India has positioned itself as a global "friend" and "consensus builder" following its successful G-20 presidency, according to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on February 2. He highlighted this achievement as a significant chapter in the country's diplomatic history during an address at the launch of the book titled "India and the Future of G20: Shaping Policies for a Better World" organized by the National University of Singapore's Institute of South Asian Studies.
Mr. Jaishankar specifically mentioned the challenging negotiations leading up to the G-20 Summit in September last year, where India successfully facilitated a leaders' declaration amid divisions over the Ukraine conflict. Describing the experience as "particularly exciting," he emphasized India's role as a vishwamitra – a friend, consensus builder, and bridge builder on the global stage.
India's G-20 presidency, he noted, was a "notable period" marked by achievements such as revitalizing multilateralism and fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to Africa. One of the significant milestones was the inclusion of the 55-nation African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20 in 2023.
The book, "India and the Future of G20," explores various insights and perspectives from scholars, policy practitioners, and G20 sherpas on India's leadership during the presidency. It covers critical themes like the digital economy, resilient supply chains, environmental standards, climate finance, gender empowerment, the future of multilateralism, and the role of the Global South. India's success in steering the G-20 towards addressing these crucial issues underscores its growing influence in shaping global policies for a better world.
(With Agency Inputs)
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