Date : 23/12/2023

Relevance: GS Paper 2- International Relations - Indian policies at the global level

Keywords: G 20, International Solar Alliance (ISA), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), Mission LiFE, production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, International Year of Millets (IYoM2023)

Context-

In a world marked by geopolitical conflicts and post-pandemic economic struggles, India's leadership in the G20 has emerged as a beacon of hope. Despite doubts, India successfully garnered consensus on vital issues like Sustainable Development Goals, economic stability, digital infrastructure, and climate action. The country's commitment to a human-centric vision of peace, exemplified by its assistance during the pandemic, has strengthened its image as a credible global power. At this critical juncture, India's leadership provides a ray of unity and cooperation for a world grappling with unprecedented challenges.

Indian leadership:

• Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India has transformed from a global observer to a key player shaping outcomes. A notable instance is the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 at the New Delhi Summit, showcasing India's commitment to 'leaving none behind' and making the G20 more representative.
• The positive outcomes from the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration align with various initiatives by the Modi government, including the vaccine assistance program, the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
• PM Modi's proposed Green Grids Initiative, One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG), adds to this list.

Climate Change Crisis:

• In addressing climate change, India advocates a unique approach, emphasizing individual behavior through Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
• Codified as the G20 High-Level Principles on Lifestyles for Sustainable Development, this mission aims to create a global network of individuals committed to eco-friendly lifestyles.
• India has already surpassed its Paris Agreement Goals, with ambitious targets for 2030, positioning itself as a world leader in clean energy.
• PM Modi's announcement of installing 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity and reducing economic emission intensity by 45% by 2030 underscores India's commitment to clean energy transition and global climate mitigation.
• India's updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) align with its long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. In major multilateral institutions, India's presence signifies its proactive role on the global stage.

Clean Energy:

• At the G7 Summit in June 2022, PM Modi highlighted India's strides in clean energy, showcasing achievements such as the world's first solar-operated airport and exceeding the non-fossil energy capacity target nine years ahead of schedule. India has formed bilateral clean energy partnerships with the EU, Japan, and the US.
• The US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (USISCEP) and the EU-India Clean Energy and Climate Partnership (CECP) focus on various pillars to advance energy security, innovation, and clean energy technologies.
• India aims to become a major player in global energy trade, particularly in hydrogen, and potentially serve as a net energy exporter. PM Modi envisions India as a key contributor to green hydrogen and other critical areas to combat climate change.

Resilient Supply Chain:

• To enhance supply chain resilience, India initiated a $10 billion production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme to boost chip manufacturing.
• The Semicon India program aims to establish India as a vital player in global semiconductor supply chains.
• Additionally, the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative with Australia and Japan aims to diversify supply chains away from China, addressing potential disruptions in critical resources essential for green technologies.

Digital Infrastructure:

• India's digital transformation, spurred by the Digital India initiative launched in 2015, has positioned it as one of the fastest-growing digital economies globally. With a focus on enhancing internet affordability and accessibility, the initiative has led to a surge in mobile ownership.
• Government technology adoption has increased transparency in governance, with real-time digital transactions in 2021 reaching 48 billion, surpassing global figures.
• Internationally, India's UIDAI, Aadhaar, and unified payment portals have garnered interest as a model for linking its vast population seamlessly.

Yoga and Ayurveda

• The country's holistic approach to health, blending traditional practices like yoga and Ayurveda, gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• India's free vaccine contributions to nearly 100 countries and its emphasis on preventive healthcare, including yoga and Ayurvedic medicine, showcased its commitment to global well-being.
• The government's promotion of Ayurvedic medicine during the pandemic, coupled with the global sharing of open-source apps like CoWIN and Arogya Setu, marked India's contribution to digital public goods.

International Year of Millets

• Additionally, the declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYoM2023) by the United Nations reflects India's recognition of millets' nutritional value and their potential to address food security challenges.
• Millets have gained popularity as a gluten-free substitute, contributing to enhanced nutritional intake and immunity, especially amid lifestyle diseases and refined diets.

Conclusion

In the past nine years, India's trajectory has undergone a remarkable transformation, entering the era of Kartavya Kaal. This period presents a golden opportunity for unprecedented scientific, technological, economic, and social progress. As India approaches its centenary of Independence in 2047, the nation aspires to become a responsible global power, driven by the collective efforts of its people, especially the youth. India's commitment to leadership and contributions to the greater good has positioned it as a Vishwa Mitra (global friend), Vishwa Guru (global teacher), and Vishwa Vaid (global physician), standing out amidst others entangled in trade, military, or ideological conflicts.

Source- The Hindu