Indian Prime Minister Modi Wraps Up G20 Summit, Passes 'One Earth, One Family' Baton to Brazil

"India Shines on the Global Stage: G20 Spotlight and Beyond"

India, with its diverse and dynamic presence, is gearing up to host the prestigi

ous G20 leaders' summit, marking the culmination of its Indian presidency. This grand event will hand over the baton to Brazil, concluding India's term on November 30. While we eagerly await the results of this summit on September 9th and 10th, it's already clear that India has firmly established itself as a significant global player.

India's rise to prominence isn't merely a result of its presidency; instead, it's rooted in a combination of geopolitical, economic, and demographic factors. This South Asian giant has recently surpassed China in population, signaling its demographic prowess. Economically, India is surging forward like never before. Moreover, its scientific endeavors, such as the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission to the Moon, have garnered international acclaim.

At the heart of India's representation is Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who not only serves as the "master of the house" but also steps into a more prominent role due to the absence of Chinese President Xi Ji
nping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

China will be represented by Premier Li Qiang, with Beijing maintaining an enigmatic silence about Xi's absence. Tensions between China and India, heightened by the Ladakh border dispute in 2020, have created a strained atmosphere. Russia, on the other hand, will send Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to represent Putin, citing the leader's "inability" to attend. An International Criminal Court arrest warrant related to the Ukraine conflict hangs over Putin, but India, not a signatory to the Rome Statute, faces no obligation to enforce it.

The absence of Xi and Putin inevitably narrows the scope for discussions on the Ukrainian issue. In fact, disagreements on this topic have already prevented the G20 from issuing joint statements in various ministerial meetings.

India's approach aligns with the belief that the G20 should not serve as a platform for international security discussions. Notably, India has not extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, emphasizing that the G20 is exclusively for member and host countries and organizations.

As part of India's G20 presidency, nine countries, including Bangladesh, Egypt, the UAE, Mauritius, Nigeria, Oman, Netherlands, Spain, and Singapore, have been invited to participate, alongside permanent members and other guests. India's emphasis on representing the "voice of the South" and its chosen theme, "One Land, One Family, One Future," signal its commitment to inclusivity and cooperation.

The summit's agenda includes discussions on the environment, inclusive development, and technological transformations. Each leader will contribute to two sessions, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will represent Italy in the first and third sessions.

Besides the formal proceedings, attention will also be directed towards side events. Leaders from various nations are already arriving in New Delhi, where tight security measures and designated meeting venues are in place.

The U.S. President, Joe Biden, is expected to engage with Prime Minister Modi ahead of the summit. Bilateral relations between India and the United States have flourished in recent years, despite India's historic ties with Russia.

Intriguingly, the possibility of a bilateral meeting between Biden and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman may also be on the cards, focusing on the potential normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

As India navigates its role as G20 host, it's crucial to consider the domestic implications, especially with general elections looming less than a year away. Prime Minister Modi, in power since 2014, continues to enjoy widespread popularity. However, recent ethnic violence in Manipur, a northeastern state, has posed challenges.

In presenting the G20 presidency as one "for the people," Modi underscores the magnitude of this event, with over 220 meetings held across 60 cities in all 28 states and eight Union Territories, involving 1.5 million people.

Additionally, a noteworthy development in Indian political discourse revolves around the potential replacement of "India" with the more indigenous "Bharat" as the country's name. While it remains uncertain whether the government will formally propose this change, it has sparked discussions and debates.

In summary, India's G20 presidency shines a spotlight on its multifaceted growth and influence on the global stage. As the world watches the summit unfold, India's journey from ancient roots to modern prominence is a testament to its continued evolution as a key player in the international arena.