India is playing a very significant role in world affairs. Examine the stands taken by India in important global and regional summits.

India’s Stance in Major Global Summits

1. G20 (Group of Twenty)

India held the G20 Presidency from December 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023, under the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth · One Family · One Future”. Key priorities included:

• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): India championed the idea of DPI as a means to accelerate inclusive and sustainable development, offering its own successes like Aadhaar, UPI, and CoWIN as models.
• Climate Finance: India strongly advocated for fulfilling the commitment of developed countries to mobilize $100 billion per year in climate finance for developing nations.
• Debt Restructuring: India played a crucial role in facilitating discussions on debt restructuring for vulnerable countries facing economic distress.
• Global Food Security: India emphasized the importance of ensuring food security for all, particularly in the context of geopolitical conflicts.

The New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, adopted under India’s presidency, reflected a consensus on these critical issues, despite geopolitical tensions.

2. SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation)

India assumed the rotating presidency of the SCO in July 2023. India’s focus areas included:

• Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: India consistently emphasizes the need for enhanced cooperation in combating terrorism, particularly cross-border terrorism, and advocated for a comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
• Connectivity: India promoted connectivity projects that are inclusive, transparent, and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states, subtly contrasting with China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
• Digital Transformation: India pushed for collaboration in areas like digital economy, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
• Traditional Medicine: India advocated for the promotion of traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Yoga within the SCO framework.

India’s SCO membership has provided it with a platform to engage with Central Asian countries and address security concerns related to Afghanistan.

3. BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa)

India is a founding member of BRICS. India’s stance within BRICS has been:

• Reform of Multilateral Institutions: India consistently calls for reforms in the United Nations Security Council to make it more representative and effective.
• South-South Cooperation: India actively promotes cooperation among developing countries in areas like trade, investment, and technology transfer.
• New Development Bank (NDB): India is a key shareholder in the NDB, which aims to provide financing for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS countries and other emerging economies.
• De-dollarization: India has shown interest in exploring alternative payment systems to reduce reliance on the US dollar, though cautiously.

The recent expansion of BRICS to include new members (Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and UAE) reflects the grouping’s growing influence and its potential to reshape the global order.

4. COP (Conference of the Parties) – UNFCCC

India is a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and actively participates in COP meetings. India’s position is:

• Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC): India emphasizes that developed countries bear a greater responsibility for addressing climate change due to their historical emissions.
• National Determined Contributions (NDCs): India has committed to reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030, from 2005 levels, and achieving about 50% cumulative installed power generation capacity from non-fossil fuel sources.
• Climate Finance: India consistently calls for developed countries to fulfill their commitment to provide $100 billion per year in climate finance to developing countries.
• Just Transition: India advocates for a just transition that ensures that the needs of vulnerable communities are addressed during the shift to a low-carbon economy.

India’s commitment to renewable energy and its ambitious climate targets demonstrate its leadership in addressing climate change.

5. Other Regional Summits

India actively participates in other regional forums like:

• ASEAN-India Summit: India promotes closer economic and security cooperation with ASEAN countries through the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement and initiatives like the India-ASEAN Connectivity Master Plan.
• East Asia Summit (EAS): India engages with East Asian countries on issues like maritime security, counter-terrorism, and economic cooperation.
• BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation): India views BIMSTEC as a key platform for regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.