firm against any kind of invasion in its geography’, described Mehra.

Russia-Ukraine war is another talked about matter at global meetings. Where countries like US and Germany are condemning Russia behind the destruction and has conveyed consequences for taking the side, India from the very beginning suggesting to choose diplomacy over violence and resolve it through a peaceful manner. ‘I have repeatedly said that we have to find a way to return to the path of ceasefire and diplomacy in Ukraine. Over the past century, World War II wreaked havoc in the world. After that, the leaders of that time made a serious effort to take the path of peace. Now it’s our turn’, said PM Modi while addressing session on food and energy security at G20.

Prime Minister Modi also mentioned Indian community living in Indonesia and the strong bond between both the countries. He addressed about the contribution both the nations have done in preserving each other’s culture and heritage. ‘Bali is a pristine land where great saints like Maharishi Markandey and Maharishi Agastaya thrived’, he said. In addition, he indicated ‘If India has the Himalayas, Indonesia has Mount Agung. If India has Ganga, Indonesia has Tirta Gangga. We are united through cultures and traditions’. Indian and Indonesia has built a secured relation with each other in in past years. According to the information, both the nations are working closely to maintain a supportive graph. Mehra told EAT news that Indonesia and India will become strong alliance in future. ‘They are working together in naval space. It includes joint exercises, visits to ports. Indonesia is expanding its maritime security in Indian Ocean and India is supporting with its present resources. There is a possibility of investment from Indonesia’s side to India in pushing digitalization forward. So definitely both countries are standing for each other’, he said.