The recently concluded G20 Summit in New Delhi garnered positive attention and showcased India’s ability to host a successful global event amid complex geopolitical and developmental dynamics. While the summit addressed pressing global issues, it also shed light on significant trends in India’s evolving foreign policy.
One notable trend is the remarkable convergence between India and the United States. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership at the G20, with unwavering support from U.S. President Joe Biden, underscores the transformation of a relationship that now exerts global influence. Previously, India and the U.S. often found themselves at odds on international platforms, but today, Washington is willing to step back to advance India’s interests, recognizing that India-U.S. cooperation is pivotal in shaping global outcomes. This convergence enhances India’s ability to leverage its shared interests with the U.S. effectively.
This growing American support also extends India’s influence across the broader Western world. While Europe initially hesitated to back India’s stance on Ukraine, Washington played a crucial role in bridging the gap. India recognizes that, in the context of China’s rising prominence in global priorities, robust engagement with the West is imperative. Despite challenges related to Ukraine, India’s ties with the West have been fortified.
India’s foreign policy acumen is evident in its handling of relations with Russia. India remains committed to maintaining communication channels with Moscow while respecting its ties with other nations. The recent New Delhi Declaration and India’s approach to the Ukraine issue at the G20 reflect this delicate balance. Navigating relations with a declining power presents diplomatic challenges, but India is keen to address Russian concerns and prevent any perception of abandonment.
China played a prominent role at the G20, showcasing its obstructionist tendencies. India, in turn, demonstrated its ability to collaborate with like-minded nations to counter Beijing’s actions. The threat of being perceived as a ‘spoiler’ by a significant portion of the global community compelled China to engage constructively. However, the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the emerging fault line between China and India on the global stage. The optimism surrounding potential China-India collaboration at the global level has waned, giving way to a more pronounced dichotomy.
India’s global outreach to traditional and emerging stakeholders, from Africa to the Middle East, was on display at the G20. This outreach is characterized by pragmatism rather than old-style Third Worldism. India is pursuing clearly defined objectives by building ad hoc coalitions of like-minded actors. A self-confident and self-assured India is charting a new course in global politics, unburdened by past ideological baggage.
The G20 Summit offered insights into India’s foreign policy trajectory, highlighting its deepening partnership with the U.S., strengthened ties with the West, nuanced handling of Russia relations, and the ability to collaborate with like-minded nations. India’s role in the evolving global landscape reflects a nation pursuing its national interests with pragmatism and confidence. The success at the G20 is a testament to India’s ability to navigate complex international dynamics while staying true to its objectives.