The Hindu Editorial
Article: The ‘Mantras’ That Powered Success At The G-20 Summit
Contrary to the reports, it appears that the death of multilateralism has been greatly exaggerated. This assertion is supported by the outcomes of the G-20 summit in India, particularly evident in the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (NDLD).
The Multilateralism Factor
- The concessions made to achieve consensus at the G-20 were driven by a strong commitment to supporting multilateralism. This clear desire to foster cooperation and collaboration on a global scale paved the way for effective decision-making and meaningful progress.
- The western block, consisting of the G-7 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the US), the European Union (EU), and U.S. allies Australia and South Korea, made significant concessions. These concessions included the agreement to remove direct mention of Russia in the operative paragraph on the War in Ukraine.
- If a joint declaration had not been made, not only would India’s leadership have faced questions, but doubts would also have been raised about the sustainability of the G-20 itself.
- The G-20 is a unique international coalition that brings together the Western Bloc, the Russia-China alliance, and the non-aligned group consisting of India, Brazil, Argentina, Indonesia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Turkey.
- This diverse gathering of nations represents a powerful convergence of global influence and strategic partnerships.
- If India had not managed to reach a consensus at the G-20, there was a concern that the G-20 could potentially split into the Western Bloc of G-7 and the BRICS Block.
Support For A Multipolar World
- Geographically, the term “Third Pole” refers to the Hindu-Kush Himalayan Region, also known as Upper South Asia, which houses the largest volume of ice and snow outside of the North and South Poles. However, from a development economics perspective, the Global South is increasingly recognised as the new “Third Pole,” prompting global powers to acknowledge its significance.
- Although the Global South, comprising of over 125 countries, may not possess the same level of wealth as the ‘North’, it is progressively emerging as a formidable voice. This voice reshapes the global agenda, redirecting focus towards pressing matters like development, climate change, health, and the digital divide.
- India’s prominent role in championing the Global South, particularly its membership in the 55-nation African Union (AU), contributed significantly to the success of the G-20 summit held in India.
Related Readings
- Should India Pursue The Idea Of Leading The Global South?
- Reassessing South-South Cooperation: India’s Global Aspirations And the Changing Geopolitical Landscape
The Indian Express Editorial
Article: The Future Is Eurasia
- IMEC is a vision for a united Eurasian supercontinent.
- The corridor’s purpose extends beyond trade, energy, and digital resilience.
- It aims to connect the Mediterranean, West Asia, and the Indo-Pacific.
- The corridor recognises the rise of non-western powers.
- The US and the European Union implicitly acknowledge the eastward shift of the world’s economic and geopolitical center through IMEC.
- The IMEC highlights the need for India, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to play bigger roles in world leadership. These nations are shaping Eurasia’s economic and geopolitical future.
- These three nations represent the emerging world order, whereas Europe symbolizes the old world order that emerged after World War II.
- It might be tempting for the West to view the IMEC as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. However, for India, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, the IMEC represents the emergence of a Western Asian system.
Also Read | The Transformative Power Of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor
- Beyond just energy and remittances, these countries are increasingly integrating in various areas.
- The IMC’s launch is a big step in the power shift towards the East. Success, however, hinges on several key aspects:
- Understanding why each country wants to be part of the project.
- Moving beyond a simple Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
- Sorting out any logistical or operational issues.
- Focusing initially on electricity, digital connectivity, and clean hydrogen.