Introduction & Summary
India's rising global stature and its aspiration to be a leading power are increasingly evident in its active and proactive participation in major international summits and forums. These platforms provide India with crucial avenues to articulate its perspectives, shape global agendas, promote its national interests, and contribute to global governance. From its landmark G20 Presidency that delivered significant outcomes to its robust engagement in SCO and BRICS Summits, its consistent advocacy at the UN General Assembly and other UN fora, and its presence in influential economic gatherings like WEF, India leverages multilateral diplomacy to project its Comprehensive National Power and enhance its strategic autonomy. This topic also touches upon the growing significance of Track 1.5/II dialogues like the Raisina Dialogue in shaping global discourse.
India's G20 Presidency (2022-2023)
Context: India held the G20 Presidency from December 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023.
Theme: "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" – "One Earth, One Family, One Future."
Key Declarations, Initiatives, and Impact
New Delhi Leaders' Declaration
A landmark consensus document achieved despite deep geopolitical divisions (e.g., Russia-Ukraine War), showcasing India's diplomatic prowess.
African Union (AU) Permanent Membership
A historic achievement, strongly championed by India, making the G20 more inclusive and representative of the Global South.
India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
Announced as a major new connectivity initiative, seen as a counter-narrative to China's BRI.
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
Strong emphasis on DPI (e.g., India's UPI, Aadhaar) as a model for financial inclusion and efficient service delivery for developing countries.
Green Development Pact
Commitment to sustainable development, climate action, and climate finance mobilization (tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, MDB reforms).
Consensus on Russia-Ukraine War
Achieved a pragmatic consensus statement, avoiding direct condemnation of Russia, reflecting India's nuanced diplomatic approach.
Significance for India
Demonstrated India's diplomatic prowess, ability to bridge global divides, leadership in global governance, and its commitment to amplifying the voice of the Global South. Boosted India's global stature.
Source: G20 official website, New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, PIB.
SCO and BRICS Summits
SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization)
- India's Status: Full member since 2017.
- Active Participation: Regularly participates in summits, ministerial meetings, and security dialogues (e.g., SCO RATS).
- Contributions: Advocates for regional security, counter-terrorism (CCIT proposal within SCO), connectivity (despite CPEC concerns), and cultural exchange.
- Recent Events: India hosted the SCO Summit virtually in July 2023, where Iran became a full member.
Source: SCO official website, MEA.
BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa)
- India's Status: Founding member.
- Contributions: Promotes cooperation among major emerging economies, challenges Western-centric global economic architecture, and advocates for a more multipolar world. Active in NDB and CRA.
- Recent Events: India supported BRICS expansion. At the August 2023 Summit in South Africa, 6 new members were invited (Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE), joining Jan 2024.
Significance for India
BRICS and SCO provide platforms for India to engage with non-Western powers, pursue multi-alignment, and push for reforms in global governance.
UN General Assembly and Other UN Fora
UN General Assembly (UNGA)
India uses UNGA as a universal platform to articulate its positions on a wide range of global issues (peace and security, development, human rights, climate change).
- Advocacy: Consistently advocates for a reformed multilateralism, particularly for UNSC permanent membership, and for the interests of the Global South.
- Initiatives: Championed initiatives like the International Day of Yoga, International Year of Millets, and the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN.
Other UN Fora
India completed its non-permanent term (2021-22), focusing on maritime security, counter-terrorism, and peacekeeping. Continues its bid for permanent membership.
India participates in Universal Periodic Review (UPR).
Plays a leading role in climate negotiations, advocating for CBDR-RC, climate justice, and finance.
Active participation in global health governance, new Pandemic Accord negotiations.
India's Positions on Key Global Issues
Consistent champion of multilateralism, rules-based international order, anti-terrorism, climate justice, nuclear disarmament (non-discriminatory), and reforms of global institutions.
World Economic Forum (WEF) & Economic Fora
World Economic Forum (WEF, Davos)
An influential non-governmental organization bringing together business leaders, political leaders, academics, and journalists to discuss global issues.
India's Role: Indian leaders and business delegates regularly participate, presenting India as an attractive investment destination, showcasing its economic growth story, and contributing to global economic debates.
Other Economic Fora
- G7: India often participates as an invited guest (e.g., G7 Summit in Hiroshima 2023).
- WTO: India's active participation in Ministerial Conferences, advocating for developing country interests.
- IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings: India plays a significant role in discussions on global financial stability and development.
Raisina Dialogue & Track 1.5/II Diplomacy
Definition of Track 1.5/II Diplomacy
- Track 1.5: Involves both official and non-official actors (e.g., government officials in their private capacity, academics, think tank experts).
- Track II: Involves only non-official actors (academics, civil society) without government endorsement.
Purpose: Provide informal platforms for discussion, idea generation, confidence-building, and exploring solutions on sensitive issues, complementing official (Track I) diplomacy.
Raisina Dialogue
- Genesis: India's flagship annual conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, organized by ORF in partnership with MEA.
- Participants: Attracts heads of state/government, foreign ministers, defense chiefs, business leaders, and thought leaders from around the world.
- Significance: Agenda Setting, Public Diplomacy, Networking, Amplify India's Voice.
Other Dialogues: India hosts and participates in numerous other bilateral and multilateral Track 1.5/II dialogues on specific issues or regions.
Prelims-ready Notes
Key Concepts for Prelims
- G20 Presidency (Dec 2022-Nov 2023): Theme: "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam". Outcomes: New Delhi Leaders' Declaration (consensus), AU permanent membership, IMEC, DPI, Green Development Pact. Significance: Demonstrated India's diplomatic prowess, bridge-building, global leadership.
- SCO Summits: India (member 2017). Hosted 2023 Summit (virtual), Iran full member. Focus: security, counter-terrorism (RATS).
- BRICS Summits: India (founding member). Supported expansion (Jan 2024: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE joined). Focus: economic, multipolar world.
- UN General Assembly (UNGA): India's universal platform for global issues. Advocates for UNSC perm. membership, Global South. Champions Yoga Day, Millets Year, CCIT.
- Other UN Fora: UNSC (non-perm 2021-22), UNHRC (UPR), COPs (climate), WHO (Pandemic Accord).
- WEF (Davos): Global business/political forum. India showcases growth, investment opportunities.
- G7: India often invited as guest.
- Raisina Dialogue: India's flagship annual geopolitics/geoeconomics conference (ORF + MEA). Track 1.5. Agenda-setting, public diplomacy.
- Track 1.5/II Diplomacy: Informal channels for discussion and idea generation.
Summary Table: India's Role in Major Global Forums
| Forum/Summit | Type/Focus | India's Role/Stance | Significance/Impact for India |
|---|---|---|---|
| G20 Presidency (2023) | Premier global economic cooperation forum | Hosted, achieved consensus, AU permanent membership, IMEC, DPI | Demonstrated leadership, global problem-solver, voice of Global South |
| SCO | Regional Security & Economic (Eurasian) | Full member, advocates counter-terrorism & connectivity | Platform for engagement with Russia/China/Central Asia |
| BRICS | Emerging Economies, Multipolarity | Founding member, active in NDB/CRA, supported expansion | Challenges Western-centric order, fosters South-South coop. |
| UN General Assembly | Universal deliberative body | Active participant, advocate for UNSC reform, Global South | Amplifies India's voice, promotes multilateralism |
| UN Security Council | Primary responsibility for peace & security | Non-permanent member (2021-22), seeks permanent seat | Enhances global credibility, influences peace/security decisions |
| World Economic Forum | Global business, political, academic discussions | Presents India as investment destination, shapes discourse | Economic diplomacy, networking |
| Raisina Dialogue | India's flagship geopolitics/geoeconomics conf. | Hosts, agenda-setting, public diplomacy | Projects intellectual leadership, soft power, thought leadership |
| Overall Contribution | Multilateralism, Global Governance | Proactive, bridge-builder, strategic autonomy | Enhances global stature, shapes international norms |
India's Multi-alignment Strategy
India engages with diverse groupings to maximize its options, diversify dependencies, and enhance its strategic autonomy in a multipolar world.
G20
Global Economy, Policy Shaping
BRICS
Emerging Economies, Multipolarity
INDIA
Strategic Autonomy
SCO
Regional Security, Eurasia
Quad
Indo-Pacific Security
UN Fora
Multilateralism, Global Norms
Raisina Dialogue
Public Diplomacy, Thought Leadership
Mains-ready Analytical Notes
India's G20 Presidency: A Diplomatic Triumph
Context: India took over G20 Presidency amidst unprecedented geopolitical fragmentation.
Achievements:
- New Delhi Leaders' Declaration: Consensus despite deep divides (Ukraine war).
- African Union (AU) Permanent Membership: Historic inclusion, voice for Global South.
- IMEC: Major connectivity project, economic diplomacy.
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Showcased as model for developing countries.
- Green Development Pact: Strong commitments on climate action & MDB reforms.
Significance for India's Aspirations:
- Elevated global stature, enhanced diplomatic prowess, strengthened UNSC claim.
- Solidified position as bridge-builder between Global North and South.
India's Multi-alignment Strategy (BRICS & SCO)
Rationale: Maximize options, diversify dependencies, enhance strategic autonomy in a multipolar world.
- BRICS' Role: Platform for cooperation with emerging economies, MDB reform, promoting multipolar world order, alternative financial mechanisms (NDB, CRA). Supported expansion.
- SCO's Role: Forum for regional security (counter-terrorism via RATS), economic cooperation, engagement with Central Asia, Russia, and China.
Balancing Act: Simultaneous engagement in BRICS/SCO and Quad exemplifies navigating complex geopolitical fault lines. Challenges: Managing internal divisions, protecting national interests.
Raisina Dialogue & Track 1.5/II Diplomacy
Evolution of Diplomacy: Beyond traditional Track 1, 1.5 and II dialogues are vital for trust, idea generation.
Raisina Dialogue's Significance:
- Flagship Platform: India's premier global conference on geopolitics and geo-economics.
- Agenda Setting: Attracts global thought leaders, shaping international intellectual discourse.
- Public Diplomacy: Projects India's intellectual leadership and soft power.
- Informal Networking: Facilitates critical informal interactions.
- Amplify India's Voice: Powerful platform for India's foreign policy objectives.
India's Pursuit of Multilateralism
Historical Legacy: Consistent champion of multilateralism and rules-based order.
Evolution: From advocate to agenda-setter and bridge-builder.
- UNGA: Voice for UNSC reform, international law, Global South.
- Climate Change (COPs): Leading advocacy for CBDR-RC, climate justice.
- G20 Presidency (2023): Clearest manifestation of agenda-setting, forging consensus, championing AU's membership.
- BRICS/SCO: Promote multipolar, inclusive world order.
- ISA/CDRI: Leading global initiatives for public goods.
Rationale: Amplifies voice, addresses transnational challenges, builds consensus. Challenges: Effectiveness tested by national interests.
Current Affairs & Recent Developments (Last 1 Year)
India's G20 Presidency (2023)
Defining event: New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, AU permanent membership, IMEC, DPI were key outcomes, showcasing leadership and consensus-building.
Source: G20.org, PIB.
SCO Summit Host (July 2023)
India hosted the SCO Heads of State Summit virtually; Iran became a full member, demonstrating India's engagement with Eurasian security/economic architecture.
Source: SCO official website, MEA.
BRICS Summit & Expansion (Aug 2023)
India participated in the South Africa Summit; decision to invite six new members (Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE from Jan 2024) reflects India's vision for inclusive multipolar world.
Source: BRICS official statements, international news.
COP28 (Dec 2023)
India actively participated in Dubai. Key outcomes: operationalization of Loss and Damage Fund (strongly advocated by India) and first Global Stocktake. Championed climate justice and CBDR-RC.
Source: UNFCCC, COP28 outcomes.
WEF Davos (Jan 2024)
India's delegation engaged with global investors, presenting India's growth story and investment opportunities.
Source: WEF, Indian media.
Raisina Dialogue (Feb 2024)
India's flagship geopolitics and geo-economics conference gathered global leaders, policymakers, academics to discuss pressing international issues.
Source: ORF, MEA.
UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims MCQs:
-
(2023) In the context of geopolitics, which of the following organizations has recently become a permanent member of the G20, largely due to India's advocacy?
- (a) African Development Bank
- (b) African Union (AU) ✓
- (c) East African Community (EAC)
- (d) Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
Hint: Directly on a major outcome of India's G20 Presidency.
-
(2021) With reference to the "Quad", consider the following statements:
- It is a strategic security dialogue between India, Japan, South Korea and the United States.
- It aims to promote a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" region.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only ✓
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Hint: Quad is a key forum for India's strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific. Statement 1 is incorrect as South Korea is not a member of Quad.
-
(2018) 'Doha Development Round' of the WTO talks stalled due to differences between:
- (a) Developed and Developing Countries ✓
- (b) Developed and Least Developed Countries
- (c) Developed Countries and BRICS Countries
- (d) Major trading blocs (e.g., EU and NAFTA)
Hint: India, as a leading developing country, plays a significant role in WTO negotiations, often aligning with developing countries.
Mains Questions:
-
(2021) "The global order is rapidly shifting from a unipolar to a multipolar world." Discuss the implications of this shift for India's foreign policy. (15 Marks)
Direction: India's active participation and leadership in forums like G20, BRICS, and SCO are prime examples of its foreign policy adaptation to a multipolar world, enabling it to shape global outcomes.
-
(2018) What are the main challenges to global governance in the contemporary world? Discuss the reforms necessary to make global governance institutions more effective. (15 Marks)
Direction: India's role in various summits (G20, UNGA, SCO) and its advocacy for reforms (UNSC, MDBs) are direct examples of its contribution to global governance.
-
(2017) "India's foreign policy is best understood through the lens of strategic autonomy, which blends elements of both realism and liberalism." Discuss. (15 Marks)
Direction: India's multi-alignment, exemplified by its simultaneous engagement in diverse forums like G20, BRICS, and its push for UN reform, is a core manifestation of its strategic autonomy.
Trend Analysis (UPSC Last 10 Years)
Prelims Trend:
- Earlier: Might have focused on basic facts about a forum's formation or membership.
- Current Trend: Questions are highly conceptual and specific, testing understanding of key outcomes of recent summits (e.g., AU in G20, IMEC, DPI from G20 Presidency), specific initiatives championed by India (Yoga Day, Millets Year, CCIT), and the strategic rationale behind India's participation in diverse groupings (BRICS, SCO, Quad). Strong emphasis on India's active leadership and its impact on global agenda-setting.
Mains Trend:
- Earlier: Could involve a general description of India's engagement with the UN or G20.
- Current Trend: Questions demand critical analysis of the significance of India's role, its diplomatic prowess, and the implications of its outcomes. Candidates are expected to: evaluate the success of major presidencies/hostings; analyze how India leverages these forums; discuss India's unique position as a bridge-builder; assess impact on global governance; utilize recent events and initiatives heavily.
Overall, UPSC seeks candidates who can articulate a nuanced, well-informed understanding of India's proactive multilateralism, its growing capacity to shape global discourse and outcomes, and its ambition to be a significant and responsible leading power in the 21st-century international order.
Original MCQs for Prelims
-
The "New Delhi Leaders' Declaration", adopted during India's G20 Presidency in 2023, is particularly significant for which of the following reasons?
- (a) It formally established a G20 standing army for peacekeeping.
- (b) It achieved a consensus statement on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, despite geopolitical divisions. ✓
- (c) It proposed the dissolution of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
- (d) It mandated all G20 members to adopt a common currency.
Explanation: The achievement of a consensus declaration on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, a highly contentious issue, was a major diplomatic success for India's G20 Presidency, demonstrating its ability to bridge divides.
-
"Raisina Dialogue", India's flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, is jointly organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and which of the following organizations?
- (a) Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
- (b) Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)
- (c) Observer Research Foundation (ORF) ✓
- (d) NITI Aayog
Explanation: The Raisina Dialogue is an annual conference organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Original Descriptive Questions for Mains
Question 1:
"India's G20 Presidency in 2023 marked a pivotal moment in its global leadership, showcasing its diplomatic prowess and commitment to a more inclusive world order. Analyze the key achievements and challenges faced during this presidency, and discuss their implications for India's foreign policy objectives." (15 Marks)
Key Points/Structure:
- Introduction: Acknowledge India's G20 Presidency as a landmark event and assert its significance for India's global leadership.
- Key Achievements: New Delhi Leaders' Declaration (consensus), AU Permanent Membership, IMEC, DPI emphasis, Green Development Pact, Women-led Development focus.
- Challenges Faced: Geopolitical Divisions (Ukraine, climate finance), High Expectations, Global Economic Headwinds.
- Implications for India's Foreign Policy Objectives: Enhanced Global Stature, Strategic Autonomy, Voice of Global South, Strengthened Multilateralism, Economic Diplomacy.
- Conclusion: Resounding success, propelling India's foreign policy and cementing its aspiration for a leading role.
Question 2:
"India's active participation in diverse multilateral forums like BRICS, SCO, and the Quad reflects its evolving 'multi-alignment' strategy in a complex multipolar world. Discuss the strategic rationale behind India's engagement in these seemingly disparate groupings and its implications for India's foreign policy." (20 Marks)
Key Points/Structure:
- Introduction: Define "multi-alignment" as India's contemporary foreign policy, exemplified by BRICS, SCO, and Quad.
- Strategic Rationale: Maximizing Options & Leverage, Diversifying Dependencies, Strategic Autonomy, Managing Great Power Rivalry, Addressing Transnational Challenges.
- Engagement in Specific Groupings: BRICS (economic, multipolarity), SCO (regional security, Eurasia), Quad (Indo-Pacific security, tech, climate).
- Implications for India's Foreign Policy: Enhanced Global Stature, Increased Influence, Bridge-building Role, Complex Diplomacy, No Exclusion.
- Conclusion: Pragmatic manifestation of multi-alignment, allowing India to pursue national interests and contribute to a more balanced multipolar world.