The G20 Presidency: Was It Just a Photo Op?

India had a massive year with the G20 presidency. We pushed for the inclusion of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member—a huge diplomatic win. We got a consensus declaration on the Ukraine war, which was seen as impossible given the divisions. But did it change ground realities? I think it was more about branding. It showcased India as the ‘Voice of the Global South.’ It allowed us to present ourselves as a responsible power that can bring people together. However, the real test isn’t the summit; it’s the follow-through. We promised a lot on climate finance and digital public infrastructure. Whether the money actually flows to developing countries remains to be seen. It was a great performance, but now the real work begins. Geopolitics is about sustained engagement, not just a weekend of handshakes and fancy dinners.