NHS Media held a conversation with Anuttama Banerji, who is a Political Analyst based in New Delhi. The key focus of the conversation was on the recently held G20 Summit in India.
Key Points:
- India’s successful hosting of the G20 summit is seen as a significant achievement that reflects its ability to manage large-scale international events. It’s a point of pride for the country and underscores Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
- Prime Minister Modi’s energetic and dynamic approach to global affairs has resonated positively with the Indian youth. They view him as a leader capable of delivering results, and his engagement in foreign policy is seen as integral to India’s domestic priorities.
- Modi’s active engagement on the global stage has helped improve India’s international reputation and dispel stereotypes about the country. This engagement has also bridged trust deficits and showcased India as a responsible global player.
- India is committed to enhancing connectivity with its neighbors, including Bangladesh, as part of its Act East Policy. While India has concerns about China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), it maintains its vision for connectivity projects, focusing on economic development and stability.
- India’s engagement with the Muslim world is not driven solely by religious considerations but is based on shared interests, economics, and regional stability. It aims to strengthen historical ties and benefit from the economic growth and stability in the region.
Anuttama Banerji said that India’s recent hosting of the G20 summit has been widely regarded as a significant achievement. The event, which took place on a global stage, showcased India’s ability to organize and execute such a massive gathering flawlessly. It has been a matter of immense pride for all Indians, and it reflects the leadership of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His vision to host the G20 around India’s 75th Independence Day underscored the significance of the event.
She said that the media portrayal of the event has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting India’s role as the host nation. This achievement also carries significant diplomatic weight, as it brought together numerous countries, including Bangladesh, Egypt, and the African Union, as part of the G20. This reflects India’s growing influence and its commitment to playing a more prominent role on the global stage, particularly in the context of the Global South.
Anuttama Banerji believes that Prime Minister Modi’s active engagement in international affairs, despite being in his seventies, has resonated positively with the Indian youth. His energy and dynamism have given rise to a perception that he can deliver results. While there may be differing opinions on his leadership, he remains a prominent face of Indian politics with no clear successor in sight.
Moreover, Modi’s focus on foreign policy aligns with his domestic priorities. Events like the G20 summit play a crucial role in shaping India’s global image and showcasing its strengths. This proactive engagement has contributed to improving India’s reputation internationally, dismantling stereotypes, and bridging trust deficits.
India’s diplomatic efforts also extend to regions beyond the Middle East and Europe. Anuttama Banerji stated that country is committed to enhancing connectivity with its neighbors, including Bangladesh, as part of its Act East Policy. India’s foray into the Middle East has yielded positive results, with growing ties, especially in the context of the Indian diaspora. These relationships have become mutually beneficial, contributing to India’s stability and reliability as a partner in development projects.
She highlighted that Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), led by China, has been a significant geopolitical concern for India. India has expressed reservations about BRI projects, particularly when they traverse disputed territories. Nevertheless, India remains open to improving connectivity and has its own vision for connectivity projects, such as the Look East Policy and the Act East Policy.
Regarding China, she was of the view that India’s approach to BRI is rooted in concerns about territorial integrity and sovereignty. While India’s focus is primarily on connectivity and economic development, it also maintains a strategic perspective. The absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit was noted, as it missed an opportunity for bilateral discussions on contentious issues along the border. India remains committed to peaceful negotiations and conflict resolution.
She argued that India’s engagement with Saudi Arabia and the Middle East is not solely motivated by countering China or bridging historical gaps with the Muslim world. These relationships are deeply rooted in historical, cultural, and civilizational ties. Economic development, stability in the region, and the Indian diaspora have all contributed to the strengthening of these ties.
India’s approach to the Muslim world is holistic and not driven by religious considerations. It engages with Muslim-majority countries based on shared interests, economics, and regional stability. While Prime Minister Modi’s outreach to the Muslim world has been portrayed positively, it should be seen as part of his broader diplomatic strategy rather than a singular focus on religious diplomacy.
In conclusion, she said that India’s recent endeavors on the global stage, including hosting the G20 summit, signify its growing influence and diplomatic engagement. While challenges remain, India’s proactive approach to foreign policy, energy diversification, and regional cooperation are shaping its role as a prominent player in the evolving geopolitical landscape. The country’s engagements with the Middle East and Muslim-majority nations reflect its commitment to forging mutually beneficial relationships that extend beyond religious boundaries.
