Roving Periscope: Russia-Ukraine war looms large as India heads G20 for 2023
Virendra Pandit
New Delhi: With India taking charge as President of the Group of 20 (G20) biggest economies on Thursday for the coming year 2023, the inconclusive Russia-Ukraine war, which started on February 24 this year, is likely to loom large on the proceedings of the group in the year ahead.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is now leading the group from the front, also signaled that the war in Ukraine is a challenge for India as the G20 host.
India took over the Presidency of G20 from Indonesia in November at the 17th Summit of the group.
“Humanity’s challenges can’t be solved by fighting… but by acting together”, he said, adding, India’s G20 presidency will reflect its tradition of seeking harmony between all.
Various events of the G20, which will culminate in the leaders’ Summit in November 2023, will be organized in around 50 different locations across the length and breadth of the South Asian country, showcasing its varied and rich cultural and historical heritage.
In an editorial in The Times of India, PM Modi said the world remains “trapped in the same zero-sum mindset.” “We see it when countries fight over territory or resources. We see it when supplies of essential goods are weaponized.”
The comment underscores New Delhi’s balancing act, especially for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine, as it hosts G-20 meetings. The Modi government has positioned India as a driving force of unity when it hosts the Summit and events that precede it.
“Our G20 priorities will be shaped in consultation with not just our G20 partners, but also our fellow travelers in the global South, whose voice often goes unheard,” he wrote.
A few months ago, PM Modi urged President Putin to seek peace in Ukraine. Even China is concerned that the conflict is roiling the global economy.
India will try to build consensus among nations to “depoliticize” the supply chains of food and fertilizer made scarce by the war, Modi said.
India has abstained from United Nations votes to condemn Russia’s war in Ukraine and held back from participating in the US-led efforts against Moscow. Import-dependent, New Delhi had to snap up cheaper Russian oil for its economic benefit.
Modi also took a dig at the West for hoarding Covid-19 vaccines “even as billions remain vulnerable.”
Earlier, India said it would use the G20 Presidency to focus on climate action, energy security, stronger public health systems, and speed up the 2030 sustainable development goals.
