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 19^th 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 3^rd 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 21^st 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 50^th 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

1. 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
2. https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/38550/Prime_Minister_addresses_G_20_session_on_Sustainable_Development_and_Energy_Transition
3. 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
4. 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