The success of India’s presidency of G20 would not just be judged by the shape and content of the outcome document but the way the country has left an imprint on the grouping, said panelists at the Festival of Ideas, hosted by NewsX, TSG and India News that are a part of the ITV Network here on Thursday.
“The abstract of the document cannot take away the credit from India which has brought together a completely fractured world to the discussion table. It was possible to bring together nations on the same platform and produce large suggestions for use as policy in several countries,” said Prof. Madhav Nalapat, editorial director, TSG.
He said India aspires to be the leader of the global south and the G20 platform is offering it a great opportunity to help these countries.
He, however, cautioned that China is not the hurdle in India becoming the voice of the global south but “China has a problem with India representing these countries”.
Hailing the success of India’s moon landing, Nalapat said so far as the global south is concerned the immense success of Chandrayan has made India a role model in terms of technology for these countries. He said India’s models in health and digital education are the most sought-after.
Ambassador Gautam Bambawale, former envoy to China, justified India’s stand on the Ukraine war, saying there has been pressure on India but it has held its ground.
He also hinted that China might try to ensure India does not succeed in achieving a fulfilling outcome document at the G20 summit that is set to see participation by US President Joe Biden.
Prof Nalapat said he expects Russian President Vladimir Putin may not personally attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi due to strategic and diplomatic concerns, but that would not impact Indians’ friendship with Russia.
