Context

• India's civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning the world is one family, has been pivotal in its diplomatic endeavours, especially during its G20 presidency.
• The recent UN Summit on the Future, held on September 23, 2024, saw the adoption of many pacts, all of which align with this vision.
• Amid these developments, it is crucial to explore the implications of these initiatives and the challenges faced by the international community in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).

India's Vision and Participation

• At the summit, PM Modi, representing a significant portion of humanity, emphasised a human-centric approach to development.
• He also underscored India's achievements in SDGs, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and solar energy.
• His advocacy for global collaboration resonates with the realities of modern challenges, including terrorism, cyber threats, and climate change.
• PM Modi's assertion that global action must match global ambition reflects a call for a proactive and cohesive international response to these issues.

The Outcome of the UN Summit on the Future

• A Greater Need for Global Solidarity
  • The outcomes of the summit represent a critical juncture for multilateralism, with the Pact for the Future (PFF) outlining 58 actionable measures aimed at enhancing global public goods, including conflict prevention, climate action, and humanitarian response.
  • Despite these intentions, a prevailing solidarity deficit hampers progress, leading to the emergence of unilateral and transactional approaches to international relations.
  • The summit was described as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebuild trust and update outdated frameworks to better reflect the contemporary world.
  • The focus on equity and solidarity is paramount, yet scepticism remains about the operationalisation of the commitments made.
  • Critics point out that while there is a strong emphasis on ambition, the mechanisms for enforcing these commitments remain vague.
• The Global Digital Compact: Advancing the Digital Future
  • The Global Digital Compact stands out as a significant achievement, reinforcing India's commitment to bridging the digital divide and fostering an inclusive digital economy.
  • Proposals for an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a Global Dialogue on AI Governance signal a recognition of the transformative potential of technology in achieving SDGs.

A Detailed Analysis of Challenges to Multilateralism Highlighted at the Summit

• Geopolitical Tensions
  • Current global tensions are often framed within the context of a multipolar world, where power dynamics are shifting.
  • Key flashpoints, such as the NATO-Ukraine conflict, the West-China rivalry, and the crisis in Gaza, illustrate the deepening divisions in international relations.
  • These conflicts not only worsen regional instabilities but also hinder cooperative efforts to address shared global challenges.
  • The struggle for influence between the West and China complicates international negotiations, as nations align with different blocs, reducing the capacity for unified action.
• Ineffectiveness in Conflict Resolution
  • The UN, which was established to maintain international peace and security, has often been criticised for its inability to prevent or resolve conflicts.
  • The organisation's structural limitations, combined with the political agendas of powerful member states, have rendered it ineffective in mediating crises.
  • For example, in the cases of Syria and Yemen, despite widespread humanitarian suffering, the UN's efforts to broker peace have yielded limited results.
• The Rise of Unilateralism and Transactional Approach
  • In response to perceived failures in multilateral diplomacy, countries are increasingly resorting to unilateral or transactional approaches to foreign policy.
  • This trend undermines the principles of collective action and solidarity that underpin multilateralism.
  • The proliferation of bilateral and plurilateral agreements allows powerful nations to bypass multilateral institutions, often prioritising their interests over global cooperation.
  • For instance, trade agreements that exclude certain countries or regions can make worse inequalities and deepen divisions.
• Challenges of Global Governance Reforms
  • The necessity for reforming multilateral institutions has been widely recognised; however, actual progress remains elusive.
  • The UN Security Council (UNSC) reform, which aims to enhance representation and accountability, has been stalled for decades due to the divergent interests of its permanent members and the fear of losing influence.
  • While there is consensus on the need for reform—especially to include greater representation for developing countries—the lack of a clear path forward has led to frustration.
  • As the global landscape evolves, the inability to adapt existing frameworks to contemporary realities further erodes confidence in multilateral institutions.

The Role of India in Promoting Peace and Security

• Commitment to Collective Security
  • India has consistently advocated for a framework of collective security, which acknowledges that peace and security are shared responsibilities among nations.
  • This commitment is rooted in India's post-colonial ethos and its aspiration to emerge as a leader in the Global South.
  • By championing multilateralism, India emphasises dialogue and cooperation over conflict and unilateralism.
  • For instance, India has actively participated in peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the United Nations, deploying troops to various conflict zones around the world.
• Promoting Regional Stability
  • India's geopolitical position in South Asia places it at the centre of regional stability efforts.
  • The country has worked tirelessly to address conflicts and tensions within its neighbourhood, including its relations with Pakistan and China.
  • Through dialogue and diplomatic engagement, India seeks to promote peace in these areas, recognising that regional stability is crucial for global security.
  • By prioritising diplomacy and economic integration, India aspires to mitigate tensions and build a more stable regional environment.
• Combating Terrorism
  • India's stance on combating terrorism is central to its approach to international security.
  • The country has been a victim of terrorism for decades, which has shaped its understanding of the urgency required to address this global menace.
  • At the UN Summit on the Future, India reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing a future free from terrorism and highlighted the necessity of revitalising international conventions against terrorist activities.
  • India's advocacy for a comprehensive international legal framework to combat terrorism underscores its commitment to addressing the root causes of extremism and fostering global cooperation in intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism efforts.
• Diplomatic Engagement and Global Governance
  • India's role in promoting peace and security is further exemplified by its active engagement in international forums and organizations.
  • As a member of the G20 and BRICS, India leverages these platforms to advocate for peace, stability, and inclusive growth.
  • Its recent G20 presidency provided an opportunity for India to emphasise the importance of global governance reforms that reflect contemporary realities, including the need for greater representation of developing countries in decision-making processes.
• Leadership in Climate Security
  • India's proactive stance on climate action, exemplified by its leadership in the International Solar Alliance and its commitment to the Paris Agreement, reflects its understanding of the interlinkages between environmental sustainability and global security.
  • By advocating for climate justice and sustainable development, India positions itself as a leader in addressing the security implications of climate change.
  • The recognition that environmental degradation can lead to resource scarcity and conflict is central to India’s approach to security, making it an integral part of its global peace agenda.

Conclusion

• The UN Summit on the Future has provided a framework for collective action towards a more equitable and sustainable global order.
• While the aspirations outlined in the outcome document represent steps towards this goal, realising these ambitions will require concerted efforts from nations to transcend narrow national interests.
• The Sanskrit adage, Yad Bhavam, Tad Bhavati; you become what you believe serves as a guiding principle for this collective endeavour.