In A Happy Coincidence, India Is Helming Three Multilateral Bodies Simultaneously

NEW DELHI: On 1 December India formally took over the leadership of the G20—the influential global high table for managing economic cooperation. About two months ago, India also assumed the Presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the multilateral body which seeks to ensure stability and security across EuroAsia. Finally, India is also the serving President of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), entrusted with the task of maintaining international peace and security. Together, this provides a rare opportunity for India to influence global opinion and action. Will India seize this opportunity? The prevailing international context—defined by extremely challenging security, economic and humanitarian circumstances—ensures that India’s leadership potential and acumen will be severely tested. To understand the implications of India assuming the G20 presidency we spoke to Gautam Bambawale, the vastly experienced diplomat and also someone who served as India’s Ambassador to China.