NON ALIGNED ERA TO G-7 TO G-20 : ROLE PLAYED BY INDIA

No country could survive on its own, especially after facing the vagaries of infamous, infructuous and unnecessary World Wars. At the concluding phase of which worst happened in the form of catastrophe at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Efforts were made to forget and forgive by a community of nations after World War I . It led to the birth of the League of Nations. Before it could thrash out issues, deliberate, reach a consensus and come to a firm discussion stage, World War II broke out.

For the first time, all pervading U.K. began losing its centuries old hold over world affairs. Way for supremacy of the U.S.A. was thus paved, in a clear and cunning manner.

Instead of providing positive leadership to nations at large, the USA and four other so-called “permanent” members of newly formed United Nations Organisation (U.N.O.) have become Stumbling Blocks. Today a stage has come when UNO can not or refrains from giving command in any situation. As also no nation happens to be in listening mode.

COVID-19 CRISIS

During Covid-19, the biggest crisis of the century which led to loss of millions of lives, UNO & its sister organisations have proved utter failures.

There have been demands that it is high time U.N.O. is dispensed with.

Why only UNO, organisations like N.A.M, C.H.O.G.M, European Union, African Union, ASEAN etc came to the forefront, played crucial roles according to demand of times but only three of them are not only ‘alive’, but are also providing Invitee status to ‘other countries. This is done, by bypassing the dictum of geographical contiguity.

In addition, new international organisations, such as, B.R.I.C.S. and S.C.O., started rather late, are attempting to play a “parallel” role. Mostly their members (India being member of both) are opposed to Group-7 and the hegemony of USA and its Dollar in general , by stressing the need for Multilateralism.A definite momentum was generated after Tianjin Summit of S.C.O. on September 1, 2025, when over twenty Heads of States met.

RELAXATION OF MEMBERSHIP

In the opinion of undersigned, relaxation in membership of such crucial world bodies weakens a body, thus paving way for superpower intervention and makes a mockery of situations when the same powers DO NOT come forward to aid & support in a crisis situation ,such as, Covid.

One burning example : Canada purchased Covid vaccines more than the requirements of its sparse and rich population while most African nations were struggling for it. India did go with a massive consignment of vaccines but W.H.O. faltered in the background of ferocious criticism of its working from President Donald Trump.

A LOOK AT BYGONE ERA

NON ALIGNED MOVEMENT (NAM)

When Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India, Jamal Abdel Nasser, President of Egypt (erstwhile U.A.R.) and Marshal Joship Broz Tito, President of erstwhile Yugoslavia came together firmly, the world was taken aback. Birth of NAM became a Reality in 1961.

Born in November 1889, Nehru, though concerned with growing Chinese threat, was already a World leader and Tito had proved too tough for the Soviet strongman, Stalin as early as 1948. Never becoming a Soviet Puppet, he had maintained a safe distance from NATO and Warsaw Pact Signatories till his death on 4th May 1980.

Nasser, who inspired and motivated Arab masses with his effective and convincing Radio broadcasts from North Africa, was known for his charisma and Pan Arabic populism till his expiry on 28th September, 1970.

Under this dynamic and proactive TRIO, NAM grew in strength and stature and was sustained in a more strong manner. However, this community of nations too was destined to bow out one day.

ADVENT OF G-7

G-7 or Group of 7 countries, viz, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, U.K., USA and Canada was established in 1975 as a platform for economic and financial co-operation in response to the infamous Energy Crisis of 1973. Initially six countries came together, with Canada joining the bandwagon in 1976. It was followed by the European Union in 1977.

The conglomeration does not have a permanent office or Secretariat like UNO and it does not have any legal status either. It is headed on an yearly basis by one of the Heads of Member States, on a rotational basis. Though the European Council and European Commission both are members, neither of them can hold a rotating presidency.

Incidentally, G-7 later became G-8 with the inclusion of Russia but its membership was suspended in 2014 following its illegal annexation of Crimea.

Gradually countries like India, Saudi Arabia and some others were given Invitee status in this powerful forum of rich nations, but they have presence for the sake of presence only. Accordingly, participation in such useless summits by India needs to be reviewed and avoided.

G-7, however, appears to have grown in strength and status from an ad hoc gathering to more formal and prominent forum to address crucial global issues and from 1996, ministerial level meetings of G-7 are also being organised to address important issues and summits and planned accordingly.

GROUP OF 20 & INDIA

An international forum like G-7 having 19 countries and two organisations viz, European Union and African Union, G-20 came to the forefront in 1999 in the wake of the Asian Financial Crisis. But unfortunately, right from the beginning, original G-7 members ALSO happen to be members of G-20. Why ?

Its objectives are to work for economic co-operation, climate change, health, trade and to take anti- corruption measures. Like G-7, it does not have a permanent office and its chairmanship too is rotated among the Heads of States of Member countries. Decisions are supposed to be unanimous. Two tracks are followed for that : Financial and Sherpa.

India is a member of this emerging powerful body right from day one. Other prominent ones being, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, South Korea, Australia and Turkiye.

India’s importance was clearly visible during the September 23 to 25, 2023 Summit in New Delhi, when it played host to perfection. Record number of preparatory meetings, debates and seminars were held at as many as 90 venues. As these were held in many cities and resorts, growth and publicity to tourist centres and solid boost to Indian culture and handicrafts was ensured.

Similar presence and seriousness was also reflected when Brazil hosted the summit in December 2024. The President of Brazil expressed full confidence in the tact and expertise of the Indian Prime Minister.

Before we discuss what transpired during the G-20 summit in Johannesburg , South Africa on 22nd November, this EMERGING GROUP needs to think and concentrate on the relevance of continuance of G-7 members. It may be advisable to gradually phase out/ finish off the membership of countries such as, U.S.A and U.K., to begin with.This may ensure more strength, independence and transparency.

PM NARENDRA MODI IN SOUTH AFRICA

At the outset, Sri Narendra Modi expressed satisfaction over the fact that the historic initiatives taken at G-20 summit at N.Delhi were “furthered” in G-20 at South Africa. Inclusion of the African Union in the Delhi summit was a reflection of representation of Global South.

NARCO TERRORISM

Old irritant of Narco terrorism or Drug-terror nexus was rightly flagged by P.M.of India as a serious challenge to global security. It was also a major means for financing the menace of terrorism.Trafficking of Fentanyl, a rapidly spreading drug was adequately highlighted. He rightly proposed a G-20 initiative on countering the prevailing nexus to weaken the drug terror economy.

This is not the first time India is saying so. But the end result is widely known also in view of the fact that a mechanism of U.N. Drug Demand Reduction already exists.The very existence of Afghanistan and return of Taliban reflect this naked reality.

HEALTH ISSUES

In addition, it was good for the P.M. to propose formation of a G-20 Global Healthcare Response Team, comprising six crucial ideas. It would be very useful in emergencies, such as, Covid and many challenging natural hazards.

BOOST TO SKILLS IN AFRICA

Specially reaching out to Africa, he went on to propose a G-20-Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative aimed at training one million certified trainers over the next ten years.

A key issue of global economic growth was touched by the P.M.at the Johannesburg meet.He was candid in saying that present parameters of growth had left a large population deprived of required resources. In addition, over exploitation of natural resources was causing serious concern, especially in Africa. In his opinion, there was a need to learn from the communities that have preserved their traditional & “Eco- balanced” lifestyles. With a view thereof, he proposed creation of a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository.

SPACE TECHNOLOGY FOR ENTIRE HUMANITY

Highlighting another key area of ensuring benefit of Space Technology to entire humanity ,the P.M.proposed a G-20 Open Satellite Data Partnership for making data and analysis more accessible.

Later crucial issues with active participation of India were discussed threadbare :

Role of critical minerals for clean energy, digital public infrastructure, women led development, disaster resilience, climate finance, And

Measures To Take under LIFE (Life style for Sustainable Development).

CONCLUSION

Leaders and their charisma play a vital role in sustaining initiatives, both domestically and externally, especially when terrorism keeps coming back with fresh recruits, tentacles and misuse of latest technological advances. But when confronted with cunning and revengeful leaders, any nation has to face music under the garb of raised tariff.Thus collectivities are destined to be weakened, if not vanquished.

Show has gone on, it would go on with sustenance of regional entities like ASEAN, E.U. and African Union, together with bigger Groups, such as, G-7, G-20, BRICS & S.C.O. But the current hyper activity of the U.S.A. under Donald Trump has to be toned down in the overall interest of humanity. U.N.O. too may have to be wound up soon, as it has outlived its utility long before the onset of Covid-19.

(The author is former Chief Secretary, Sikkim)