A Global Platform for Economic Solutions and Cooperation
The G20 Summit, an annual gathering of leaders from the world’s largest economies, including the European Union, serves as a vital opportunity for key stakeholders to convene and address significant economic concerns while developing effective solutions to pressing global challenges. This prestigious event covers a wide range of topics such as economic growth, job creation, trade, climate change, and financial regulation.
The G20 Conference: A Crucial Meeting of Economic Powerhouses in New Delhi, India
The Group of 20 (G20) conferences, designed as an intergovernmental forum, facilitate discussions on crucial economic and other pertinent issues among 20 industrially and economically prosperous nations. The forthcoming G20 conference is scheduled to take place in New Delhi, India on September 9 and 10, 2023. Despite concerns regarding Russia, Ukraine, and climate change, it is anticipated that these issues will not impede the overall consensus. However, India’s leadership and future course of action have become subjects of interest for neighboring countries such as Nepal.
India’s Role and Situation in the Context of the Russia & Ukraine War
Given the current threat of the multipolar world transitioning into a bipolar one due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India’s role and position have become increasingly significant. In February 2014, the Institute for Defense and Security Analysis (ISA) organized an Asian conference titled “Emerging China’s Trend and India’s Response” in New Delhi. During this event, the Chinese representative asserted that the world was now divided between China and the US, which India seemingly accepted based on written and oral statements.
As an active participant in the conference, the author of this article published a work entitled “Indo-Pacific and Strategic Areas of the Aryavarta,” introducing the concept of a multipolar world. This concept originated from a Nepali intellectual rather than the Indian government, forming an original strategic concept that aims to bridge China’s Belt and Road Initiative with the American Millennium Challenge cooperation.
India and China’s Impact on the G20 Summit
India and China’s neutral stance during the discussion and voting on the issue of Russian immigration to the United Nations has hindered the passing of a joint resolution about Russian immigration during the G20 ministerial decision. Considering the ongoing political and border disputes between China and India, which have escalated into a full-blown war, the decisions India’s leadership will make regarding regional security and prosperity are subjects of eager anticipation.
Furthermore, with the South Asian Cooperation Organization unable to hold its conference due to the ongoing India-Pakistan dispute, China’s participation in the G20 conference might overshadow India’s leadership. The recent 12-point proposal put forth by China to initiate peace talks concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict, along with Belarus’ support for the proposal, suggests that China’s discussion and influence will be significant at the conference.
India’s Leadership and the Shifting Geopolitical Landscape
The Russian-Ukrainian conflict has had a profound impact on the new world order, particularly in terms of industrial and economic dynamics. As global attention is predominantly focused on China, it remains to be seen whether India’s leadership will cooperate or present a new alternative. Consequently, this topic has piqued the interest of many. The conference, characterized by the slogan “One World, One Family, and One Future,” embodies the ancient Vedic philosophy of “Basudhaiva Kutumvak.” Given India’s geographical proximity, emotional ties, and behavioral similarities, how will Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who advocates a “neighborhood first” approach, welcome neighboring countries? Foreign experts are keen to observe the developments.
The Importance of Religious Diplomacy and Nepal’s Role
When Nepal hosted the Asia Pacific Summit in 2018 due to the inability to hold the SAARC conference, the event witnessed the presence of heads of state, heads of government, former heads of state, and former heads of government from numerous countries. The discussions covered critical challenges such as peace, development, good governance, and the role of parliamentarians. Additionally, climate change, the role of faith-based organizations and civil society, media involvement, peace initiatives, and global peace projects were addressed. The speeches delivered by heads of state and heads of government gained international recognition.
The belief that the world is undergoing destruction due to strategic and political reasons has been further reinforced by the global pandemic of COVID-19, prompting the author to propose a new world order based on scientific calculations. In 1986, the International Year of Peace, the World Peace Festival marked the end of the Cold War—an event of tremendous significance. In the pursuit of an alternative to failed ideologies like communism and capitalism, the author has affirmed the existence of an original philosophy and practice that can foster a world of peace and tolerance through writing and spiritual endeavors. International efforts aimed at safeguarding the planet and humanity from the economic and strategic gambits of world powers and nations have been undertaken.
Nepal’s Potential to Shape the Future
Given Nepal’s geopolitical importance, the country has endeavored to promote divine and spiritual power through spiritual practice and writing, safeguarding its people and territory amidst competition from neighboring India, China, and distant Western powers. Furthermore, Nepal has taken measures to foster prosperity. In light of these endeavors, it is reasonable to assume that the G20 summit in India may bring relief to South Asia.
As both China and India, Nepal’s significant neighbors, seek prosperity and security through the G20 summit, it becomes pertinent to consider Nepal’s own security and prosperity. Nepalese citizens are posed with the question of whether their nation should actively engage in this pursuit. About climate change, is there a comprehensive program to protect Nepal’s melting glaciers? This question remains unanswered. Given the high levels of political instability and public interest, it is crucial to assess whether the Nepalese government can adequately address the necessary requirements. These considerations carry immense importance.
Religious Diplomacy and Nepal’s Role in the G20 Summit
As a country that has traditionally maintained its independence, Nepal should offer direct and indirect support for the success of the G20 conference. The Indian government ought to recognize that the presence of religious and cultural symbols such as Lord Pashupatinath, Lord Gautama Buddha, Mother Janaki, Lord Muktinath, and Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, within Nepal’s borders will facilitate a smoother path to success.
If the Nepalese government can effectively utilize religious diplomacy, leveraging the decisive role that the religious sector can play, it will contribute to peace and prosperity. By aligning the concept of Pashupatinath with the world order, the Government of India will likely respond positively to Nepal’s efforts to achieve harmony.
Aryavarta: Nepal’s Potential as a Leader
India, with the spirit of Aryavarta uniting virtuous individuals, will not hesitate to include Nepal in its journey toward a common goal. Nepal’s presence will prove advantageous in conveying the message of Lord Buddha to representatives from all participating nations. Nepal has the potential to prevent the G20 conference from meeting the same fate as the SAARC organization, which failed due to misunderstandings and tensions between India and Pakistan.
Through track two diplomacy and the utilization of religious and cultural strength, Nepalese leadership can become more acceptable in the context of the new world order, thereby positively impacting Nepal-India relations. Unfortunately, the Nepalese political sector and Indian administrative and intellectual sectors have seemingly overlooked the potential contributions of the religious and cultural sectors.
By capitalizing on the research and networks established by the Nepali religious sector, Nepal can emerge as a leader and make significant contributions to resolving national and international issues. The role of religion and spirituality in conflict transformation, peace-building, self-governance, and reconciliation, as well as the foundation of the future world, has been extensively studied. In this regard, the book “Pashupatinath and World Order” serves as a valuable resource.
Through active participation in discussions and research with international assembly conferences, universities, and think tank organizations, Nepal can provide valuable assistance to summits like the G20. The keen interest of Nepal’s government and non-governmental sectors in the G20 summit will undoubtedly assist the Indian leadership in their endeavors.
Author:- Keshav Prasad Chaulagain
