G20 Faces Uncertainty Amid Numerous Challenges, Says K.C. Singh:
The G20 Leaders’ Summit, hosted by India in New Delhi on September 9-10, has been anticipated for the past nine months with both domestic and geopolitical significance. It coincides with India’s preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, although the scheduling is determined by mutual agreement within a rotating group of nations.
The use of multilateral conferences like this for domestic political gain and image enhancement is not unique to the BJP. In the past, leaders like Prime Minister Indira Gandhi leveraged global events to boost their domestic and international profiles.
The G-20 has evolved considerably since its establishment in 2008, expanding its agenda from macroeconomic issues to encompass trade, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change, and anti-corruption. Various thematic groups and engagement groups aim to create a “sustainable, inclusive, and equitable” world.
However, numerous geopolitical challenges complicate the G-20 summit. The absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping underscores some of these difficulties. The Ukraine conflict has divided G-20 members, making consensus on resolutions challenging.
Furthermore, strained relations between India and China, as well as between the United States and China, add complexity to the summit. Xi Jinping’s decision to skip the G-20 could be attributed to domestic economic concerns and political pressure within China.
Additionally, the recent expansion of the BRICS group, driven by China, may signal a shift in China’s priorities away from the G20. This expansion has raised questions about India’s influence within BRICS.
In this uncertain global landscape, the G-20’s ability to reach consensus and take action on significant issues remains uncertain, despite India’s efforts to project its image and achievements on the international stage. Geopolitical factors, domestic political challenges in various countries, and economic uncertainties contribute to the uncertainty surrounding the G-20 summit’s outcome.
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