The Indian government cannot be envious of the timing of its G20 presidency. The G20 has never been a body that makes easy compromises, but today they are more hostile than ever. Xi and Putin did not attend the G20 summit and disagreed with any communiqué that mentioned Ukraine. Other G20 countries – including Germany – have made clear previously that they would not agree to any communique if Ukraine was not mentioned. So there is little chance of compromise.

Therefore, the Indian government decided to consistently ignore the war and did not offer a platform to Ukraine. Instead, Delhi opted for a colorful “One earth, one family, one future” campaign featuring many folk tales at more than 200 events. The G20 street food festival and posters from airports to slums are more reminiscent of the Expo or Olympics. Rickshaws have been painted with the G20 logo by their drivers, and hairdressers talk about India’s new role in the world.

Almost no one knows that the presidency only rotates. What remains is the enthusiasm of the G20 which has reached all levels of society. India is becoming more cosmopolitan. In contrast to, for example, Russian society has retreated into a nationalistic parallel universe. In many countries, it is the “strong man” who rules. Modi, on the other hand, does not present himself as a powerful figure even though India is a large country. Compared directly with figures like Xi or Putin and with India’s million-plus army, it is fortunate that Modi does not seem to want to go down in the history books as a general. Indian society supports “one earth, one family”.

Constructive approach

Because India wants to consistently avoid playing the role of mediator in the war against Ukraine, the country instead presents itself as a mouthpiece for the countries of the Global South. You invite representatives of the “Global South” to negotiate and open your ears. India took the role of moderator and was careful not to side with the payers. In various fields of study, from climate protection, to food security, to global health, preparatory work must be done so that the presidential terms of Brazil and South Africa can be built.

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A constructive approach that also takes the stress out of decision making. In Germany there is a tendency to only look at results, but that is a country perspective that has never been marginalized. The majority of countries in the world do not sit idly by while other countries determine their future. They have to bear the consequences and are still just spectators in the international arena. Therefore, India’s presidency of the G20 is a milestone for many other countries from Africa to Central Asia. India listened to them. Those who have never heard of it appreciate it – whatever the outcome.

India fills the void left by Western-style multilateralism and long discovered by Moscow and Beijing. This aspect is often overlooked and can also be transferred from the G20 to BRICS and SCO. From the Western point of view, it is better if the Indians come along than if they cede the region to China and Russia. Therefore, Western countries should support Modi’s proposal to include the African Union in the G20 at an early stage. It is better to have this project linked to India in African capitals before China hijacks this demand.

Criticism must remain fair

Anyone who wants to criticize the Indian presidency will have more than enough targets. But the criticism must remain fair: India is still nowhere near the end of the Ukraine war. This was not expected even though India tried. This war is being decided on the battlefield. Ukraine needs cruise missiles, not a G20 communiqué. Let’s be honest: the G20 is irrelevant to the outcome of the war.

It is also true that the ruling party, the BJP, used the G20 for a taxpayer-funded Modi show just before the elections. The Indian opposition can certainly criticize this. From the outside, we can also congratulate this first-class campaign, which promotes cosmopolitanism and international cooperation to more than 1.4 billion people. Ultimately, this G20 presidency will not be remembered for its innovative decisions. This will be remembered as an inclusive G20 presidency.

Inclusion is usually ineffective – inclusion is a value in itself. India interprets the G20 as an open and non-binding discussion group with lots of flower decorations. The war was ignored as best as possible, which is not surprising to those familiar with Indian foreign policy. India relies on light entertainment in tough times. Nothing else is possible in 2023 if Russia and China engage in negotiations.

Oliver Schulz in conversation with Ben Krischke
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