From Diplomacy to Democracy: Modi’s G20 Summit Transformation

The G20 Summit, a gathering of world leaders to discuss global economic issues, has always been a significant event on the international stage. However, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently revealed a new perspective on this global forum.

He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions the G20 summit as more than just a diplomatic event; he wants it to be a national endeavor that transcends partisan politics. In this article, we will delve into this fresh perspective, examining the aim to democratize the G20 summit and make it more inclusive.

A National Endeavor

Prime Minister Modi believes that the G20 summit should not be confined to the realm of diplomacy but should be regarded as a national endeavor. This perspective challenges the traditional notion that the G20 summit is an arena for diplomatic negotiations and international cooperation. Instead, Modi’s vision is to extend the sense of participation and ownership of the G20 to every corner of the nation.

Transcending Partisan Politics

One of the remarkable aspects of Modi’s vision is its nonpartisan approach. Jaishankar highlighted that the events have been hosted in states not governed by the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), India’s ruling party. This underscores the commitment to transcending partisan politics and ensuring that the G20 Summit becomes a platform for all, regardless of their political affiliations.

Decentralization and Inclusivity

Jaishankar attributed this shift in perspective to a change in mindset within the Indian government. He described it as a more democratic perspective that emphasizes decentralization and inclusivity. This signifies a departure from the idea of a small clique controlling everything in one city, such as Lutyens’ Delhi or Vigyan Bhavan. The goal is to engage different cities, states, professions, and generations in the its process.

A New Era

Jaishankar’s statement, “We’ve now entered a different era with a different government and thought process,” reflects the changing dynamics of India’s approach to the G20. The emphasis is no longer on limiting influence but on expanding it to create a more participatory and inclusive G20.

Handling the Opposition’s Criticism

Jaishankar did not shy away from addressing the criticism from the opposition regarding the scale of G20 events. In response, he stated, “For those who feel that we should be stuck in 1983, you are welcome to be stuck in 1983. I am sorry the country has moved on; we are in 2023.” This statement underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing and democratizing.

Global Leaders’ Absence

On the topic of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin not attending the G20 summit in India, Jaishankar clarified that there is nothing unusual about it. He pointed out that in the history of the G20, various leaders have chosen not to attend for various reasons. The absence of these leaders does not reflect negatively on India’s hosting of the event.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the G20 is a transformative one. It goes beyond the traditional diplomatic boundaries and aims to make the G20 a national endeavor that includes all sections of society. The emphasis on decentralization, inclusivity, and a nonpartisan approach is a testament to India’s commitment to democratizing this global forum.

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