Imogen King By Imogen King, Political Science, Business and International Affairs Analyst
When India assumed the presidency of the G20 in December 2022, it inherited not only a platform of global economic leadership but also a world in profound flux. The war in Ukraine, rising inflation, food and energy insecurity, climate emergencies, and deepening geopolitical rivalries had fractured consensus among major powers. Against this backdrop, India’s tenure—culminating in the 2023 New Delhi Leaders’ Summit—emerged as a defining moment in the evolution of multilateral governance, particularly through its unwavering focus on the Global South.
For the first time in the G20’s history, the African Union was formally admitted as a full member during India’s presidency, a symbolic yet transformative decision that redefined the group’s geopolitical composition. This move, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscored India’s strategic vision: to amplify the voices of developing nations, reorient global institutions toward greater inclusivity, and challenge the long-standing dominance of Western-led economic architectures.
India’s theme—“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth, One Family, One Future”—was more than a philosophical statement. It served as a policy framework centred on sustainable development, equitable growth, and technological justice. At a time when trust in traditional multilateral institutions like the World Trade Organization and the International Monetary Fund was waning, India positioned the G20 as a pragmatic forum capable of delivering tangible outcomes for a broader cross-section of nations.
One of the most significant achievements was the adoption of the “G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration,” which included consensus on multiple contentious issues. Notably, the final text avoided direct condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—a diplomatic balancing act that preserved unity while acknowledging the war’s destabilising impact on global food and energy markets. Instead, the declaration called for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and reaffirmed respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty—language acceptable to both Western and non-aligned members.
Crucially, the declaration included strong commitments to addressing global hunger. With over 735 million people facing chronic undernourishment worldwide, India pushed for the creation of a G20 Food Security Dashboard to monitor supply chains, stockpiles, and export restrictions. The country also shared its experience with digital public infrastructure, particularly the Aadhaar-based Direct Benefit Transfer system, which has reduced leakage in food subsidy programmes and improved targeting of welfare schemes.
The integration of digital public infrastructure (DPI) into the G20 agenda marked a major policy innovation. India’s homegrown stack—comprising Aadhaar (identity), UPI (payments), and CoWIN (health)—has demonstrated how technology can enhance governance efficiency, financial inclusion, and service delivery. During its presidency, India advocated for the replication of such models in low- and middle-income countries, leading to the establishment of the G20 DPI Expert Group and the launch of the “Digital Public Infrastructure Repository” hosted by the IMF and World Bank.
This initiative has already inspired similar systems in countries like Indonesia, Ghana, and Bhutan. In Nepal, a UPI-inspired payment platform was rolled out in 2024, enabling instant cross-border transactions with India and reducing reliance on cash. For small economies, adopting interoperable digital systems could cut administrative costs by up to 30%, according to World Bank estimates.
Climate finance and energy transition were also central to India’s agenda. While developed nations have repeatedly failed to meet the $100 billion annual climate finance pledge to developing countries, India demanded accountability. The New Delhi Declaration called for reforming multilateral development banks to increase lending capacity and improve access to concessional finance. It also endorsed the Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) model, urging donor countries to support coal-dependent economies in shifting to renewables without compromising energy security.
India’s own energy transition strategy—targeting 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2070—was presented as a model of pragmatic decarbonisation. Unlike wealthier nations, India argued, developing countries cannot afford abrupt phase-outs of fossil fuels. Instead, they require technology transfer, affordable financing, and time-bound support to balance growth with sustainability.
The G20 also endorsed India’s proposal for a “Green Development Pact,” aimed at aligning infrastructure investments with climate resilience. This includes promoting climate-smart agriculture, sustainable urban planning, and nature-based solutions. As part of this, India committed to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 and increasing forest cover to 33% of its total area.
Beyond economics and environment, India leveraged its presidency to advance cultural diplomacy. The G20 logo, inspired by the national emblem at Sarnath, and the use of traditional Indian motifs in summit branding projected a vision of civilisational continuity. Events showcasing classical dance, yoga, and Ayurveda were not mere symbolism—they reinforced the idea that global governance must also embrace diverse knowledge systems.
Perhaps the most enduring legacy of India’s presidency was its emphasis on “leading from behind.” Rather than imposing an agenda, India engaged in extensive shuttle diplomacy, hosting over 200 meetings across 44 cities. It consulted not only member states but also guest countries, regional organisations, and civil society groups, including the Voice of the Global South Summit—a virtual gathering of 125 nations held months before the main summit.
This consultative approach built trust and allowed smaller nations to shape outcomes. For instance, small island developing states (SIDS) successfully advocated for greater recognition of ocean-based climate solutions, while landlocked African countries pushed for improved transport corridors to access global markets.
India’s success also highlighted the growing influence of the “non-aligned middle”—a coalition of countries refusing to be drawn into US-China rivalry. Nations like Indonesia, Brazil, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye increasingly view forums like the G20 as arenas to assert autonomy, demand reform, and pursue independent foreign policies. India, with its historical ties to the Global South and growing strategic autonomy, is uniquely positioned to lead this cohort.
However, challenges remain. The G20 is not a formal international organisation with enforcement mechanisms. Its declarations are non-binding, and follow-through depends on political will. While the New Delhi Declaration was widely praised, implementation of its commitments has been uneven. Climate finance flows remain below targets, and digital infrastructure projects face hurdles in data privacy and regulatory alignment.
Moreover, internal contradictions persist. India’s own coal production reached record highs in 2023 to meet energy demand, raising questions about the pace of its green transition. Critics also point out that while advocating for Global South solidarity, India has at times prioritised bilateral trade deals over collective bargaining in multilateral forums.
Still, the broader shift is undeniable. India’s presidency demonstrated that a developing country can steer a major global forum with credibility, inclusivity, and vision. It redefined leadership not as dominance but as facilitation—bridging divides, amplifying marginalised voices, and delivering practical solutions.
For New Zealand and other Pacific nations, the implications are significant. As small economies vulnerable to climate change, supply chain disruptions, and financial volatility, they stand to benefit from a more representative and responsive global order. India’s push for digital interoperability, for example, could enable easier remittances, trade, and access to education and health services across the Indo-Pacific.
Similarly, the emphasis on climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable finance aligns with New Zealand’s regional development priorities. Collaborative initiatives under the G20 framework—such as early warning systems for natural disasters or joint research on blue economies—offer avenues for deeper engagement.
Looking ahead, India’s G20 legacy sets a precedent for future presidencies. Countries like Brazil, South Africa, and Indonesia—also from the Global South—are expected to build on this momentum. The demand for reformed multilateralism is no longer rhetorical; it is becoming institutional.
As geopolitical tensions persist and global challenges grow more complex, the need for inclusive, action-oriented forums has never been greater. India’s presidency proved that when the Global South is given space to lead, the entire world stands to gain.
Excerpt: India’s 2023 G20 presidency marked a turning point in global governance, placing the Global South at the heart of economic, digital, and climate discussions. By prioritising inclusivity, practical solutions, and South-South cooperation, it redefined what multilateral leadership can look like in the 21st century.
