‘Bharat’ gets Inter-national Recognition !

The G20 Summit of 2023 was held at Bharat Mandapam, in the newly built International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex in New Delhi. PM Narendra Modi had recently inaugurated this magnificent Convention complex, which materialised from his own vision. Twenty countries representing 75% of the world’s population and 80% of its trade, participated in this Summit.

On the occasion, Bharat had organised approximately 250 meetings throughout the year in the country under different activities such as civil safety, environment. This introduced the Bharatiyas to the G20 Summit concept. Bharat’s impressive performance in hosting this Summit has earned it global recognition. A significant achievement of this Summit and a sign of Bharat’s rising power globally, was the Delhi Declaration that was agreed upon by all G20 member countries on the first day. This has happened for the first time. The participants included powerful countries such as the USA, UK, France, Russia, China, Germany, the European Union. The Declaration cleverly managed to put the Russia-Ukraine war among the important issues of the world, without offending Russia. Interestingly, Bharat also received China’s agreement on this issue, which definitely was a tough task.

The G20 member countries, Russia and China, did not appreciate the criticism of Russia in the G20 Declaration in the background of the Russia-Ukraine war, held in Indonesia last year. As a result, there was no consensus on the Delhi Declaration. Whereas Bharat’s current diplomacy was praised by the foreign media. It was a source of surprise for foreign journalists that the 2023 Delhi Declaration was accepted by all countries on the first day. Bharat’s diplomacy has surprised not only foreign journalists but senior politicians and foreign policy experts as well. It is difficult for a developing country to compel powerful countries to agree to a particular draft. Bharat went ahead and held talks with US President Joe Biden before the Summit and took an assurance from him that he will support Bharat’s permanent membership to the United Nations Security Council. In addition, an important agreement was signed with the US to obtain nuclear reactors, jet engines, higher capacity drones. The alliance of G20 countries is primarily for economic and financial issues, since the global economy has been hit hard during the Corona pandemic. This Summit would be helpful in dealing with situations where the economic equations of many countries have deteriorated. This is why, 44 Financial Institutions of the world are members of the G20 Summit. Bharat has been successful in reaping many benefits from the friendly member countries that attended. This Summit was not just a tea party or a theoretical meeting at the geo-political level, but turned out to be a good opportunity for Bharat. The gains from the Summit probably would not have been possible even by visiting these countries.

Connecting African countries

PM Narendra Modi recognised the importance of 55 African countries of the African Union and played a vital role in including them as permanent members of this Summit with the support of all the G20 member countries. This is also an example of Bharat’s efforts for unity at the international level. Thus, the developing African countries were also linked to this major Summit.

Bharat tried to reduce China’s influence in Asia and the South China Sea, by connecting with many countries to convince them to accept Bharat’s leadership. These efforts are succeeding. While China is trying to build the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) economic corridor to improve connectivity, trade, communication and cooperation between the countries of Eurasia, Bharat has proposed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a rail and shipping corridor that will connect India to Europe through West Asia. Countries in Asia and Europe will be connected through railways and ports. This route can be very useful for transporting goods and material. IMEC is seen as a response to China’s BRI. PM Narendra Modi has also proposed to launch a satellite for G20 countries to study environment and climate.

Showcasing Bharatiyaness

A replica of the wheel from the Konark Sun Temple was placed as a backdrop at the Bharat Mandapam, the Venue for the G20, where PM Narendra Modi was welcoming the Heads of State. The special feature of this Sun Temple was the pairs of 12 wheels at the base of the Temple. The rays of the Sun falling on these wheels indicate the time of the day. The Konark Temple is an example of how Bharat has advanced in the field of construction, science, etc. since ancient times. Through this, Bharat has displayed its progress during the ancient times to the countries of the world.

Throughout the G20 Summit, India was referred to as ‘Bharat’. Famous food delicacies from different regions of Bharat were presented at the banquets for foreign guests. While internationalising Bharat’s systems, PM Narendra Modi made a commendable effort to instil the spirit of Bharat in the foreigners by displaying its unique heritage, and to bring international recognition to Bharat’s capabilities.

Although it seems that Bharat has tried to conquer more than half the world, it will only be clear in the near future on how much these countries actually cooperate !

PM Modi made a commendable effort to instil the spirit of Bharat in the foreigners by displaying its unique heritage !