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India’s G20 Presidency to focus on Arctic and its impact on world

India is the only developing country, apart from China, to have a permanent research station in the Arctic since 2008. India has undertaken 13 scientific expeditions to the Arctic since 2007, reported Bisen…reports Asian Lite News

India’s G20 Presidency is an opportunity to resume focus on the Arctic and its impact on the world as there is a complete lack of engagement between Russia and the West in the aftermath of the Moscow-Kyiv conflict, reported The Arctic Institute.

In protest against Russia’s actions, on 3 March 2022, seven (A7) of the eight members of the Arctic Council (AC), announced a historic suspension of participation in all activities of the council. This was followed on the same day by the Nordic Council of Ministers. Much of the research and data sharing between scientists has been put on hold due to restrictions imposed by funding agencies in Europe and the US. Several field experiments originally planned for the region have shifted to the North American or European Arctic.

The relevance of the Arctic for India can be broadly explained under three categories: Scientific Research, Climate Change and Environment; Economic and Human Resources; and Geopolitical and strategic reasons, said Anurag Bisen, a Research Fellow at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses.

The Arctic and the Himalayas, though geographically distant, are interconnected and share similar concerns.

The Arctic meltdown is helping the Indian scientific community to better understand the glacial melt in the Himalayas, which has often been referred to as the ‘third pole’ and has the largest freshwater reserves after the North and South Poles.

The changes occurring in the Arctic are yet to be understood fully, but apart from affecting global weather, climate, and ecosystems, they also influence the monsoons in India and have a significant negative impact on India’s economy as well as other human and development indices, reported The Arctic Institute.

Moreover, India is the only developing country, apart from China, to have a permanent research station in the Arctic since 2008. India has undertaken 13 scientific expeditions to the Arctic since 2007, reported Bisen.

The rising sea levels can have a significant impact not only on India’s 1,300 island territories and maritime features and the welfare of 1.3 billion Indians but also on India’s immediate neighbourhood.

There are also some good consequences arising out of global warming-induced changes in the Arctic. The warming Arctic is leading to increased availability and accessibility of resources. The Arctic has the potential to secure India’s energy and rare earth mineral deficiencies.

For India, geopolitically, the Arctic is of special significance as its two most significant strategic partners, the United States and Russia, and its principal adversary, China, are locked in an ever-increasing direct strategic contestation.

While India has adroitly balanced the geo-political and geo-economic ramifications arising out of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, it needs to remain engaged in the Arctic region, to secure its increasing national interests, said Bisen.

The resumption of scientific exchange is an imperative that can be ignored only at the cost of collective detriment to the world. Since there is a deep trust deficit in the Arctic, the resumption of scientific exchanges will need a mediator with legitimacy, credibility, and acceptability of all member states.

No other country and organisation other than India and G20 fit the bill, reported The Arctic Institute, said Bisen.

Promotion of security and stability in the Arctic region and pursuit of international cooperation and partnerships with all stakeholders in the region, inter alia are listed as objectives in India’s Arctic policy.

Most importantly, in keeping with India’s civilizational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam–The World Is But One Family, India offers its readiness to “play its part and contribute to the global good” in its engagement with the Arctic.

The resumption of scientific cooperation in the Arctic is one such global good that India could strive for, by bringing together the conflicting protagonists, said Bisen.

Eleven of the 19 G20 member countries, representing a majority 60 per cent of the forum, have an Arctic stake, with three of them–the United States, Russia and Canada, being permanent members of the Arctic Council.

Eight G20 countries–China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom–are Observers at the Arctic Council. (ANI)

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Packed schedule for India’s G20 Presidency

February is a busy month for India as around 11 meetings in 8 cities are still scheduled to take place in the remaining month with the tempo increasing in the month of March and April…reports Ayushi Agarwal

As India is presiding over G20 or the Group of 20 Countries, its calendar is going to be packed for this year. From hosting the First Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting during 24-25 February 2023 in Bengaluru jointly by the Ministry of Finance and the Reserve Bank of India to the upcoming Foreign Ministers Meeting in the National capital, New Delhi, India is having a plethora of events to be hosted that will see the participation of Foreign Dignitaries. Approximately 22 G20 meetings in 19 Indian cities have been done so far after India assumed the chair on December 1, last year.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of not making this year’s G20 like other high-level meetings held in New Delhi, India plans to hold over 200 plus Pan India meetings that will see people’s participation with an objective of making the G20 “truly a people’s G20”.

February is a busy month for India as around 11 meetings in 8 cities are still scheduled to take place in the remaining month with the tempo increasing in the month of March and April.

The upcoming First Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in Bengaluru will focus on strengthening the multi-development banks. The Indian Presidency has designed the meeting agenda in a manner that can foster a meaningful exchange of ideas among Ministers and Governors on pragmatic and meaningful approaches to address some of the key global economic issues. The Foreign Ministers meeting that is scheduled to take place on 1st and 2nd March will see a good number of participation of the Foreign Ministers of G20 countries and the Meeting for the Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion will be held in Hyderabad on March 4th, with invites sent to neighbouring Countries.

The upcoming Foreign Ministers meeting scheduled in March is one of the most significant meetings that are upcoming. As the war in Ukraine is approaching its one-year anniversary with Global governance under challenge and G20 which is a highly representational body, India during the Presidency will focus on the fact on which the G20 was made. With India holding the chair, countries are looking to India to bring economic stability, especially at a time when there is a lack of success from multilateral bodies like the UN and UNSC whose job is to maintain peace and security. Barely a one-day plus meeting, the FMM will have a packed agenda. Though a joint photo op involving all the foreign ministers is unlikely, several discussions will be held on the 2nd of March.

In the month of April with a special focus on its North Eastern states, India’s G20 Presidency will be witnessing two meetings. During the meetings that were held, G20 delegates witnessed a rich tapestry of diverse cultures and all states have gone out of their way to show support for it while keeping tourism cultural priorities on focus too. From the excursions organised by the State Government in the North East to showcase places of historic significance and famous tourist spots to the iconic all-women-run market in the heart of Imphal, delegates are being shown the rich cultural diversity.

During its meetings, India has ensured that there will be some side events beyond just the meetings. Instances, IIT Madras exhibition on Digital learning in Kolkata, Digital Public infrastructure showcase in Lucknow etc.

With its emphasis on Local for Vocal, India’s G20 priorities will resonate with international communities and its national interests with a key focus on accelerating growth in Sustainable Development Goals, Climate oriented actions, Green Hydrogen Synergies, Health, Lifestyle for development, Digital Infrastructure, Women-Led Development etc and exploring collaboration in the Next Gen Technology and Cloud Computing.

Digital infrastructure which has emerged as an equally or arguably a more significant infrastructure necessity, too has been a key focus during India’s Presidency. Its successes in harnessing digital public infrastructure, like UPI and Aadhaar, were showcased. With a billion people in the world having no identity card, India’s G20 can be a driving vehicle for the model forward.

India currently holds the G20 Presidency. The G20 members represent around 85% of the global GDP, over 75 per cent of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population. (G20) comprises 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkiye, United Kingdom and the United States) and the European Union. (ANI)

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Int’l community lauds India’s G20 presidency

India’s G20 Presidency is historic because it is for the first time the ‘Troika’ will comprise only developing countries…reports Asian Lite News

Since India assumed the year-long presidency of G20 on December 1, last year, the whole world has been appreciating the country for the way it has been conducting itself in the grouping of world powers.

Recently, a World Health Organisation (WHO) official lauded India for the manner in which it is leading its G20 presidency at the Health Working Group meeting, describing it as an “exciting moment in history”, adding that it has lifted up the voice of the Global South. Ayoade Alakija, special envoy, ACT-Accelerator, WHO conveyed that she is very keenly looking forward to seeing the Global South collaborations, which can match and fit in with the new world order. She also expressed hope that this process will certainly help it.

In the last couple of years, India has been lauded globally for its efficient handling of the Covid-19 situation and the vaccines it has sent abroad under its ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative.

The official also said she feels that the world is not just coming to India to have discussions on various subjects but also seeks to learn from its experiences, as the country has witnessed the massive digital transformation in multiple sectors including health, finance and infrastructure. She further added that the ongoing sessions would provide a relevant platform for how we can learn from each other, being active participants of Global South — Africa, India, Latin America, and other countries.

“How can we share our experiences and innovate together and how can we co-create the world we want…the world that is going to be truly the world that delivers for us…the people,” said the special envoy.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, secretary, Ministry of Ayush, stressed during the same meeting that multilateral collaborations are vital for knowledge sharing and establishing a framework for accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare in accordance with the idea of ‘One World, One Health’. He said by bridging the world through medical value travel based on integrated health care, the flaws and inequalities of current healthcare systems would be addressed.

Dr Alain Labrique, director of Digital Health and Innovation, also praised the country saying that India of five years ago is different from India today. “So, I think, that is the foundation of a place where I would like to see India shining as a beacon to other countries to learn from,” he said.

Saying that ‘success’ is built on the ‘trust’ factor, Dr Alain Labrique described ‘trust’ as the background of policy, of legislation that protects privacy and security and builds the trust of individuals to use the systems.

The official also shed light on the elements of legislation and policies that are required for digital success to become a reality. “So, we have to think about where we are today but also build solutions for tomorrow and keep in mind that everyone should benefit from this technology revolution,” said the official.

India’s G20 Presidency is historic because it is for the first time the ‘Troika’ will comprise only developing countries.

The Troika is the format in which the G20 Presidency works. It comprises the country which is currently holding the Presidency, the country holding the Presidency earlier, and the country which will be the upcoming Presidency holder. This time India (current President), Indonesia (previous President), and Brazil (upcoming President) will form the Troika.

Developing countries are facing many challenges and G20 has the responsibility to shape the world’s agenda and lead towards global peace and stability. (ANI)

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First Global Tourism Summit in April as part of G20 presidency

First Global Tourism Summit in April as part of G-20 presidency

“Chandigarh has a significant potential in religious tourism, eco-tourism, and tourism driven by the IT and education sector,” he said…reports Asian Lite News

The Centre will organise the country’s first Global Tourism Summit in April as part of India’s G-20 presidency, wherein all the member countries will participate, officials said on Tuesday.

CII is the industry partner for the event to be held on April 10-12, in New Delhi.

Ahead of the roadshow, Tourism Ministry officials from various northern region states, at an event in CII Northern Region Headquarters, emphasised how G20 will be the Centre’s main area to establish India as a key tourism destination, during its year-long leadership.

Arun Srivastava, Deputy Director General, Publicity, Ministry of Tourism, said: “The summit is being organised to showcase various opportunities for investment and trade in the sector, especially in the hospitality sector. This will allow global visitors to explore Indian tourism products and services that will provide an opportunity to the local players to cater to the global demand and compete in this sector.”

About the government’s target for 2030, Srivastava said: “Pre-pandemic, foreign tourist arrivals in India touched 11 million and the forex generated was Rs 2 lakh crore, providing over 13 per cent direct and indirect jobs in the country. By 2030, we are aiming at a forex contribution to GDP of $56 billion that will generate 140 million jobs.”

Sumeet Sihag, Director, Industries, Chandigarh Administration, said that the growth objectives which can be achieved through tourism include employment generation, attracting private investments, preserving heritage, tradition and environment, diversifying tourism products into sports, entertainment and leisure activities, developing resources for hospitality, etc.

“Chandigarh has a significant potential in religious tourism, eco-tourism, and tourism driven by the IT and education sector,” he said.

About various schemes offered by the government of Punjab, Gurkirat Kripal Singh, Secretary, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, said: “As the gateway to the nation for Central Asia, a lot of cultural exchange has happened in Punjab where a lot of events have taken place, of significant historical value.

The government of Punjab is embarking on a series of new initiatives to achieve the ends from the point of view of Punjab. Of Punjab’s upcoming initiatives, adventure tourism, water tourism and caravan tourism topped the list.

Rajiv Kaila, Chairman, CII Chandigarh, said: “Chandigarh must explore collaboration with neighbouring states to create integrated tourist circuits that will mutually benefit the tourism growth of destinations in both states.

In parallel, there will need to be a focus on creating new tourism products that are oriented towards promoting lifestyle tourism to make it appealing for all segments.”

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