G20: INDIAN VOICE FOR GLOBAL SOUTH

APPRECIATION OF INDIA’S G20 PRESIDENCY AND DEBATES ON ITS FUTURE COURSE DOMINATED THE ROUNDTABLE ATTENDED BY FOREIGN DIGNITARIES AND EXPERTS

A successful presidency of the G20, according to India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, is dependent on three factors: it has to be action-oriented and inclusive, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated, with the political narrative of India's development story being an important element; the priorities and issue notes India has spelt out, and the organisation of G20 events in a distinct manner-across all states. Kant was speaking at the roundtable discussion on India's presidency of the G20, the progress made and how it can be made more effective, at the India Today Conclave 2023. The roundtable was attended by ambassadors of various nations, foreign policy experts and prominent economists and heads of organisations. INDIA TODAY organised it in collaboration with Bertelsmann Stiftung, a German foundation that works for global social reform. Kant said India has adopted the ancient Sanskrit principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam-one earth, one family, one future-as the theme for its year of G20 presidency. He expressed hope that amid challenging times-conflict, recession and a looming debt crisis confronting many nations-world leaders who will meet in New Delhi on September 9-10 for the G20 leaders' summit will focus on inclusive and sustainable growth. India's G20 Sherpa spoke about the UN's Sustainable Development Goals on education, health and food security and their importance for the Global South. He pointed out that in the G20 meetings of finance ministers and central bank governors, there was full consensus on all economic, finance and developmental issues.