India, steeped in rich history and tradition, has forged a new identity as a global powerhouse, a prominent player in diplomacy, technology, and sustainability. Noteworthy achievements in space exploration, leadership within the G-20, and collaborative ventures such as IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor) and the GBA (Global Biofuel Alliance) underscore India’s growing global influence. This article delves into the significance of Chandrayan III, Aditya L-1, G-20 Presidency, and international partnerships, highlighting India’s unwavering commitment to global progress.
Chandrayan III: A Monumental Leap in India’s Space Odyssey
Throughout history, certain moments transcend time and leave an indelible mark on a nation’s collective memory. On August 23, 2023, India bore witness to such an extraordinary moment. As the lunar lander Vikram executed a flawless touchdown on the moon’s surface and the rover Pragyan gracefully rolled out, a wave of jubilation and pride swept across the nation. India had achieved the seemingly impossible: A successful landing on the treacherous terrain of the moon’s southern polar region. This remarkable feat positioned India as the fourth nation to reach the lunar surface and the first to conquer the challenging south pole. Beyond its astronomical significance, this achievement underscored India’s increasing influence and prominence in global diplomacy, especially in the realm of science diplomacy.
Aditya L-1: Illuminating India’s Space Odyssey
Following the triumphant launch and landing of Chandrayan III on the moon’s surface, the launch of Aditya-L1 marked yet another milestone in India’s space journey, brimming with enthusiasm and optimism.
Aditya-L1 represents India’s inaugural space mission dedicated to studying the Sun. This spacecraft will be positioned in a halo orbit around Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system, approximately 1.5 million kilometres from the Earth. The strategic placement in the L1 halo orbit allows uninterrupted observations of the Sun, free from eclipses or occultation, providing real-time insights into solar activities and their impact on space weather. The spacecraft carries seven advanced payloads designed to study the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outermost layers of the Sun (the corona) using electromagnetic, particle, and magnetic field detectors. With four payloads directly observing the Sun and three conducting in-situ studies at Lagrange point L1, the mission promises invaluable scientific insights into the propagation of solar dynamics in the interplanetary medium.
G-20 Global Summit: India’s Diplomatic Triumph
Following these remarkable space achievements, India hosted the G-20 summit in New Delhi, an unprecedented success that underscored India’s prowess in diplomacy and statecraft. Notably, the summit’s unanimous declaration garnered widespread acclaim, and India’s adept handling of the Ukraine crisis showcased its diplomatic finesse. However, the summit’s more transformative outcomes included the introduction of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the launch of the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA).
IMEC: A Paradigm Shift in International Cooperation
One of the most significant outcomes of the G-20 summit was the announcement of IMEC, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Equally ground-breaking was the formation of the Global Biofuel Alliance. Within the global commitment to reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions, these initiatives stand out as trailblazing and inspiring.
IMEC has earned unanimous praise for its well-conceived and strategically potent approach to international cooperation, distinguishing itself from China’s older and flawed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). IMEC’s design surpasses its predecessor in every aspect, offering a more finely tuned approach.
India successfully garnered the support of the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, European Union (EU), Italy, France, and Germany for the economic corridor during the G20 Summit in New Delhi. This project aims to enhance connectivity and economic integration across South Asia, the Arabian Gulf, and Europe. It positions itself as a credible alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has encountered numerous challenges, including concerns about debt sustainability. Notably, Italy has expressed intentions to withdraw from the BRI.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, India’s Railway Minister, emphasised the distinctiveness of IMEC in comparison to the BRI, asserting that it will be economically viable and avoid the debt traps that some host nations have experienced under the Chinese project. Vaishnaw stated confidently that IMEC would be so financially viable that several multilateral institutions are eager to fund it, emphasising its potential to generate revenue independently.
Divergent Approaches: IMEC vs. BRI
While the Belt and Road Initiative comprises six corridors, IMEC stands as a two-pronged initiative, consisting of an eastern corridor linking India to the Arabian peninsula and a northern corridor connecting the Arabian peninsula to Europe. The inclusion of a railway network for cost-effective cross-border ship-to-rail transportation distinguishes IMEC. It seeks to boost economic efficiency, reduce costs, and promote economic unity among participating nations, all while aligning with sustainable development goals.
BRI, associated with China’s expanding sphere of influence, has faced criticism for its economic consequences on participating countries. American President Joe Biden has referred to it as the “debt and noose” project due to concerns about lending practices. In contrast, he staunchly supports IMEC, recognising the manifold opportunities it offers in terms of trade, clean energy export, and infrastructure development.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described IMEC as a historic project, emphasising its role as a green and digital bridge between continents and civilizations. The proposed rail link is expected to accelerate trade between India and Europe by 40%.
Global Biofuel Alliance: Pioneering Environmental Sustainability
The G20 summit also marked the launch of the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA), a momentous event signalling a new era of environmental sustainability and a resolute commitment to mitigating Greenhouse Gas emissions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated this initiative in the presence of prominent leaders, including US President Joe Biden, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Argentinian President Alberto Angel Fernández, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Notably, this alliance comprises 19 participating nations, with India, Brazil, and the US at its core. The G20 partners include Argentina, Canada, Italy, and South Africa, while Bangladesh, Singapore, Mauritius, and the UAE participate as G20 invitee countries.
Moreover, several nations, including Iceland, Kenya, Guyana, Paraguay, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Uganda, and Finland, expressed keen interest in joining the alliance. Influential international and multilateral organisations, such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, World Economic Forum, World LPG Organisation, UN Energy for All, UNIDO, Biofutures Platform, International Civil Aviation Organisation, International Energy Agency, International Energy Forum, International Renewable Energy Agency, and World Biogas Association, have also expressed their intent to participate.
The alliance’s founding triumvirate, consisting of the US, India, and Brazil, commands a significant 85% share of global biofuel production and an impressive 81% share of consumption, underscoring their pivotal roles in this initiative. Prime Minister Modi aptly lauded the launch of the Global Biofuel Alliance as a watershed moment in the pursuit of sustainability and clean energy, thanking the member nations for their participation.
Notably absent from the alliance are China, as well as major oil producers Saudi Arabia and Russia. IMEC, conceived by India, seeks to position itself as a global forum for fostering demand growth, technology transfer for biofuel production, and trade enhancement, potentially influencing the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)-plus grouping, of which Saudi Arabia and Russia are members.
The G20 Leaders’ Declaration on that momentous day emphasised the significance of sustainable biofuels in zero and low-emission development strategies, acknowledging the establishment of the Global Biofuels Alliance. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the world must triple its biofuel production by 2030 to align with the net-zero emissions goal by 2050.
India, on its ambitious path to cleaner energy, has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2070 and has set forth an ambitious biofuel roadmap. The government aims for a 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025-26, a remarkable acceleration considering the original target was set for 2030. India’s progress aligns with the growth of the global ethanol market, projected to reach $162.12 billion by 2032. Much like the International Solar Alliance, the Global Biofuel Alliance’s central focus revolves around accelerating the adoption of biofuels, promoting innovation in biofuel technologies, establishing universally accepted standards, identifying global best practices, and encouraging active industry engagement. This alliance represents a formidable catalyst for positive change on the global stage, propelling us toward a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
International Solar Alliance: Illuminating the Globe with Solar Energy
Launched in conjunction with COP21, the International Solar Alliance (ISA), an India-led international coalition, exemplifies India’s collaborative approach to global solar proliferation. Born from a partnership between India and France, this alliance transcends technology; it embodies a shared vision. The ISA underscores India’s global commitment to unite nations under the banner of solar energy, transcending borders.
The ‘Towards 1000’ strategy envisions a solar-powered revolution, mobilising $1 trillion in investments, providing energy access to a billion people, and installing 1,000 GW of solar capacity by 2030. The ISA is more than just numbers; it’s about transforming lives and shaping a sustainable tomorrow.
As of November 2022, India proudly ranked as the fourth-largest global solar PV deployer, boasting an impressive installed capacity of around 61.97 GW. Achieving grid parity, where solar tariffs rival conventional sources, has positioned solar energy as a formidable contender in the energy landscape.
The Future: Dedicated to Global Good
In recent years, India has made astonishing strides in global diplomacy, a testament to its remarkable achievements and boundless potential, particularly in the realm of science and technology. These accomplishments have catapulted India to the forefront of nations poised to shape and influence the course of world events in profound ways.
What distinguishes India’s triumph in science diplomacy is not only its brilliance of conception but also its masterful execution. Unlike some other nations, India harbours no territorial ambitions. Its economic growth is primarily fuelled by its own abundant resources, both tangible and intangible.
This is the era of Indian leadership and a global vision that transcends boundaries. These developments position India uniquely, perched on a precipice of distinction, as an emerging global power with an entirely altruistic agenda, devoid of narrow self-interest and propelled by a spirit of global welfare. It promises to be a force that fosters creativity and cooperation, contributing significantly to the collective betterment of humanity. The future beckons India warmly, inviting it to assume the role of a ‘Vishwabandhu’ not by chance, but by the sheer merit and magnificence of its intentions.
*The writer, a Harvard educated civil servant, is a former Secretary to the Government of India. He also served on the Central Administrative Tribunal and as Secretary General of ASSOCHAM. He commands extensive expertise in the fields including Media and Information, Industrial and Labour Reforms, and Public Policy.
