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22 Mar 2025
GS Paper 2
International Relations
Day 12: India’s G20 Presidency is a watershed moment in its history as it seeks to play an important role at global stage. In the light of this statement, analyze what can India offer to promote world’s peace and prosperity? (Answer in 200 words)
Approach
- Start with showing how G20 presidency is a watershed moment.
- Mention the role India is playing in different fields at global level.
- Conclude with a positive note.
Introduction
India’s G20 Presidency marks a pivotal moment in its history, positioning it as a key player in shaping global governance. With the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (One Earth, One Family, One Future), India aims to foster inclusive, sustainable, and equitable global development. As a bridge between developed and developing nations, India’s leadership in the G20 can significantly contribute to peace, prosperity, and stability worldwide.
Body
India is playing crucial role at global level in following ways:
- Champion of Environmental Cause: India has given institutional solutions to cooperate with the world to deal with climate change. As a revolutionary step in solar power, India initiated the International Solar Alliance.
- India has created a Coalition For Disaster Resilient Infrastructure for climate adaptation. This is a sensitive and vital initiative to save crores of lives. India is playing an important role through its initiatives like Panchamrit (five commitments of India at United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) and Lifestyle For Environment (LIFE) to promote sustainable lifestyle pattern.
- A Vocal Critique of Terrorism: India has championed the cause of counter-terrorism initiatives. It was the first nation to propose the adoption of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism by United Nations. It is also actively engaging with Financial Action Task Force to break the terrorist funding nexus.
- A Nation of Youth: When the world is ageing, India has emerged as a nation of youth where 50 percent of its population is below 25 years of age. The vibrant demography of India not only provides a huge market for global investment but also huge workforce to the global economy.
- An Advocate of Multi-polar World Order: Since its independence, India has always been an advocate of multi-polar world order where multilateralism and rule of international laws prevail. Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is one such example.
- At present, India is demanding reforms in institutions of global governance like the United Nation Security Council, International Monetary Fund, World Bank etc. India’s demands represent the voice of Global South (a group of under-developed and least developed countries).
- A Responsible Nation: India has always been a law-abiding nation that adheres to international laws. Article 51 enshrined in Indian Constitution talks about international peace and security. India is an active participant in United Nation programs and initiatives. India is net-security provider in the Indian Ocean region.
- India has emerged as first responder in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) at global level such as Operation Dost in earthquake hit Syria and Turkey, Vaccine Maitri to boost global vaccination efforts
- A Neutral Arbitrator in World Peace: India has the ability to balance the multiple contradictions. On one hand, it is engaging with Russia and China at platform like SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) while one other hand, it is engaging with United States of America at platform like QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue). This shows India’s potential to become a neutral arbitrator in the ongoing crisis like Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Conclusion
India’s credentials are high to play an important role in promoting common global good. It is the most populous country and the fifth largest economy in the world. It has third largest standing military in the world. It is one of the largest contributors in the United Nation’s Peace Keeping Forces and the fourth highest donor to the UN Democracy Fund.
The India’s Way to deal with the global challenges goes through the path of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ where common efforts are needed to solve the common problems. By leveraging its diplomatic, economic, and technological strengths, India can emerge as a key architect of a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world order.
“Let us always remember that — none of us are safe until all of us are safe”
