The global role of India, which is holding the G-20 presidency, in addressing the current “global challenges” remains “indispensable”, an Indian think-tanker has said.
Manish Chand, the Director of Centre for Global Insights (CGII), told a conference in New Delhi on Wednesday that “India is now seen as the voice of moderation and reason, without which no global issue can be solved”.
The remarks were made at the conference, ‘Making India Count: Role of Youth, Academia and Intellectuals’, at Delhi University’s Miranda House.
The event was also addressed by Muktesh Pardeshi, Special Secretary, India’s G-20 Secretariat, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in India Shombi Sharp and Professor Bijaylaxmi Nanda, the Principal of Miranda House, among other notable people.
‘The World is in Grips of 3Cs’
Chand highlighted that India’s G-20 presidency was taking place as the world was in the grips of 3Cs, which he referred to as "crisis, conflict and chaos".
"In such a fraught situation, India’s G20 presidency has emerged as a beacon of hope, harmony and healing," Chand remarked.
He said that New Delhi has a “unique opportunity” as the G20 chair to “bridge divisions in the world and advance the global well-being”.
Chand further remarked that the youth, academia, and intellectuals could play a "vital role" in the success of India's G-20 presidency.
"By harnessing the energies of civil society actors and the power of youth, the G20 can become a catalyst for transformation of the world, which is currently assailed by multiple crises," Chand stated.
The remarks come amid ongoing differences between Russia, China, and the western nations over the inclusion of ‘Bali geopolitical paragraphs” in the outcome document of key ministerial meetings held under India’s G-20 presidency this year.
While these ministerial meetings have concluded without a joint communique, New Delhi has expressed confidence that it will be able to work out a unanimously-adopted joint statement at the G-20 Leaders’ Summit, scheduled to take place in New Delhi on 9-10 September.