Editors’ Note India assumed the presidency of the G20 at a moment of crisis in world affairs. Global growth had slowed. Post-COVID-19 economic recovery was uncertain, uneven, and unequal. In many nations, decades of progress on poverty had been reversed. Countries were reeling from a sovereign debt crisis, causing funding for sustainable development to dry up. And the war in Ukraine had disrupted international supply chains, causing disruptive food and fuel inflation. Nevertheless, the Indian presidency was determined to be ambitious, decisive, and focused on action. India’s most important priority, after years of unequal growth and a vacuum in global governance, was inclusion. Thus, from the outset, the presidency championed the needs of the Global South. The pioneering ‘Voices of the Global South Summit’, held in January 2023, saw India engaging with 125 other developing nations to understand their concerns and shape the G20 agenda accordingly. An initiative of this kind had never been undertaken before, and it cemented India’s commitment to lead an inclusive, reformed multilateralism. It was in keeping with the civilisational attribute of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (one earth, one family, one future) that guided India’s actions at the G20. India’s priorities within the G20 framework were centered on the core principles of the “4D” approach: advancing decarbonisation, digitalisation, ensuring equitable development, and de-escalating conflicts. These principles aim to address global challenges comprehensively.
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