India has successfully hosted the 100th G20 meeting, the Meeting of Agriculture Chief Scientists (MACS) in Varanasi. This is a significant milestone for India as the country holds the G20 Presidency for the first time. The G20 Presidency was handed over to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the G20 Bali Summit on 16 November 2022. India’s year-long G20 Presidency began on 1 December 2022 and will continue until 30 November 2023.
During its Presidency, India has planned a series of meetings and conferences across the country. Apart from the MACS meeting, three other meetings were also held simultaneously, including the 2nd Health Working Group in Goa, the 2nd Digital Economy Working Group in Hyderabad, and the Space Economy Leaders’ Precursor Meeting in Shillong. The G20 comprises 19 countries and the European Union, representing around 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.
India’s G20 Presidency has seen one of the largest in-person participations, with over 12,300 delegates from over 110 nationalities attending G20-related meetings so far. This includes participation from G20 members, nine invitee countries, and 14 international organizations. Meetings have been held in 41 cities, covering 28 states and union territories. During India’s G20 Presidency, foreign delegates will be hosted for over 200 G20-related meetings in around 60 cities across India, the widest geographical spread in any G20 Presidency.
India has also operationalized a new Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), a new Engagement Group “Startup 20,” and a new Initiative Chief Science Advisers’ Roundtable (CSAR) in its G20 Presidency. The 11 Engagement Groups provide a platform for dialogue among the private sector, academia, civil society, youth, women, and institutions including the parliaments, audit authorities, and urban administrations.
Three Ministerial meetings have been held so far, including the first Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting (FMCBG) in Bengaluru on 24-25 February 2023, the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM) in New Delhi on 1-2 March 2023, and the second FMCBG meeting in Washington DC on 12-13 April 2023. The FMCBG, FMM, and Sherpa meetings saw record, high-level in-person participation from all delegations with Ministerial-level dignitaries. The Ministerial meetings concluded with outcome documents that fostered consensus on G20’s shared priorities.
During its Presidency, India is also amplifying the voice and concerns of the Global South and developing countries. The Voice of Global South Summit held in January 2023 was attended by 125 countries, including 18 at Heads of State/Government level and others at Ministerial level. Furthermore, during India’s ongoing Presidency, participation from Africa is the highest ever, which includes South Africa (G20 Member), Mauritius, Egypt, Nigeria, AU Chair – Comoros, and AUDA-NEPAD.
India’s G20 Presidency theme, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” meaning “One Earth. One Family. One Future” symbolizes India’s pro-planet approach and growth amidst challenges. The G20 logo, designed in the colours of India’s national flag, represents the same. The participation of delegates from all over the world and the various initiatives taken by India reflect the country’s commitment to work towards a sustainable and inclusive future for all.
