Approach

Introduction: Write about G-20 and mention the recent expansion to G-21.

Body: Give the significance of this transformation for Global Governance. Write the implications (positive and some concerns) of this development on India’s foreign policy.

Conclusion: Conclude the answer with a futuristic positive vision.

Answer:

The G20 is a forum for the world's major economies to discuss and coordinate their responses to global challenges. It was established in 1999 in the wake of the Asian financial crisis, and it has since become the premier forum for global economic governance.

The inclusion of the African Union (AU) in the G20 gives African countries a greater voice in global governance.

Significance of this transformation for global governance:

1. Increased representation and inclusivity. The inclusion of the AU in the G20 gives a voice to more than 1.3 billion people in Africa. It makes the forum more representative of the global community and the decisions will be more inclusive and reflect the interests of all countries.
2. Broader Perspective on Global Issues: The G21 can now address a wider array of global challenges, including economic, geopolitical, security, climate change, and sustainable development issues. This broader perspective enables more comprehensive and holistic discussions and solutions to global problems. g., Issues of Global Terrorism.
3. Geopolitical Balance: It will help in rebalancing global geopolitics by giving a stronger voice to African nations and emerging economies. This shift reduces the dominance of traditional global powers and promotes a more multipolar world order.
4. Enhanced Cooperation: The inclusion of the African Union fosters greater cooperation between developed and developing nations. For example - Strengthen South-South Cooperation. This collaboration is essential for addressing common challenges and promoting a sense of shared responsibility in global governance.
5. Improved Crisis Management: With a more diverse set of nations at the table, the G21 is better equipped to handle global crises. Whether it's financial crises, conflicts, or pandemics, the forum can leverage a wider range of expertise and resources for crisis management and resolution. g., may avert the Sudan Crisis.
6. Strengthened Multilateralism: The G21 reinforces the importance of multilateralism as an effective means of addressing global challenges. It serves as a counterbalance to unilateralism and promotes cooperation among nations as the preferred approach to problem-solving. g., like UN, WTO.

Overall, the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 is a positive development for global governance and India's foreign policy. It makes the G20 more inclusive and representative and gives Africa a greater voice in global governance. This is likely to lead to more effective cooperation on global challenges and to strengthen India's ties with African countries.