Sansad TV: Perspective- India’s G20 Presidency | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Context
India is gearing up to host the 18th G20 Summit on September 9th and 10th.

Details:

• The summit will take place at the newly-constructed Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan and will serve as the culmination of over 200 meetings held across 60 cities in India throughout the year.
• The 18th G20 Summit will see participation from delegates and leaders representing 40 countries, including member states and invitee nations. This marks the largest-ever participation in the history of G20 summits.
• For India, assuming the G20 presidency is a momentous occasion that has the potential to reshape its global image.

Introduction:

• India is a nation filled with paradoxes, encompassing a rich culture, diversity, and a vast population. Over the past two decades, India's economic growth has been robust, with many companies making a significant global impact. Now, as India assumes the G20 Presidency, it stands at a turning point, ready to assert its global influence after successfully navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic.
• India officially takes over the G20 Presidency on December 1, 2022, from Indonesia, and will host the G20 Leaders' Summit in 2023. As a nation committed to democracy and multilateralism, India aims to play a pivotal role in finding practical global solutions for the benefit of all, exemplifying the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' or 'The World is One Family.'

India's G20 Priorities

• India has identified several cutting-edge priorities that are under consideration by various G20 working groups to address crucial challenges and plan for a better future. Three key priorities include:
• Financing Tomorrow's Cities: India seeks to position cities as the primary drivers of economic growth by improving their infrastructure, services, and livability in light of projected urban population growth.
• Energy Transition: India aims to lead in the transition from carbon-intensive to renewable energy sources, emphasizing its successes in scaling up solar energy and other renewable initiatives.
• Healthcare: In response to the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, India's G20 Presidency focuses on strengthening global health systems, enhancing health emergency preparedness, and promoting universal, affordable, and quality healthcare services.
• Green Development, Climate Finance, and LiFE: India places significant emphasis on climate finance, technology, and fostering environmentally-conscious practices through initiatives like LiFE.
• Multilateral Institutions for the 21st Century: India advocates for reforming multilateral institutions to create a more inclusive and accountable international system capable of addressing contemporary challenges.
• Women-led Development: India prioritizes inclusive growth and women's empowerment to drive socioeconomic development and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Significance of India's G20 Presidency: 

• Agenda-Setting: India's year-long G20 presidency offers a unique opportunity to set global agendas, shape policies, and build consensus on crucial economic, development, socio-political, and security issues.
• Voice of the Global South: India seeks to represent and promote the interests of the Global South within global platforms, bolstering its status as a Global South spokesperson.
• Reforming Multilateralism: Reforming multilateral institutions to be more inclusive and responsive is a top priority of Indian foreign policy.

Challenges in Presidential Priorities:

Addressing issues like climate change, economic recovery, and geopolitical tensions requires effective and accountable multilateral institutions. India's focus on reforming multilateralism aligns with these challenges and enhances its global standing.

G20 Achievements

Conclusion