Global South seeks to put its imprint on G20

Together, India and Brazil, along with their counterparts in the Global South, are laying the groundwork for a future that reflects the true diversity of the world's nations

- Harsh Vardhan Shringla

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's leadership of the G20 delivered a rare consensus outcome in New Delhi under the Indian presidency, last year, in the face of geopolitical headwinds. This was a turning point for the G20. Originally a group of finance ministers and central bankers, the G20 has become one of the most consequential international bodies currently.

PM Modi used the Indian G20 presidency to inject his concept of human-centric globalisation, his vision of "one earth, one family, one future"; and his emphasis on digital public infrastructure into international discourse.

At a time when the world is grappling with lopsided results of earlier models of development and growth and its costs such as the climate crisis, volatility, and inequality, PM Modi's thoughts have found acceptance and have been globally mainstreamed.

Building on such innovations, the G20 is increasingly providing responses to the challenges posed to the worldwide governance structure, currently centred around the United Nations (UN) system, by changes in the global order. As these changes continue, and accelerate, the G20 will gain further importance.