Answer: The Group of Twenty (G20) is the premier inter-governmental forum for international economic cooperation comprising 19 countries and the EU. The G20 members represent around 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population. India has assumed the Presidency of the G20 from December 2022 for one year. This presents India with a unique opportunity to raise the concerns and issues of South Asia on the global stage, such as:

• Fair negotiations and governance: The forum plays an important role in shaping and strengthening the global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues. Due to the fact that wealthy economies have disproportionate power and influence in determining the rules of engagement on international cooperation, trade, and finance, global governance is historically tilted in their favor which often ends up having a negative impact on the ability to provide realistic solutions to constituents such as South Asia.
  • India should use its G20 chair to reform international governance procedures and ensure fair negotiations. This is an opportunity to highlight India’s concerns about “the non-democratic and unequal nature” of global governance institutions.
• Issues associated with climate change: The region has been hit with climate change-induced disasters like the recent calamitous floods in Pakistan and heat waves in India. These disasters not only cause humongous economic crises but also threaten the very existence of humanity. Further, most South Asian countries still use fossil fuels to generate energy and the rising price of fossil fuels has made life difficult for them.
  • Now, with India being the G20 President, it can spearhead a fast transition towards renewable energy sources, which may prove to be game changers in the region.
• Trade and commerce: South Asia has emerged as a vital intersection of maritime trade and there is also a tectonic shift in the global attention from the West to the East, as the bedrock of global economic maritime activity. Hence, the South Asian region needs a leader of higher stature to further its cause.
  • With India fast becoming one of the potent global voices and powers, it can play a leading role in shaping debates on the relevant and contemporary issues resonating in this region, especially during its G20 leadership.

Being the only G20 member from South Asia, India has an added responsibility to represent the region’s interests at the G20. However, it is important for India to provide a collective voice of the ‘Global South’ as well. It should utilize this opportunity to lend a greater voice for making the concerns of the Global South heard at a very crucial juncture for the international community. This could be another anchor for India, i.e. bridging the gap between the Global North and South on issues such as climate change, trade facilitation, and healthcare support.