During the 1980s, when India organised a succession of events like the Non-Aligned Summit, the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Summit during Indira Gandhi’s time, and the Festivals of India in major foreign cities during Rajiv Gandh’s term, the western commentariat sniggered at our expertise in organising tamashas, a term used pejoratively to describe a spectacle meant to divert attention. Some critics are now uncharitably wondering whether India’s G20 presidency will end up being a year-long tamasha as well? "G20, a grouping of 19 major economies & the European Union, was set up in 1999,” observed Jairam Ramesh, the Congress party’s communications head, on Twitter. “Since 2008, an annual summit is held in each member country in turn. It's certainly to be welcomed like similar summits held earlier... the Non-Aligned Summit of over 100 countries took place in New Delhi in 1983, followed by the Commonwealth Summit." Then came the sting in the tail: "The 2023 Summit will, of course, be milked by the world's greatest event manager for the Lok Sabha elections a year later to distract from real issues of the people." The Congress spin-master may have got it right to an extent: already, hoardings of a smiling Modi with the G20 theme ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ have come up all over the national capital. Of course, Modi has been quick to call a meeting of leaders from all parties, seeking their co-operation to make the G20 presidency a big success. "India’s G20 presidency belongs to the entire nation and it is a unique opportunity to showcase India’s strengths to the entire world. There is a global curiosity and attraction towards India. It brings great opportunities for tourism and the local economy," he said at the meeting. Leaders of Opposition parties urged him to use the opportunity for the country’s benefit. SCO too Apart from the G20 presidency, India is also the chairman of Shanghai Co-operation Organization (SCO). India’s motive for joining the SCO was reconnecting with Eurasian nations through this multi-alignment regional organisation. It also provides an important platform for India to maintain dialogue and discussion with Central Asian leaders. The grouping is acquiring new clout. Iran is expected to become a member of SCO soon and so will Saudia Arabia, with an observer status. Diplomatic observers feel New Delhi should optimise its Central Asia strategy during India’s SCO presidency to counter China’s influence in the SCO and the Central Asian region. India can also make significant contributions to the hard power capacity development of Central Asian nations: joint defence manufacturing is one area, as are combined military exercises and training. On the face of it, the G20 presidency and the SCO chairmanship present India with an opportunity to shape the global narrative. It could be India’s moment under the sun, if handled well. However, the fact remains that G20 Summit is held annually under a rotating presidency, which currently rests with India for 2023. The group does not have a permanent secretariat, and the presidency is supported by the previous, current and future holders of the post, together called the troika. Along with India, 2023’s troika includes Indonesia and Brazil. Plateful of challenges In his remarks at the closing ceremony of the summit in Bali, Modi said that India's G-20 presidency will be inclusive, ambitious, decisive and action-oriented, noting that the country is taking the charge at a time, when the world is grappling with geopolitical tensions, economic slowdown and rising food and energy prices. To achieve the stated goals, India will organise more than 200 meetings over the year across 50 cities, involving officials and the civil society, culminating in a marquee meeting in New Delhi in September. As many as 30 heads of state and government from the G20 nations are expected to participate in the summit.
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Modi: India’s G-20 presidency will be inclusive, ambitious, decisive and action-oriented
