Amitabh Kant’s How India Scaled Mt G20: The Inside Story of The G20 Presidency takes the reader through an extraordinary journey of India’s leadership at the G20 Summit. As a nation’s sherpa to this global forum, Kant played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative and fostering consensus among diverse economies.
Name of the Book: How India Scaled Mt G20: The Inside Story of The G20 PresidencyWritten by: Amitabh KantBuy it on Amazon Here: How India Scaled Mt G20: The Inside Story of The G20 PresidencyPublisher: Rupa Publications India (January 1, 2025)
This book, a compelling amalgamation of memoir and strategic analysis, offers an insider’s perspective into India’s leadership during a transformative period for global governance. By reflecting on the country’s presidency, Kant not only chronicles India’s diplomatic efforts but also provides a nuanced understanding of the challenges and triumphs that define multilateral engagements in the 21st century.
Overview of the G20 Presidency
India assumed the G20 presidency during a critical juncture, marked by global disruptions, economic inequalities, and geopolitical tensions. Kant’s book sets the stage by explaining the historical context of the G20, a premier platform for international economic cooperation representing over 85% of the world’s GDP and two-thirds of its population. He underscores the significance of India’s presidency as an opportunity to position itself as a voice for the Global South and an advocate for inclusive development.
The author elaborates on the theme for India’s G20 presidency—Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“The World is One Family”)—and how it resonated with the broader goals of sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. With a focus on building global consensus, Kant details how India’s presidency redefined the G20’s agenda to address contemporary challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, global health crises, and equitable growth.
Leadership and Diplomacy
One of the book’s highlights is Kant’s detailed account of the diplomatic finesse required to navigate the G20’s complex dynamics. The G20, comprising nations with conflicting priorities and ideological divides, often finds itself at loggerheads on issues ranging from trade policies to climate action. Kant’s narrative captures the behind-the-scenes negotiations, late-night deliberations, and the art of persuasion that are integral to achieving consensus.
For instance, the book delves into the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, particularly the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which loomed large over the summit. Kant’s ability to balance India’s neutral stance while fostering dialogue among polarized blocs exemplifies the nuanced diplomacy that defined India’s presidency. He highlights key moments where India’s leadership facilitated breakthroughs, such as the adoption of a joint communique on contentious issues and the formation of alliances for climate financing.
Thematic Focus Areas
A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the thematic priorities that India championed during its presidency. Kant’s emphasis on inclusive and sustainable development is evident in his discussion of initiatives like:
1. Green Development and Climate Action:
India’s presidency placed climate action at the forefront, advocating for clean energy transitions, green hydrogen initiatives, and climate finance mechanisms. Kant provides a detailed account of India’s efforts to rally support for the Global Biofuel Alliance and the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) movement, underscoring the need for behavioural shifts to combat climate change.
2. Digital Transformation:
Highlighting India’s success in leveraging technology for development, the book discusses the promotion of digital public infrastructure as a global public good. Kant’s insights into the Digital India model—including UPI, Aadhaar, and e-governance platforms—illustrate how India’s presidency sought to bridge the digital divide.
3. Global Health Architecture:
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the urgency of strengthening global health systems. Kant’s narrative sheds light on India’s advocacy for resilient health supply chains, equitable vaccine distribution, and pandemic preparedness frameworks.
4. Empowering the Global South:
A recurring theme in the book is India’s commitment to amplifying the voice of developing nations. Through initiatives like the “Voice of the Global South Summit,” India highlighted the concerns of marginalized economies and advocated for reforms in multilateral institutions like the World Bank and IMF.
India’s Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy
Kant’s book also celebrates India’s use of cultural diplomacy to strengthen its global standing. By showcasing India’s rich heritage through G20 events, from traditional crafts to yoga sessions, the presidency highlighted the country’s soft power. The book vividly describes how cultural elements were seamlessly integrated into the summit’s proceedings, leaving a lasting impression on international delegates.
The author’s anecdotes about events like the G20 Dinner hosted at the iconic Bharat Mandapam and the innovative use of digital technologies to create immersive cultural experiences offer a glimpse into India’s efforts to combine tradition with modernity.
Challenges and Criticisms
While Kant’s account is largely celebratory, he does not shy away from addressing the challenges that marred India’s presidency. From logistical hurdles to managing divergent national interests, the book provides a candid assessment of the obstacles encountered during the year-long presidency. Kant’s reflections on the lessons learned—particularly the importance of adaptability and perseverance in multilateral settings—add depth to the narrative.
Critics may argue that the book’s tone leans towards self-congratulation, often glossing over areas where India’s presidency could have achieved more substantive outcomes. For instance, the lack of binding commitments on climate finance and the limited progress on trade reforms are areas that could have been explored in greater detail.
Writing Style and Presentation
Kant’s writing is engaging and accessible, making complex diplomatic processes comprehensible to a broad audience. His use of anecdotes, personal reflections, and detailed descriptions of key events adds a human touch to what could otherwise be a dry subject. The book is well-structured, with each chapter focusing on specific aspects of the G20 presidency, allowing readers to follow the narrative seamlessly.
However, the book’s reliance on jargon and policy-heavy language may be a barrier for readers unfamiliar with international diplomacy. A glossary or contextual explanations could have enhanced its appeal to a wider audience.
Conclusion
How India Scaled Mt G20: The Inside Story of The G20 Presidency is a testament to India’s growing influence on the global stage. Amitabh Kant’s firsthand account provides invaluable insights into the complexities of global governance and the strategic acumen required to lead a diverse forum like the G20. By documenting India’s presidency, Kant not only celebrates its achievements but also inspires confidence in the country’s ability to shape a more inclusive and sustainable world order.
This book is a must-read for policymakers, diplomats, and anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of multilateral diplomacy. It serves as both a chronicle of a historic moment in India’s foreign policy and a blueprint for future global leadership.
