Shashi Tharoor, a prominent Congress leader, has applauded India’s diplomatic achievement in securing the New Delhi Declaration at the 18th G20 Summit. Tharoor commended the Narendra Modi-led government for successfully garnering consensus among member states on this significant declaration. However, in his assessment of the summit, he also raised concerns about the government’s utilization of the G20 Summit for political purposes and its exclusion of the democratic opposition.
Tharoor acknowledged the New Delhi Declaration as a “diplomatic triumph for India.” He highlighted the challenges leading up to the summit, where the possibility of an agreement and a joint communique was uncertain. The main point of contention was the divergence of opinions on condemning the Russian war in Ukraine, with Russia and China opposing any mention of the matter. India played a crucial role in bridging this gap and achieving a diplomatic milestone.
During the G20 Summit held under India’s presidency, Tharoor noted a significant departure from previous events. He remarked that the government transformed it into a “people’s G20,” with 200 meetings conducted in 58 cities, extensive public engagement, university connect programs, and involvement of civil societies. This approach, according to Tharoor, aimed to make the G20 more accessible to the general public but also raised concerns about the ruling party’s efforts to capitalize on the event for political gain.
Tharoor commented on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal to hold a virtual G20 session in November to review suggestions and proposals made during the summit. While acknowledging the government’s right to take such action, he noted that the celebration of the ruling party’s leadership in organizing the event, with references to the “Vishwaguru concept” and extensive posters of Prime Minister Modi in Delhi, had drawn attention and raised questions.
One of the critical issues raised by Tharoor was the exclusion of the democratic opposition from the G20 Summit. He criticized the central government for not inviting opposition leaders, citing it as unfortunate that a country known as the “Mother of Democracy” excluded its democratic opposition from a global event. Tharoor emphasized the absence of accommodation and conciliation in the domestic context, contrasting it with the spirit of cooperation displayed in achieving the New Delhi Declaration.
The government’s decision not to invite any opposition leader to the President’s dinner for G20 delegates, except for the chief ministers of opposition-ruled states, had drawn criticism from both the Congress and other opposition parties. Tharoor expressed disappointment at the “complete failure” to involve the Opposition in the G20 event and urged for a more inclusive approach.
As India reflects on its successful hosting of the G20 Summit and the achievements therein, Tharoor’s comments shed light on the delicate balance between diplomacy, political strategy, and inclusivity in such high-profile international gatherings.
Sources By Agencies
