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Nov 22, 2024
Ramaharitha Pusarla

Rio G20 Summit: PM Modi’s Deft Development Diplomacy in Action

Pulling off a near-impossible task of unanimous consensus with the Delhi declaration, India has certainly set a high benchmark for Brazil. With the theme of “Building a Just World and Sustainable Planet”, Brazil set the course for the 19th edition of the G20 Summit held on November 18-19 in Rio de Janeiro. Comprising 19 countries and two regional bodies- the European Union and the African Union, G20 represents around 85% of the global economy and two-thirds of the world population. The summit focussed on three core aspects- fight against hunger, poverty and inequality; sustainable development, energy transition, climate change and reforms in global governance. In tune with the objectives of the theme, Brazilian President Incio Lula da Silva launched the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. The initiative has received support from over 81 countries and 26 international organisations. With plans to end hunger pangs of nearly 773 million will go down as a great legacy project of Brazil. Brazil which received the Presidency baton from India more or less prioritised the aspects that New Delhi highlighted. India adeptly customised the G20 agenda to be more inclusive, and human-centric. India announced the Global Biofuel Alliance and recommended Mission LiFE, a collective effort for climate preservation. Rio Summit has also rightly focussed on global issues and endeavoured to accommodate the concerns of the Global South, which India prioritised under its leadership. The Brazilian framework that highlighted the Global South's inequalities and concerns, was rich in intent but failed to obtain a consensus over a slew of issues. The geopolitical uncertainties exacerbated by the raging wars have intensified the global divide. This has become a stumbling block in arriving at a consensus at the Rio Summit. The declaration reiterated, “unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-state solution where Israel and a Palestinian State live side by side in peace within secure and recognised borders, consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions”. It called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon and the safe return of citizens to their homes on either side of the blue line. But the declaration had no mention of the Israeli hostages held captive by the Hamas. With regards to the Ukraine war, the declaration welcomed “all relevant and constructive initiatives that support a comprehensive, just, and durable peace, upholding all the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter for the promotion of peaceful, friendly, and good neighbourly relations among nations”. The declaration also proposed a 2% tax on super-rich billionaires. Reiterating the New Delhi Declaration, the Rio Summit acknowledged “the need for rapidly and substantially scaling up climate finance from billions to trillions from all sources”. By immaculately conducting the G20 Summit, India has set the bar high and lent a new directionality. Sustaining that continuity, Brazil has attempted to carry forward India’s people-centric agenda. As part of the Troika- a group of outgoing, present and incoming presidencies, Indian leadership was something Brazil tried to emulate especially in negotiations on geopolitics. The current troika comprising developing countries gave G20 more legitimacy in terms of bringing to the fore the concerns, challenges and priorities of developing countries. India which has led from the front in giving G20 a new framework has reiterated its commitment to sustainable development and hailed the Rio Summit that resonated India’s call for “One Earth, One Family and One Future”. Building on the New Delhi Declaration and the outcomes of the Voice of the Global South Summits, PM Modi spoke about India’s efforts to pull 250 million people out of poverty. He listed the government’s initiatives of providing food grains, free of cost to 800 million and medical insurance to 500 million people apart from the 60 million senior citizens who are benefitting from the free health insurance. At the G20 Session on “Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty”, Modi highlighted institutional credit worth 300 billion for farmers, crop insurance worth $20 billion availed by over 40 million farmers and bank loans to over 300 million women entrepreneurs. Along with ensuring food security through the right combination of natural farming and advanced technologies, India is also focussing on the nutritional needs of school-going children. Underscoring India’s approach of “Back to Basics and March to Future” PM Modi welcomed Brazil’s Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty and mentioned India’s humanitarian assistance to Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Underlining the perilous impact on Food, Fuel and Fertiliser security of countries of the Global South by the ongoing wars, PM Modi elaborated on India’s sustainable agricultural practices, promotion of Sri Ann or Millets, development of over 2000 climate-resilient crop varieties and Digital Agriculture Mission. Addressing the session on “Sustainable Development and Energy Transition”, PM Modi highlighted India’s climate action credentials for being the first G20 country to meet its Paris commitments. India has set a target of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 of which it has already achieved 200 GW. India adopted the Varanasi Action Plan at the 2023 G20 summit where the group has resolved to triple renewable energy production and double the energy efficiency rate by 2030. PM Modi touched upon India’s global initiatives- International Solar Alliance, One Sun One World One Grid, Global Biofuel Alliance, Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre, One Tree For Mother campaign and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Initiative (CDRI) with a special focus on post-disaster reconstruction for the Small Island Nations and urged nations to join Global Development Compact launched at the 3rd Global South Summit. PM Modi also participated in a programme on Digital Public Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data for Governance (DfG) held along the sidelines of Rio G20 and offered to share India’s expertise in using digital technology and AI. Preparing for the global challenges of the 21st century, a sure-footed India is employing the transformative potential of these advanced technologies to accelerate SDG goals and rapidly enhance lives. India has steadily built a digital infrastructure that has empowered people living in the hinterlands and integrated them into the globalised world. Digital connectivity has changed the governance system phenomenally, especially in terms of the delivery of payments and benefits to the needy. Given the immense potential of digital technologies to advance inclusive development objectives, the G20 Troika -India, Brazil and South Africa have launched a landmark joint declaration on DPI, AI and DfG. The Troika also recalled the adoption of the Global Digital Compact at the UN Summit of the Future. Donning the role of an affirmative voice of the Global South, offering prescriptive solutions for the global challenges, India is unambiguously projecting itself as the voice of the Global South. Despite Beijing’s reservations to acknowledge India’s rising stature, India’s people-centric approach for inclusive development is now finding increased acceptance from developed and developing countries. At a time when the world is witnessing intense global politicking and rapidly changing power dynamics, India is unequivocally asserting its commitment to sustainable development, a cornerstone for the progressive economic growth of the developing world. India’s benign actions and espousal of inclusive development are getting favourable recognition. Incidentally, the G20 family picture devoid of the US as ambulating sleepy Joe missed the photo and the Troika of developing nations occupying the centre stage mirrored the contemporary power restructuring aptly. A missing-in-action US having failed to provide much-needed leadership to the developing world can’t expect to be in the driver’s seat. Global multilateral institutions need a serious revamp. Despite a growing chorus for reforms, the First World is still reluctant to revive 20th-century organisations. The First World’s cavalier approach to increasing growth inequalities is widening the divide and deepening the chasms. Through increased engagement, developmental partnerships and visionary initiatives, India after raising the stature of the G20 summit under its Presidency, is spearheading the change with collaborative coalitions. Besides hogging the limelight with active participation in developmental initiatives, PM Modi has revitalised ties with Australia, held the annual summit and forged a renewable energy partnership. He announced the Joint Strategic Action Plan (2025-29) outlining the vision for five years with Italy. PM Modi also congratulated and met for the first time, the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, exchanged views on regional international issues with France President Emmanuel Macron, took stock of bilateral relations with Norwegian PM Jonas Ghar Store, met Portuguese PM Luis Montenegro for the first time and agreed to jointly celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2025. Congratulating Indonesia President Prabawo Subianto on his election, PM Modi reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. PM Modi also met Argentine President Javier Milei and conveyed warm wishes on assuming the office. In his first meeting with Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font, PM Modi explored the possibilities of cooperation in traditional medicine, education and culture. Along the margins of the summit, PM Modi met Brazilian President Lula, thanked him for the hospitality and congratulated him on the success of Brazil’s G20 and IBSA Presidencies. Given India’s commendable progress in terms of poverty alleviation, India’s success stories have become a beacon of hope for the developing world. Deftly managing its geopolitical pursuits along with developmental pledges PM Modi shined at the Rio G20 Summit and unassailably positioned India as the Voice of the Global South. The scale of diplomatic engagements of Modi and the extensive outreach carried out along the sidelines of the G20 Summit is worthy of commendation. References https://www.mea.gov.in/Speeches-Statements.htm?dtl/38533/Prime_Ministers_Remarks_at_the_G20_Session_on_Social_Inclusion_and_the_Fight_Against_Hunger_and_Poverty https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/38550/Prime_Minister_addresses_G_20_session_on_Sustainable_Development_and_Energy_Transition https://ddnews.gov.in/en/prime-minister-modi-offers-to-share-with-world-indias-expertise-on-using-digital-tech-ai/#:~:text=Speaking%20on%20Tuesday%20at%20an,the%20SDGs%20and%20enhance%20lives https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/india-brazil-south-africa-agree-to-use-digital-public-infrastructure-ai-and-data-for-governance/articleshow/115499794.cms?from=mdr

Nov 18, 2024
Dr Ryan Baidya

Reclaiming Dharma: India’s Responsibility to Protect Hindus in Bangladesh

India, the cradle of one of the world’s oldest civilisations, has always been more than a geographical entity. It is a cultural and spiritual homeland that has shaped the lives and identities of billions. Yet, the violent partition of 1947 ripped apart its fabric, creating unnatural borders and consigning millions to an uncertain future. Among the most tragic consequences was the plight of Hindus in East Bengal (now Bangladesh), who found themselves cut off from their ancestral homeland and subjected to decades of systemic persecution. Today, as the torchbearer of the Indic civilization, India must ask itself: does it not have a moral and historical obligation to protect the Hindus of Bangladesh and other regions once part of Bharat? If necessary, should it not be prepared to use its armed forces to ensure their survival and dignity? If India is willing and able to protect Sanatan Dharma outside her forced-made and cunningly architected boundaries, only then can she ensure its protection and flourishing within those boundaries. The Case for Intervention Historical Betrayal and Responsibilits Partition was never a choice made by the masses; it was a political and selfish decision driven by greed, desires, and the lust for power of a few that was imposed on them. Hindus in East Bengal were unwittingly left to fend for themselves in a Muslim-majority state, where they were systematically marginalised and reduced from nearly 30% of the population in 1947 to less than 10% today. The blood of their ancestors, shed in the fight against colonialism, cries out for justice. India, as the motherland, has a duty to correct this historical wrong. Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing The Hindu minority in Bangladesh has endured waves of ethnic cleansing, forced conversions, destruction of temples, and illegal land grabs. These atrocities meet the criteria of genocide under international law. India's silence risks complicity. If international mechanisms fail to act, India must take unilateral steps, including military intervention, to prevent the extinction of its cultural kin. Recent developments in Bangladesh have raised serious concerns about the safety and rights of Hindus in the country. With the overthrow of the Sheikh Hasina government and the establishment of a new government, Islamist groups have taken advantage of the political instability. Reports indicate an increase in violence targeting Hindu communities, including arson, physical attacks, and abductions, often with impunity. A notable case involves widespread attacks on Hindu villages, where mobs have set homes on fire and displaced families. Video evidence and eyewitness accounts suggest systemic targeting of minorities during this period of political uncertainty. Additionally, a rally of 30,000 Hindus demanded protection, highlighting the community's fear and dissatisfaction with the lack of government action to curb these atrocities. These events have reignited debates about India's role in safeguarding Hindus in neighbouring countries. Many argue that as the former parts of undivided India, regions like Bangladesh have a shared history with India, which obliges the Indian government to intervene diplomatically or otherwise to prevent such violence. International Precedents for Humanitarian Intervention History provides examples where nations have used force to protect oppressed populations: NATO’s intervention in Kosovo (1999): To prevent ethnic cleansing of Albanians. India’s own intervention in Bangladesh (1971): When the Pakistani army unleashed atrocities on Bengali Hindus and Muslims, India intervened, liberating Bangladesh and saving millions. Russia’s intervention in Crimea (2014): Justified as protecting ethnic Russians, despite international criticism. If these precedents exist, why should India not act to save Hindus from systematic annihilation in Bangladesh? Strategic and Security Imperatives The persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh and other regions destabilises India’s borders, causing refugee influxes and communal tensions. By intervening decisively, India can establish a buffer against extremism and ensure regional stability. Additionally, demonstrating resolve will deter other nations from mistreating minorities of Indian origin. Moral and Civilisational Leadership India is not just a nation-state; it is a beacon of Dharma (righteousness). If India does not protect Hindus, who will? The global Hindu diaspora looks to India for leadership and protection. By intervening, India would reaffirm its role as the guardian of its civilisation and values. The Pragmatics of Military Action A. Diplomatic Preparation Before any intervention, India must exhaust all diplomatic channels. Presenting the case to the United Nations and securing regional and global support would strengthen its moral and legal standing. B. Targeted Military Operations India’s military intervention should be precise and humanitarian in nature: Establishing safe zones for Hindus within Bangladesh. Deploying forces to protect areas of historical and cultural significance. Neutralising extremist groups responsible for persecution. C. Reconstruction and Reintegration Post-intervention, India should work with Bangladesh to rebuild minority communities, ensuring long-term stability and coexistence. Challenges and Counterarguments Sovereignty and International Law Critics may argue that intervention violates Bangladesh’s sovereignty. However, sovereignty is not a shield for genocide. India’s actions would be grounded in the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine, which justifies intervention when a state fails to protect its citizens. Risk of Escalation Military action could strain India-Bangladesh relations or draw international condemnation. However, decisive leadership often demands taking risks for a greater cause. Domestic Backlash Some may view such intervention as religiously motivated. India must emphasise its commitment to universal human rights, extending its protective umbrella to all persecuted minorities. A Vision for Justice India’s intervention to protect Hindus in Bangladesh would not be an act of aggression but a fulfillment of its historical and civilisational duty. It would send a powerful message that Bharat Mata (Mother India) does not abandon her children, no matter where they reside. The time has come for India to rise as a protector of Dharma, a beacon of hope for the oppressed, and a force for justice in the region. By acting decisively, India can not only save lives but also redefine its role on the global stage as a defender of humanity. In conclusion, this narrative argues that military intervention, though a last resort, is sometimes necessary to uphold justice and protect vulnerable populations. India's historical responsibility, its moral stature as a civilisational leader, and its strategic imperatives make the protection of Hindus and other persecuted minorities in regions like Bangladesh a matter of urgent priority. India must carefully weigh its options but should not shy away from its responsibility to safeguard Hindus and other minorities in regions that were once part of its territory. If India is willing and able to protect Sanatan Dharma outside her forced-made and cunningly architected boundaries, only then can she ensure its protection and flourishing within those boundaries. By taking decisive and measured action, India has the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to Dharma, justice, and humanity, securing its place as a beacon of hope for the oppressed and re-establishing its role as a global leader in defending universal rights. Acknowledgement: Artwork by Pranab Phauzdar (Phauzdar.com) References Ethnic Cleansing and Demographic Decline Bhattacharya, S. "The Vanishing Hindus of Bangladesh." India Today, October 2023. Recent Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh "Attacks on Hindu Communities Amid Political Instability." The Hindu, November 2024. "Rising Extremism Post Sheikh Hasina Resignation." Al Jazeera, November 2024. Historical Precedents of Intervention Brown, D. "Kosovo and the Ethics of NATO's Intervention." The Atlantic, May 2000. "India's Role in Bangladesh Liberation War." BBC News, December 2011. Human Rights and Responsibility to Protect (R2P) "The Responsibility to Protect Doctrine: An Overview." United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect. Amnesty International. "Bangladesh: Minority Rights and Systemic Discrimination." India’s Strategic and Moral Role Mitra, S. "India as the Global Protector of Dharma." Indian Express, January 2024. Legal Justifications for Intervention Murphy, S. "Sovereignty vs. Human Rights: A Global Dilemma." Journal of International Law, Vol. 22, Issue 3, 2019.

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