Why is it in the news?

India is all set to host G20 summit in New Delhi from sept 9-10, 2023.

5 things to note

Building Consensus in a Polarized World:

• The Russia-Ukraine conflict has polarized the G20, posing a challenge for India in negotiating a compromise document for the G20 communique.
• India aims to find consensus despite differing positions between Western democracies and the Russia-China bloc, with negotiations expected to be challenging.

G20 in Every Indian State:

• India’s unique approach involves hosting G20 meetings and priorities in various parts of the country, including smaller cities.
• This strategy has created widespread awareness of India’s G20 Presidency and could impact future election discourse.

Deliverables for Present and Future G20 Presidencies:

• India is discussing ambitious proposals across sectors, including digital public infrastructure, gender, development, climate change, health, and technology.
• The focus is on actionable outcomes for the leaders’ declaration and ensuring these can be implemented by future G20 presidencies, such as Brazil and South Africa.

Voice of the Global South, Especially Africa:

• India has taken a leadership role in representing the developing and underdeveloped world during its G20 Presidency.
• It organized the Voice of the Global South Summit, addressing issues like food security and fuel/fertilizer prices affecting these nations.
• India advocates for the expansion of the G20 to include the African Union, strengthening its position in global diplomacy.
  • This will make the AU the third regional body to join the G-20, alongside the European Union.
  • China and the AU have emphasized their partnership and the importance of the AU’s role in global governance.

The China Conundrum and G20’s Challenge:

• India faces complexities due to strained relations with China, highlighted by President Xi Jinping’s absence from the Summit.
• Bilateral differences threaten multilateral cooperation, similar to the India-Pakistan situation in SAARC.
• Premier Li Qiang will need to bridge gaps and rebuild trust in President Xi’s absence to secure consensus for the communique.

About African Union (AU)

• The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent.
• In 1963, the Organization of African Unity was founded by the independent states of Africa.
  • The organization aimed to promote cooperation between African states.
• The 1980 Lagos Plan of Action was adopted by the Organization of African Unity.
  • The plan suggested that Africa should minimize reliance upon the West by promoting intra-African trade.
• In 2002, the Organization of African Unity was succeeded by the African Union, which had as one of its goals to accelerate the “economic integration of the continent”.