Introduction

The annual G20 Summit is one of the most pivotal events in international relations, bringing together the world’s 20 largest economies to address pressing global challenges. This year’s summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, witnessed the participation of leaders from 19 member nations, the European Union, and the newly-inducted African Union. Brazil’s presidency emphasized addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 1 and 2, launching the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.

For India, the G20 Summit was a platform to reinforce its leadership within the Global South and foster stronger ties with key partners. Building on the momentum from its presidency in 2023, India held five significant bilateral meetings under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and an additional dialogue between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi. This report critically examines these meetings, highlighting their strategic underpinnings and implications for India’s foreign policy trajectory.

Executive Summary

India’s bilateral engagements at the G20 summit underscored its growing strategic clout, particularly in fostering economic, defense, and technological partnerships. These meetings aimed to:

• Strengthen ties with European powers such as France, the UK, Norway, and Italy, focusing on trade, defense, and innovation.
• Deepen India’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific through its meeting with Indonesia.
• Ease border tensions with China, aiming for long-term regional stability.

These interactions were instrumental in advancing India’s goals of economic self-reliance, technological progress, and enhanced geopolitical influence.

Strategic Analysis and Implications

1. India-France: A Century of Strategic Partnership

The dialogue with French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted “Horizon 2047,” a vision marking 100 years of Indo-French relations.

• Key Focus Areas: Defense (nuclear submarines with full technology transfer), space cooperation, and emerging technologies.
• Significance: France’s role as a trusted defense partner is solidified with ongoing Rafale deliveries and Scorpene-class submarine production.
• Implications: Strengthened collaboration in the Indo-Pacific underscores India and France’s shared commitment to a rule-based international order.

2. India-UK: Reviving Trade Talks and Addressing Legal Issues

India and the UK pledged to resume discussions on a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

• Economic Dynamics: India’s trade surplus with the UK needs alignment with strategic goals; post-Brexit opportunities for bilateral trade are promising.
• Legal Cooperation: Talks addressed extradition hurdles for economic offenders like Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi.
• Future Prospects: A successful FTA could expand India’s export base and deepen strategic ties with a post-Brexit UK.

3. India-Norway: Tapping into EFTA Opportunities

Discussions with Norway emphasized leveraging the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).

• Economic Focus: Addressing India’s $17 billion trade deficit with EFTA nations, promoting industrial exports, and enhancing tariff concessions.
• Investments: Norway’s commitment to $100 billion investment over 15 years aims to create 1 million direct jobs in India.
• Sustainability: Joint initiatives in renewable energy, blue economy, and carbon capture align with SDGs and climate goals.

4. India-Italy: Bridging Continents through IMEEC

India’s discussions with Italy prioritized the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).

• Innovation & Research: Launch of the Indo-Italian Innovation and Incubation Exchange Programme.
• Defense & Security: Establishing annual Joint Defence Consultative meetings and combating cyber terrorism.
• People-to-People Ties: Promoting academic and cultural exchanges for stronger bilateral relations.

5. India-Indonesia: Strengthening ASEAN Collaboration

Commemorating 75 years of diplomatic ties, the India-Indonesia meeting focused on ASEAN-centered multilateralism.

• Strategic Focus: Countering China’s influence in Southeast Asia through bolstered India-ASEAN ties.
• Key Developments: Commitment to common concerns of the Global South and enhancing maritime security.

6. India-China: Progress Amidst Tensions

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s meeting with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi sought to ease border tensions.

• Agreements: Border disengagement measures and the revival of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.
• Challenges: Ensuring long-term regional peace while maintaining vigilance against potential aggression.

Future Outlook

India’s participation in G20 reflects its evolving role as a global power. The bilateral meetings underscore the following strategic imperatives:

1. Economic Integration: Expanding into global value chains through FTAs and trade partnerships.
2. Defense Modernization: Strengthening military capabilities with trusted allies like France and Italy.
3. Technological Leadership: Advancing innovation through partnerships in space, renewable energy, and emerging technologies.
4. Regional Stability: Prioritizing Indo-Pacific security and addressing border challenges with China.

To achieve its vision of a $5 trillion economy by 2030 and a developed nation by 2047, India must leverage bilateral and multilateral platforms like the G20 to foster global partnerships and enhance its strategic autonomy.